How to remove the shortcut arrow from Windows icons

In the world of Windows customization, one of the most frequently asked questions is how to remove the arrow that appears on desktop shortcut icons. Many users are looking to improve the aesthetics of their desktop or better distinguish the elements they work on daily. If you're part of that group who isn't entirely convinced by the shortcut arrow—or, on the contrary, you prefer to change it for something more striking—You've come to the right place. Here's the definitive guide, updated and adapted to the latest system versions, to remove, modify, or restore shortcut arrows in Windows, along with a detailed explanation of what doing so entails and how to avoid problems.

Before you jump into modifying the appearance of your desktop, it's a good idea to understand the precise steps, the associated risks, and the available alternatives. Manipulating the Windows Registry requires some caution, but by following the correct procedure and taking the necessary precautions, you can achieve a much cleaner and more professional finish for your shortcuts, or, if you prefer, further differentiate those icons with larger or different arrows.

Why do Windows shortcuts have arrows?

The first thing that catches your eye when creating a shortcut in Windows is that little arrow in the corner of the icon. The function of the arrow is purely informative.: indicates that the item is not the original file, folder, or application, but merely a link to it. This is essential to avoid confusion when managing our files.Have you ever accidentally deleted something thinking it was just a shortcut, only to find it was the actual file? That arrow is what makes the difference, helping to distinguish both elements at a glance.

Although Microsoft has been tweaking the design of these arrows over the versions (for example, Windows 10 made them more discreet than its predecessors), there are still users who prefer to get rid of this small decoration to achieve a more minimalist environment or customize it with another style. But be careful, because this has advantages and disadvantages. which should be assessed before continuing.

Advantages and disadvantages of removing the arrow from shortcuts

The main argument for wanting to remove the shortcut arrow is purely aesthetic. If you like to take care of every detail of your desk, you might find this little addition annoying.. By deleting it, The icons are cleaner and more elegant., a plus if you opt for minimalist backgrounds or are looking for a uniform visual environment.

However, This change also entails risks. Removing the arrow can make it easier to mistake a shortcut for an actual file.Imagine you accidentally delete the icon (thinking it's just a shortcut) and it turns out to be the final file. Or you copy a shortcut thinking it's the original file., and when you open it outside of your computer you see that it is really just a meaningless link. The arrow serves a useful function and deleting them should be a conscious decision, especially if you share your computer with other users or aren't entirely sure how to organize your files.

Furthermore, The process to remove the arrow involves modifying the Windows registry, a sensitive area of ​​the operating system whose alteration can have negative consequences if not done correctly. It is always recommended to make a backup before touching anything. and, if possible, create a restore point in case something goes wrong.

Steps to remove the shortcut arrow in Windows

If you've decided to remove the arrow from your shortcuts, you need to follow some very specific steps in the Windows registry. The procedure is similar in Windows 10 and 11, but we advise you to follow each instruction carefully to avoid problems and achieve the desired result. Here's the procedure: step by step guide:

• Open the Run box pressing the keys Windows + R. Writes regedit and press Enter. If the system asks for permissions, accept them.
• The window that will open is the Registry Editor. Make a backup from the File > Export menu selecting “All” in the export scope and saving the file to an accessible location.
• Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer.
• Check if a folder or “key” already exists called Shell Icons. If not, create it by right-clicking on the Explorer key, selecting “New” > “Key” and naming it Shell Icons.
• Once inside Shell Icons, right-click in the empty space on the right and choose “New” > “String Value”. Give it the name 29.
• Double-click the new value and, in the Value data field, enter exactly the following: %windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50.
• Close the register and restart the computer. When the system Boot again, you will see that Shortcuts no longer show the arrow.

For those who also want to further customize their icons, it may be interesting to check out how to change custom icons. You can also review how to manage shortcut properties in properties of a shortcut in Windows.

Essential precautions when modifying the Windows registry

Modify the registry it's no jokeThis is one of the most sensitive areas of the operating system. Any mistake can lead to minor problems or serious damage. that may even require reinstalling Windows. Therefore, before making any changes, Don't forget these tips:

• Back up the registry and/or create a system restore point.
• Make sure you have administrator privilegesWithout them, you won't be able to modify the necessary keys.
• Write the data exactly as it appears in the guideA simple space, misplaced letter, or incorrect symbol can prevent the trick from working or even cause system errors.
• If in doubt, use a virtual machine or secondary computer to test on your main computer first..

If you don't see any changes after restarting, check that the key Shell Icons and value 29 are perfectly created and written. If everything is correct and it still doesn't work, delete the file IconCache.db located at C:\Users\\AppData\Local to force Windows to regenerate the icon cache after a new reboot.

How to restore the shortcut arrow if you regret it?

Maybe after a few days without arrows you'll find that you prefer to return to the original configuration or you're starting to have doubts about shortcuts versus actual files. The good news is that The process to reverse the deletion is very simple and safe:

• Open Registry Editor (Win + R, regedit).
• Navigate back to the route HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons.
• Right-click on the Shell Icons key and select “Delete”. Confirm the deletion.
• Reboot the system and you will see how all arrows reappear in shortcuts from the Desktop and any other location.

If they don't appear after this, use the backup you exported previously or use a restore point to get everything back to where it was. It's also helpful to run sfc / scannow in the Symbol of the system in case there is corruption in system files after modifying the registry.

Alternatives: Change the arrows to larger ones (like in Windows Vista)

If you prefer to keep the arrows but want them to be more visible (for example, to avoid confusing icons or you prefer a more striking style), you can replace the standard arrow with the "giant" version found in Windows Vista. The trick is similar, but you change the value entered in the registry:

• Follow the steps to create the key Shell Icons and the string value 29.
• Instead of introducing %windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50, writes %windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-16769.
• Restart your computer and you will see that the shortcuts now show a much larger arrow, very similar to that of Windows Vista.

This option can be useful for those who want to more clearly distinguish which icons correspond to shortcuts, although the result is less discreet and may not appeal to those looking for a simple desktop.

Compatibility with different versions of Windows

The method explained here works on most editions of Windows 10, including Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education. However, versions like LTSB or LTSC may have differences in the registry structure or customization limitations. In Windows 11, the procedure is very similar but sometimes the registry path or value may not have the same effect due to changes introduced by Microsoft.

Furthermore, Major Windows updates may overwrite these changes, returning the default arrow. For this reason, if you regularly install patches and new builds, save your custom configuration to a .reg file to quickly apply it after each update, or use a third-party customization tool if necessary.

Some users have turned to programs like winaero tweaker to make the process easier, especially in Windows 11. However, Any such customization may be affected by future Windows updates., which tend to reset the default settings. To maintain changes, it may be helpful to check out how to manage tags in How to manage tags in OneNote and other system adaptations.