This tutorial will show you how to remove the shortcut arrow overlay on all shortcut icons for all users in Windows 11.
A shortcut is a link to an item (such as a file, folder, or app) on your PC. You can create shortcuts and then place them in a convenient location, such as on the desktop, so you can easily access the item that the shortcut links to. Shortcut files (.lnk) can be distinguished from the source target by the arrow that appears overlayed on the shortcut's icon.
You must be signed in as an administrator to remove or restore the shortcut arrow icon.
OPTION ONE
Remove Shortcut Arrow Icon
1 Click/tap on the Download button below to download the ZIP file below.
Remove_shortcut_arrow._icon.zip
Download
2 Save the .zip file to your desktop.
3 Unblock the .zip file.
4 Open the .zip file, and extract (drag and drop) the Remove_shortcut_arrow_icon.reg and blank.ico files to your desktop.
(Content of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons]
"29"="C:\\Windows\\blank.ico"
5 Copy/Move the blank.ico file into the C:\Windows folder, and click/tap on Continue when prompted to approve. (see screenshots below)
The blank.ico file is a 24x24 pixel transparent icon.
6 Double click/tap on the Remove_shortcut_arrow_icon.reg file to merge it.
7 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
8 Either restart the explorer process, sign out and sign in, or restart the computer to apply.
9 You can now delete any remaining files on your desktop if you like.
OPTION TWO
Restore Shortcut Arrow Icon
This is the default setting.
1 Click/tap on the Download button below to download the REG file below.
Restore_default_shortcut_arrow_icon.reg
Download
(Content of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Application.Reference]
"IsShortcut"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\IE.AssocFile.URL]
"IsShortcut"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\IE.AssocFile.WEBSITE]
"IsShortcut"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\InternetShortcut]
"IsShortcut"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile]
"IsShortcut"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Microsoft.Website]
"IsShortcut"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\piffile]
"IsShortcut"=""
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons]
"29"=-
2 Save the .reg file to your desktop.
3 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
4 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
5 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
6 Open the C:\Windows folder, delete the blank.ico file, and click/tap on Continue when prompted to approve. (see screenshot below)
7 Either restart the explorer process, sign out and sign in, or restart the computer to apply.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
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