How to get rid of app shortcut arrows on the Windows 10 desktop

We all have pet peeves. Some are rational, others may appear irrational to others. I am not sure where this registry pull a fast one on falls into, but shortcut arrows on the desktop drive me crazy. In that location is simply something nigh making an otherwise nice desktop icon busier with those arrow overlays.

This easy footstep by step guide shows y'all how to get rid of them!

What arrows?

In instance y'all do non know what I am referring to let me explain. Since the days of Windows 95 whenever you placed a shortcut on the desktop for app or document, an arrow is placed on the lower corner of the icon. I get why it is in that location, at least for documents (you lot do not desire to delete the original), only I think it makes less sense for apps. We only do non install apps to the desktop, and then I am unsure why I need to be reminded "hey, this is a shortcut, not the existent app".

Besides since the days of Windows 95 there take been 3rd-party apps to get rid of these arrows. Windows 10 is no different. Due to security reasons, we are non posting or linking some dwelling-made .exe files that people have created to automate this task. There are some apps likes AVG PC TuneUp 2022, which I really like, that can do this and other things, in case you are interested.

Instead, we are going to show you how to do it the nitty gritty style through the registry. Truth be told, it is super simple and should take no more than than 5 minutes.

All the same, you are touching the registry so make certain you lot have backed upwardly your PC only in case if y'all feel uncomfortable.

How to remove shortcut arrows in Windows ten

1. Open up regedit

(ane) Type in regedit into the Cortana/search box and (two) select regedit at the top

2. Respond yeah

When prompted Practice you lot want to permit this app to make changes to your PC? Choose Yes

3. Navigate

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

4. Create Key

Right click on \Explorer and using the dialog carte choose New > Cardinal and name it Shell Icons. Press Enter.

v. Create String Value

In the right pane of Vanquish Icons, right click on an empty area, and click/tap on New and Cord Value. Proper name information technology 29.

six. Modify Cord Value

Double click/tap on the 29 String Value to change it. You should see a blank box called Value data.

7. Define Cord Value

In the Value information box enter (or re-create and paste): %windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50 and hit OK when done.

8. Restart

Yous can at present either reboot the computer or log off and on back over again to complete the changes.

Afterwards, you should have a nice, make clean desktop with no pointer shortcuts. Of course, you could go more avant-garde and ascertain your ain shortcut arrows or even change your system icons, but that is for another twenty-four hour period.

For now, if you lot want a purer desktop with less clutter, just take the five minutes and brand this registry change!

For more than resource, don't forget to check our Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks page. Or if you have any questions, y'all can always count on our Windows 10 Forums at Windows Primal for more assistance.

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