Remove Arrows from Desktop Shortcut Icons | Windows 10 & 11

This is How to Remove the small arrow icon in the bottom left of your desktop shortcuts on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Here is the line from the video that you can copy and paste:

I also teach you how to reverse this process in case you ever wish to have the arrow icons again.

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[howdoidavid]

🔵 *Update:* For those who are getting *Black Boxes* remove the line of code at 2:17 that is in the "Value Data" section...
Basically just deleting "%windir%\System32\shell32.dll, -50" and keeping that section blank

Some other viewers suggest that this worked for them!

[ManOfSock]

this is the first tech tutorial that I watched and actually understood the directions and was able to fix it first try. we need more people like this guy to make tutorials

[IanS]

I don't usually comment but I want the algorithm to bless this man. 10/10 worked flawlessly. Amazing tutorial.

[alexwashington]

I work as an IT Support Officer, and I still find I can learn something everyday by watching videos like, this, thank you

[ergtt]

That's what YouTube is for. Small channels like these are the real hidden gems. Thank you for this video brother.

[hellscythe_]

This is the first time i watched an English tutorial that get straight to the point thankyou for the help

[hunterhughes]

I dont know why i had the strong desire to stop what i was doing to remove tiny arrows that i have never noticed before... But here we are. great video tutorial though

[Bardockk_]

this is the type of tutorial i wanna seee EVERYTIME i search for something, great video. Keep up the good work!

[Ctitaa]

For those who still have the black icons even after removing %windir%, try deleting the entire code and leaving just the "29" it worked for me doing it this way.

[davidruzzo]

I have followed these instructions at least 3 times. Every time I get a black square over the shortcut arrow. I tried changing the new line code to -51, same black box appears. So I have ended up just deleting the new key and living with the shortcut arrow. Thanks for your assistance!

[swerverson]

Easiest tutorial I have ever watched in my life. Thank you, and Great job David.

[ehabqadora]

If the shortcut arrow box is black then delete the text in the string value named 29 and then reboot or restart the windows explorer,
The arrow and the black box will be gone .

[sliphazard]

Jesus man thank you much! As some one with OCD I always like my things looking a particular way and those damn arrows have plagued me for years to the point where I just wouldn't use desktop icons and be forced to opening all my programs from file explorer. I know it may not seem like much to others but to me Sir, you are a GOD and a LEGEND. Again from the very depths of my soul I am forever in your debt 🤘🏻👍🏻

[SeraphimSephiroth]

What a relief!! Straight to the point, easy to understand, fix actually works. Instant subscribe!

[chromeatic]

Detailed, to the point and clear. Couldn't ask for better 👍

[johnhebbe]

Wonderful. For a change, a well organized presentation spoken clearly. Provided at a perfect pace. Thank you. My plan is to bring up this video again, move it to the right side using the Windows + right arrow key. Then, using the steps in the presentation, flipping back and forth, work through the process on the left side of my actual desktop. This should work.

[QuestOfLiana]

This was SO easy and SATISFYING to follow!
But unfortunately, my icons are now 1/4 cut-off, like a pie, lol. What do I do?
UPDATE: I followed the pinned comment where it says "Basically just deleting "%windir%\System32\shell32.dll, -50" and keeping that section blank" helped!

THANKS SO MUCH MY DESKTOP LOOKS AMAZING!!!

[tekurohamada]

The fact that this worked flawlessly firts try is amazing and honestly, I didnt expect lack of those icons to bring me this much joy, i dont have a "clean" desktop but the apps are orginized and without the arrows its so much nicer, thank you!

[imatts]

Great video and very informative. Straight to the point and no filler intro to make the video long. Thanks! Keep it up!

[VIBwithKhaled]

The first time I encounter a tutorial that I watch and follow the instructions given because it's clear and straight to the point! Thank you mate, it worked!