Remove Arrows from Desktop Shortcut Icons | Windows 10 & 11

[@howdoidavid]

⚠SOLUTION TO BLACK SQUARE ISSUE ⚠ 1.) Remove the line of code at 2:17 that is in the "Value Data" section... Basically just deleting "%windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50" and keeping that section blank *OR (if that doesnt fix it for you)* 2.) Change the -50 to -51 so that it looks like this: "%windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-51" That should help!

[@zeljkomilenkovic5829]

Thanks buddy,just had this problem and I was coming back to ur video thinking I would find a fix,what a relief

[@allaroundman5687]

I'm the one who suggest that.

[@allaroundman5687]

I'm the one who suggested it.@@zeljkomilenkovic5829

[@zeljkomilenkovic5829]

@@allaroundman5687 Oh,thanks a lot man

[@LonesomeGhosts]

I've tried this as well as changing to -51 with restarts of the windows explorer as well as my computer. The black boxes remain unfortunately. Windows 11 here

[@Owcz4r]

No one asked, everyone needed

[@notoriousglez8180]

🎉

[@XxSe7enMGxX]

yep, and i don't even have a pc 😂

[@bassboijacob]

I know, this video just popped out from my recommendation

[@BlackHatSL-69]

True😅

[@mars-jr5uu]

@@XxSe7enMGxXHeyoo 😊

[@IanS533]

I don't usually comment but I want the algorithm to bless this man. 10/10 worked flawlessly. Amazing tutorial.

[@MyLaptop-pp4by]

You're right this man deserves 10/10

[@DKingFisher]

It just randomly popped on my screen and the next thing I knew was I had to get rid of the arrow icons.

[@bocchizaglokku]

​@DKingFisher so real

[@DKingFisher]

@@bocchizaglokku Don't do it. These small arrows gets replaced with a large black block when you try to download something and decide to choose location. I don't know how I can explain this.. hopefully you get it

[@bocchizaglokku]

@@DKingFisher i have read the comments thankfully, it says you should leave the value data blank and it should work.

[@pyytrsn]

Simple, straight to the point, no useless intro/outro. PERFECT!

[@alexwashington6584]

I work as an IT Support Officer, and I still find I can learn something everyday by watching videos like, this, thank you

[@ManOfSock1]

this is the first tech tutorial that I watched and actually understood the directions and was able to fix it first try. we need more people like this guy to make tutorials

[@harlhequim]

Agree. Today It seems everyones wants to be a personality or a stand up comic instead of the purspose of the tutorial

[@Fixing_Everything.]

Yes agreed this was one of the best in a long time. Most simply went through and done. So easy. This Chap was the best in a while.

[@SarvarKayrullaev]

I have a problem, now it's worse than before, instead of the previous Arrow icon there is a bag of black stuff, how do I fix it now

[@Remcindzik]

fr

[@Fixing_Everything.]

@SarvarKayrullaev I had that and fixed it. There is something at the top he added about it. But go back into the registry and click on the registry file and remove the name. That fixes it. But look at the add on notes at the top.

[@hellscythe_5565]

This is the first time i watched an English tutorial that get straight to the point thankyou for the help

[@LeQuangSang4797]

No ads, no bullshit, traight to the point, step by step, loud and clear, 100% works. You deserve more subscribe sir

[@Bardockk_]

this is the type of tutorial i wanna seee EVERYTIME i search for something, great video. Keep up the good work!

[@bloodnangels]

If one day your icons suddenly disappear one day (like mine did) edit the "29" line of code from either blank or "%windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50" to "%windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-51", this restored my icons for me. It was a headache trying to figure out the cause of them completely disappearing one day out of the blue, but this is the fix that worked for me.

[@Horta65]

thanks man, this worked for me

[@r43rae]

THIS COMMENT RIGHT HERE CHAT. THIS ONE RIGHT HERE (just wanted to say... if you still have trouble after that. the best way is to download a blank.ico file and find a tutorial on doing it that way instead. i ended up having to do that)

[@Tranquilii]

Holy hell you saved me from reinstalling windows, ilysm

[@KashPluxer]

I pledge myself to you, you saved me you're a digital angel.

[@Tarmes_]

thanks man, you were really necessary

[@swerverson]

Easiest tutorial I have ever watched in my life. Thank you, and Great job David.

[@vakantgaming4993]

I never searched for it, nor did I ever think of it but I'm very thankful to you and the YT Algorithm.

[@VIBwithKhaled]

The first time I encounter a tutorial that I watch and follow the instructions given because it's clear and straight to the point! Thank you mate, it worked!

[@eaku7]

Yea i didn't really notice them either but i felt the desktop being cleaner after doing this

[@Mytrios2137]

The fact that this worked flawlessly firts try is amazing and honestly, I didnt expect lack of those icons to bring me this much joy, i dont have a "clean" desktop but the apps are orginized and without the arrows its so much nicer, thank you!

[@SeraphimSephiroth]

What a relief!! Straight to the point, easy to understand, fix actually works. Instant subscribe!

[@justincarpenter6147]

What a perfect pace. Bravo man! I literally did it at the same time as you and never had to pause or skip. Thank you so much for treating viewers this way.

[@rudrakshapatil4053]

if yall have blank icons after doing this just follow from 3:02 (simply delete what you did it helped for me)

[@kikibummie]

Dude.. you are a LIFE SAVOR. Thank you!!!! I was so confused what happened, but this worked perfectly haha. So glad I was skimming the comments for the fix.

[@retierashia]

Just change the value to -51

[@sarawolf2922]

Seriously, the best tutorial I've ever seen. So clear and concise. You're a lifesaver! A+

[@hunterhughes8380]

I dont know why i had the strong desire to stop what i was doing to remove tiny arrows that i have never noticed before... But here we are. great video tutorial though

[@musabsarjo]

You can imagine that I live 35 km away from Gaza and the war, and here I am searching for a way to remove the shortcut arrow. I think we are an obsessive-compulsive disorder group, with all due respect to everyone.🤣🤣🤣🤣😂

[@costa-w3k]

Not noticing these annoying shortcut arrows is truly a blessing

[@FattyPok]

@@musabsarjo that's not what obsessive compulsive disorder is lmao

[@zmazn]

@@musabsarjo how are you doing nowadays?

[@EXScarecroW]

3 minute video, right to the point, fast editing, no garbage background music. Edit: So after a few days instead of arrows next to my icons there was a bunch of little black squares. Not sure why that happened, anyways. I got Winaero Tweaker which lets you do a lot of stuff. They have an option to remove the arrows if you're looking for another option. Good luck.

[@imatts65]

Great video and very informative. Straight to the point and no filler intro to make the video long. Thanks! Keep it up!

[@Ertzy_]

you absolute legend, nobody asked but you did it anyways, and we noticed we needed. This is the kind of video I want for a guide on how to do something. Straight to the topic, no clickbait, just good content. Thank you

[@C4titaa]

For those who still have the black icons even after removing %windir%, try deleting the entire code and leaving just the "29" it worked for me doing it this way ☺️

[@jesspanter101]

ok thx that worked!

[@ChRiS48580]

it works, thanks!

[@NemanjaMrkic]

thank you

[@proKotik1467]

THANKK IT WORKS

[@9080artur]

спасибо!!

[@davemunday9498]

Your video was VERY WELL articulated. A bit longer than another that did the same EXCEPT - the other video wanted me to reboot my PC... whereas yours bypassed all that time wasting, and showed the procedure to simply restart Explorer - which is by far a smoother process overall. THANK-you David! GREAT TUTORIAL!!

[@Toughcake_IN]

Didn't asked for it but got recommended by YT itself, loved it. Flawlessly working and you earned a subscriber.

[@BullyK]

POV - you haven't searched for this tutorial

[@GoldnGshepard]

same lol

[@mdraiyanurrahman2781]

Same

[@RobinSingh024]

Funny enough, I actually did man! And I'm wondering why exactly did I not come across this randomly

[@iambatman_20]

same

[@muhammadanas5328]

Straight to the point video! Worked perfectly on Windows 11 pro as of 2025. Thanks Brother

[@glassinjaw]

this is one of the only tutorial videos where i had no difficulty following along. thank you so so much you're absolutely great! i wish all tutorials were as nice as this one.

[@Clixyyyy]

Saw it on my recommended and just thought like, sure why not. Short and simple 10/10

[@L0V3_707]

Thank you SOOO much the little arrow was getting on my nerves because it felt so outta place and it worked out so well, directions were so clear I understood everything and it all went according to plan!!! I cannot thank you enough.

[@Shafee]

I came across this video on my recommendation and I have to say this the most easiest tutorial ever, also straight to the point.

[@davidruzzo5806]

I have followed these instructions at least 3 times. Every time I get a black square over the shortcut arrow. I tried changing the new line code to -51, same black box appears. So I have ended up just deleting the new key and living with the shortcut arrow. Thanks for your assistance!

[@TroJaNSniPeR85]

Just put the 29 key back but don't put anything for the code and it should work for you

[@DanSandersdotnet]

@@TroJaNSniPeR85 This is what finally did it for me

[@alcateia6797]

​@@TroJaNSniPeR85thanks bro .

[@Gabiruu]

@@TroJaNSniPeR85 thanks a lot bro

[@RodrigoMirra]

Worked like a charm 🤩

[@omarehab2251]

this is by far the best youtube how to video i've ever seen straight to the point, quick and clear, thanks man!

[@ehabqadora1759]

If the shortcut arrow box is black then delete the text in the string value named 29 and then reboot or restart the windows explorer , The arrow and the black box will be gone .

[@Laskhmi2311]

Black box gone, arrow still there

[@MichaelCaliri]

Worked for me

[@Pyranders]

Who are you who are so wise in the ways of science?

[@criticalerrorgaming1896]

then the arrows will be there, even if i recreate the 29 string value and restart windows explorer, the black boxes will be back.

[@bethanyreardon6057]

this worked thankyou (:

[@Yuio_Quaz]

This was really helpful, i had always been frustrated with the arrows on the apps, i'm really thankful for this straightforward tutorial!

[@chromeatic788]

Detailed, to the point and clear. Couldn't ask for better 👍

[@SeriWTR]

I didn't even look for this, algorithm recommended it lol It got my attention and I did it now my desktop looks more cleaner and cooler, thanks!

[@rediostar]

This was SO easy and SATISFYING to follow! But unfortunately, my icons are now 1/4 cut-off, like a pie, lol. What do I do? UPDATE: I followed the pinned comment where it says "Basically just deleting "%windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50" and keeping that section blank" helped! THANKS SO MUCH MY DESKTOP LOOKS AMAZING!!!

[@MileOFF]

It works, thank you very much!

[@kostasplayz3129]

This is the kind of tutorials I want to see when I search something. Good job dude!

[@g36c.]

Very useful, to the point, and the black box fix worked. Amazing job

[@PatchesCanada]

David, your instructions are so clear and easy to follow ... I just love you! ♥Thank you!!

[@M_JonayedK]

This video appeared from nowhere and solved a problem that I didn’t know existed thanks a lot man.

[@carlosauza9998]

This was a great video! It is probably the first video I actually followed through and it all made clear sense. Thank you so much. I appreciate you.

[@Awmechu]

Thank you for not making the video 20 min long and I solved my problem, couldn't be happier

[@johnhebbe5544]

Wonderful. For a change, a well organized presentation spoken clearly. Provided at a perfect pace. Thank you. My plan is to bring up this video again, move it to the right side using the Windows + right arrow key. Then, using the steps in the presentation, flipping back and forth, work through the process on the left side of my actual desktop. This should work.

[@Fixing_Everything.]

No need for that. Simply drag the video to the left and clip it there and then click on the video again maybe just drag it to the left and your good to go..

[@johnhebbe5544]

Got it. Thanks.@@Fixing_Everything.

[@itsnot_albert]

I initially doubted this would work, but to my surprise, it did! The arrows are gone! Thank you so much for your help!

[@whenthemoon]

Super straightforward and easy to follow, thank you!!

[@DuckiBakbak]

So easy to understand, a perfect step-by-step tutorial. I restarted the Windows explorer and saw these weird lines/boxes and was about to lose hope, that edit saved my butt! Who thought just removing the value would fix everything haha ;D Awesome Video❤

[@slip6hazard9]

Jesus man thank you SOOOOO much! As some one with OCD I always like my things looking a particular way and those damn arrows have plagued me for years to the point where I just wouldn't use desktop icons and be forced to opening all my programs from file explorer. I know it may not seem like much to others but to me Sir, you are a GOD and a LEGEND. Again from the very depths of my soul I am forever in your debt 🤘🏻👍🏻

[@jonesmalaco]

Worked perfectly! Awesome tutorial, straight to the point. If only the world had more tutorials like this one...

[@ahmed-gv2wv]

some how this the most underrated tech video i have ever seen🤯

[@emilye1217]

Very easy to follow, thank you. But ever since I got rid of white squares, larger black squares showed up over all the icons. 😅

[@luke1868]

Same how did you fix that ?

[@vedhanthrgowda2742]

No BS tutorials, definitely deserves a like.

[@salmonskinlover2365]

I know a Windows 11 update happened recently so I figured I would leave this info if you need to look into it more or experience it yourself. Currently on Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (OS Build 22631.4317) When adding the reg key it seems to break a lot of things in Win 11, instantly noticeable by being unable to open task manager via any method. Removing the key restores functionality.

[@crab4426]

same with me, couldn't find a solution

[@salmonskinlover2365]

@@crab4426 winaero tweaker

[@shanekemp1312]

Thank you so much for posting this. I've done 4 hours of google searches and tried way to many ways to address this issue. Such a simple fix as well and I appreciate you sharing it.

[@elvisprucelee]

This worked great for me, but since the recent Windows Update this week, entering the line %windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50 results in black boxes, and leaving the line out (as by the pinned comment) results in all icons disappearing. Any solution? Much appreciated

[@oxideX97]

Hi I got this same error today when booting up my PC,unfortunately I don't know a fix for it.For the moment,I recommend you delete the Shell Icons folder entirely if you want your icons to work again.

[@elvisprucelee]

@@oxideX97 thanks for replying, i did just that. as for the shortcut arrows, i found a free app named Winaero Tweaker, that has a lot of customization options for windows, including getting rid of the arrows (with just one click). Seems to work without problems so far.

[@DeagleIsL1fe]

Do you have a solution? I have this exact problem rn

[@elvisprucelee]

@@DeagleIsL1fe i’m using an app to hide the arrows, but i can’t advertise it here, try to google the problem

[@DeagleIsL1fe]

@@elvisprucelee Yeah I fixed it lol, I used winaero tweaker idk why you couldn't just say that

[@e.n85784]

Simple and straightforward. We need more people just like you.

[@arhennius]

For those ppl who got black boxes after the process, try making the (-50) into 50. I hope it'll help.

[@merwinkakilala3629]

this works thank you

[@YoDarragh]

The black boxes keep coming back every time I power on

[@Keven14242]

Thank you bro this worked

[@lhr3244]

Will try next time this happens to me.

[@vanger41]

never noticed it until this video came up on my feed just minutes ago, and now theyre gone. thank you !

[@LelleKidd]

That arrow is there for a reason.

[@ulischmidt03]

Yeah... to say it's a shortcut

[@retierashia]

To say it’s a shortcut but who cares? No reason not to remove it for a cleaner desktop.

[@johnmatthewtingin3601]

We never asked yet you still delivered!

[@sebastianlosada3133]

Be carefull, if you upgrade your Windows you must delete the created file, otherwise all of your icons change to invisible.

[@emperornk6003]

Dont know how algorithm suggested me this, but it worked smoothly Thanks pal

[@howdoidavid]

*If you like easy to follow tutorials like this Subscribe to this channel!*

[@tomkjr1]

Great job! It worked like a charm. I hate those damn arrows!

[@Tray2DaWorm]

thank you, I really wasn't worried about this until your video popped up. Thank you brother!

[@MrDratik]

If you do this, one day you will find that absolutely all your icons have just disappeared, until you delete your reg changes. The only proper way to hide arrows on shortcuts is to replace the shortcut icon with a transparent icon. DO NOT DO WHAT IS SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO!

[@yusufmert.k]

so how to make the shortcut icon transparent ?

[@maikseibel5233]

No, Dont Spread MisInfo, i am not sure about windows 10, But i just did it and worked all out.

[@MrDratik]

@@yusufmert.k Create a transparent 48x48 pixel image with the extension .ico and specify the path to this file in the [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Shell Icons] "29"="D:\XXX\YYY\ZZZ.ico"

[@MrDratik]

@@yusufmert.k I tried to post what and which path to change, but automatic moderation hid my comment lol

[@x__3__i]

Man just randomly showed in my suggestion and made my day.. 10/10.

[@Ratzmoonmopes]

Bro literally stole Cr1tikal's voice

[@TheMuser]

I always wondered if it could be cleaned up But never took the effort to search for it Then KZbin decided I should see this video. And now thanks to you I have clean shortcuts Thank you! One less thing bothering me :)

[@ZombieWarriorGaming117]

This came up on my recommended for some reason most useful video i’ve ever got recommended

[@clouddog959]

Desktop is cleaner af, thanks for the tutorial

[@sublime90]

worked like a charm. super easy to follow thanks for showing us this. looks so much cleaner without those shortcut arrows.

[@ShanelHbskl]

impressed by your clarity and depth, every video is a hit!

[@buldozzer3456]

Cool tutorial! There is one thing people should keep in mind, since this key is in the machine hive, you need local admin permissions to do that, and it applies to every user on the computer.

[@bradley5800]

So extremely straightforward and easy to follow. Thank you.

[@XxxionxX]

10/10 Perfect. Best tech youtube ever. You win 50k internet pts.

[@Kurty1213]

Never knew I needed this information, but still somehow enjoyed it

[@spinnedonk]

Great tutorial, straight to the point, easy to understand. Thank you very much!

[@Fentrez]

Great guide! Never thought about removing arrows, but now everything look cool

[@zhulikkulik]

Oh man, thank you so much! I have my icons set to be tiny. Recently, just by some miracle after trying every solution they finally stopped rearranging themselves after reboot. And just today I looked at them and realized that arrow takes up like ¾ of the icon. Thanks again!

[@AshMol5]

Thank you - always wanted to do this - didn't even know you could. My desktop looks so clean now. Fantastic little hack

[@wingame52]

Thanks for clear concise explanation. Years of wanting to rid shortcut arrow keys finally learnt!

[@fatimakhan565]

The Only Video upto the point and also works. Thanks Man. That arrow icon is really annoying❤

[@collieclone]

Awesome video with totally clear explanations and no extra verbiage. Great stuff!!

[@coriscotupi]

Very, very cool. But personally, I prefer an explicit, visual differentiation between shortcuts and actual items place on the desktop (or indeed inside folders). So while this is not really for me, I do appreciate that for many people this is a welcome means of making the desktop a little cleaner. Well done, sir.

[@longtermFX]

This is great stuff. It worked on Windows 11 Pro in January 2025, thank you!

[@lhr3244]

Everything looks so clean right now, thanks man.

[@N.H3_]

Straight to the point tutorial, works perfectly here

[@gavra-1337]

straight to the point, quick nice and easy, never knew id want something like this but it looks very clean like so appreciate the tutorial man, 1 more subscriber ♥

[@mrcrensh]

i haven't notice those icons the entire time i've been using my pc. now that you pointed them out i can't unsee them

[@garyaussie3778]

Well done. I got black squares and did what you said below. All good now, no arrows or black squares. 😃

[@éOizuna]

i'm from brazil and i'm going to say that in my language bc why not VOCÊ É UM DEUS, MUITO OBRIGADO PARÇA, eu tava procurando um tutorial de como fazer isso há TEMPOS e não conseguia encontrar. Você merece, muito obrigado viu? Continua com o bom trabalho!

[@ReaperTheGodOfGames]

Microsoft: Oh, just deal with it. David: No, I will not.

[@bLUEbeRRy47871]

you are a legend! Thank yuou for this straight to the point tutorial definatnly subscribing!

[@hujanpanas1604]

Bro is the unsung hero that everyone need but does not deserve

[@AutoBotAhmed]

Straight to the point and it worked flawlessly. Thanks alot bro!

[@jaydub3867]

Have been looking for a workaround for this in Win 10 since I upgraded from Win 7 and at last, a simple and understandable method of ridding my screen of all them pesky arrows. Thankyou :-))

[@blackwolf_365]

When I installed a new monitor, all the icons just disappeared, lol. good thing you explained at the end of the video how to undo it😅. bravo, man🤩

[@Boorishmemer]

Bros the actual GOAT. Next how do we get rid of the names so we just have nice clean logos?

[@wilssonvr]

i was going to leave but this helped me out a lot, tsym for existing!!