Remove Shortcut Arrows in Windows 10 and 11

In the dynamic realm of operating systems, Windows 10 and its successor, Windows 11, have become ubiquitous companions in our digital lives. While these platforms offer a plethora of customization options, there are certain design elements that users might wish to tweak according to their personal preferences. One such visual aspect that often captures attention is the presence of shortcut arrows on desktop icons. These arrows, although functional, may not align with everyone’s aesthetic taste. Fortunately, users can take control of their desktop appearance by removing these shortcut arrows. 

Remove Shortcut Arrows in Windows 10 and 11

In this article, we’ll delve into the steps to effortlessly declutter your desktop and bid farewell to those arrows in Windows 10 and 11.

Remove Shortcut Arrows in Windows 10 and 11

As you have already seen the shortcut icons that have been on your desktop screen. If you look closer, you’ll see little arrows on the shortcut icons. They represent that they are the shortcut icons presented on your desktop. However, these are not required and you can remove them by following some methods. 

In Windows 10/11, you will not find any built-in option to remove the shortcut icon arrows. Here, we’ll provide you with the best methods through which you can remove the arrows from the shortcut icons. 

By manually editing the Registry

  • First, press Win + R to open Run.
  • Type the Regedit Run command in the box and click OK.
  • Next, select the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SOFTWARE>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Explorer within the Registry Editor. 
  • Select New by right-clicking on the Explorer on the left. 
  • Click on the Key option. 
  • Now, enter the Shell Icons in the new key’s text box. 
  • Select the new Shell Icons registry key. 
  • Right-click on an empty space and select New and String Value on the right side. 
  • Enter 29 and double-click the 29 string to view the Edit String window. 
  • Input %windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50 in the data box. 
  • Click OK and then exit the Registry Editor.
  • Select the restart menu option. 

By using Third-party Software

  • First, open the ShortcutArrow Changer download page on Softpedia. 
  • Click on Download Now and select the Softpedia Secure Download (US) option.
  • Now, click on the folder icon on the taskbar.
  • Head to the folder that includes the ShortcutArrow Changer setup file and open it. 
  • Double-click on “[bti soft] shortcutarrow changer setup” to open the installer window. 
  • Next, click on the Next option and select the I accept the agreement radio button. 
  • Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions. 
  • Once the installation is complete, double-click on the shortcut icon on the desktop.
  • Once it has been opened, select the Remove shortcut icon arrow button. 
  • Lastly, click on Apply to remove the desktop shortcut icon’s arrow. 

By using Winaero Tweaker

  • First, open the download page for Winaero Tweaker.
  • Click on the “Click here to download the file” option.
  • Unzip the downloaded ZIP file and install the Winaero Tweaker. 
  • Open the Winaero Tweaker window and double-click on the Shortcuts category. 
  • Now, click on the Shortcut Arrow setting. 
  • Select the No Arrow button.
  • Lastly, press the Restart Explorer button that is in Winaero Tweaker. 

These are the best steps and methods through which you can get rid of shortcut arrows in Windows 10 and 11. 

Also read: Disk Cleanup Not Working on Windows – How To Fix?

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of operating systems, personalization is key to creating a digital environment that resonates with individual tastes. The ability to remove shortcut arrows in Windows 10 and 11 is a testament to the flexibility these platforms offer. As we navigate the digital realm, the power to tailor our experience becomes increasingly significant. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, users can not only streamline their desktop aesthetics but also exercise greater control over the visual nuances of their computing journey.

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