Fix: Folder Icons Showing Black Background in Windows 11

Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters are with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often making it longer.

Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Clear Thumbnails Cache Using Disk Cleanup

Every folder icon in your Windows 11 computer is a thumbnail image preview. A thumbnail acts like a visual identifier for different folders and programs. If you see a black square background behind folder icons, we suggest clearing the Thumbnail cache by performing Disk Cleanup on your Windows 11 computer.

Step 1:OpenDisk Cleanup, selectC drive, and clickOk.

Step 2:Under the Files to Delete section, scroll down and click the checkbox next toThumbnails. Then, clickOkat the bottom to confirm.

Step 3:Click onDelete Filesto confirm your choice.

Once the Disk Cleanup is complete, check if the problem is solved.

Tip:Refer to our post to learn how tosee the hidden files and folders on Windows 11.

Fix 2: Rebuild Icon Cache

Whenever you open a storage drive on your Windows 11 computer, the file and folder icons are displayed quickly or take some time to appear on your screen. Icon Cache takes care of the quick display of icons as it stores all the information about the file and folder icons. This is just like the App Cache on your mobile. If you still see the black background behind folder icons, here’s how to rebuild Icon Cache, which might have corrupted over time.

Step 1:OpenCommand Prompt as Administratoron your Windows 11 PC or laptop.

Step 2:Once Command Prompt opens, type the following path in the address bar and pressEnter:

Step 3:Type thenext commandand pressEnter:

Step 4:Type thenext commandand pressEnter:

Step 5:Close the Command Prompt window and restart your Windows 11 computer to rebuild the Icon Cache.

After your system restarts, check if the problem is solved.

Fix 3: Update Display Driver

TheGraphics Driveris responsible for the smooth rendering of all visual graphics on your system, including folder icons. If you haven’t updated the Graphics Driver in a while, it’s a good idea to do so right away.

Step 1:OpenDevice Managerand clickDisplay Adaptersfrom the list of options.

Step 2: Right-clickon your video card name and selectUpdate Driverfrom the list of options.

Step 3:Start the process by clicking onSearch Automatically for Drivers.

Close Device Manager and check if the problem is solved.

Fix 4: Run an SFC Scan

SFC (System File Checker) scan is a utility that scans for corrupt or damaged operating system files and replaces them with the correct versions whenever possible. If you still see a black background behind the folder icon, here’s how to try fixing it using SFC Scan.

Step 1:RunCommand Prompt as Administratoron your Windows 11 PC or laptop.

Step 2:Type the following command and pressEnter.

Step 3:After the system scan initiates,waituntil the process completes.

Step 4:If you seeWindows resource protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired themon your screen, close the Command Prompt window.

Step 5: Restartyour system and check if this fixed the problem.

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Last updated on 01 July, 2024

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