3 Ways to Remove Shortcut Arrows in Windows

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Method 1: Remove Shortcut Arrows by Manually Editing the Registry

TheWindows Registryis a database that stores configuration settings for your computer. You can edit the Registry to change how your computer looks and works. This includes removing the shortcut arrow on icons in Windows.

Editing the Windows Registry contains a high risk, as if you make a mistake, you could damage your computer or make it impossible to start up. Make sure toback up your Registrybefore editing it. Once done, follow the steps below to hide the shortcut icon on your Windows PC.

Step 1:Open theRunbox by pressingWindows + Ron your keyboard. Typeregeditand press enter.

Step 2:In the left pane, head toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft.

Step 3:SelectWindows > CurrentVersion.

Step 4:Find and selectExplorer.Right-clickon it and chooseNew, then selectKey.

Step 5:Rename it asShell Icons.

Step 6:Select the newShell Icons registry key.Right-clickon the space within the right pane to selectNew > String Value.

Step 7:Name the new String as29.Double-clickthe 29 string to view itsEdit String window.

Step 8:Next to the Value data, type the following and press Enter.

Step 9:Close the Registry Editor by clicking the x icon on the top left corner of the window.

Step 10:Restart your PC to save changes.

Also Read:How to fix Registry Editor not working on Windows

Method 2: Remove Arrows From Desktop Icons Using Third-Party Software

If you’re not a tech-savvy person and don’t want to bother with multiple clicks or risk editing the Registry files yourself, you can use third-party tools to save time and effort. These tools make it easy to remove the small shortcut arrows and customize your desktop.

For illustration, we will use ShortcutArrow Changer software, but the steps remain more or similar for other tools. Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1:Download and install theShortcutArrow Changersoftware.

Step 2:Once done, pressWindows + Son your keyboard.Alternatively, you can also click the Windows icon.

Step 3:TypeShortcutarrowChanger, and on the right pane, clickRun as administrator.

Step 4:On the pop-up, clickYesto allow the software to modify the computer.

Step 5:Select theRemove shortcut arrow iconand clickApply.

This is it. Alternatively, you can also useWinaero Tweaker, another popular tool for removing shortcut arrows on Windows icons.

Method 3: Use a Registry Hack to Get Rid of Shortcut Arrows

If you didn’t find the methods above interesting, no worries! We have another quick and easy way to do it using a Registry hack. We’ve done all the hard work for you, so you don’t have to edit the Registry yourself. Just follow the steps below.

Step 1:Open any web browser and downloadthis particular Registry file.

Step 2:Extract the downloaded Registry file.

Step 3: Double-clicktheremove_shortcut_arrow_iconfile to apply it.

Step 4:ClickRunand follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 5:Restart your computer.

That’s it! The shortcut arrows will disappear now, and you’ll have a clean Windows desktop.

Also Read:How to safely clean Registry on Windows 10 and 11

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Last updated on 26 August, 2024

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