Removing green check marks on desktop icons in Windows 11 is a simple task. The check marks often indicate that files are synced with a cloud service like OneDrive. By tweaking a few settings, you can get rid of these marks. Here’s how to do it.
How to Remove Green Check Marks on Desktop Icons Windows 11
These steps will help you remove those pesky green check marks on your desktop icons.
Step 1: Open OneDrive Settings
Click on the OneDrive icon in your system tray and select “Settings.”
OneDrive settings hold the key to managing how files are displayed on your system. You’ll find the system tray in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Step 2: Go to Account Tab
In the OneDrive settings window, click the “Account” tab.
This tab contains options related to your account and the files that are being synced. It’s like the dashboard for your OneDrive settings.
Step 3: Unlink This PC
Click “Unlink this PC” under the Account tab.
Unlinking your PC from OneDrive stops file syncing, which removes the green check marks. Don’t worry; you can always link it back later.
Step 4: Confirm Unlink
A confirmation window will pop up. Click “Unlink account.”
This final confirmation ensures you really want to stop syncing. It’s like a safeguard against accidental clicks.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer to apply the changes.
A quick reboot helps to finalize the settings changes, so the green marks disappear.
After completing these steps, the green check marks on your desktop icons should be gone. Your files will no longer show their synced status directly on the icons.
Tips for Removing Green Check Marks on Desktop Icons Windows 11
- Check OneDrive sync settings: Sometimes, reconfiguring sync settings can solve the issue without unlinking your account.
- Use selective sync: Choose specific folders to sync instead of all folders, minimizing the number of icons with check marks.
- Disable OneDrive: If you don’t use OneDrive, disable it from startup to prevent it from running in the background.
- Update Windows: Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date, as updates might include fixes for icon issues.
- Check for other sync apps: Other apps like Google Drive or Dropbox might be causing similar issues. Check their settings, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have green check marks on my desktop icons?
Green check marks indicate that files are successfully synced with OneDrive or another cloud service.
Will removing the green check marks affect my files?
No, removing the check marks won’t affect your files. It only changes how they are displayed.
Can I re-enable the green check marks later?
Yes, you can re-enable them by linking your PC back to OneDrive or adjusting your sync settings.
Are there other ways to remove green check marks?
Yes, you can also adjust the icon overlay settings in the Windows Registry Editor, but it’s more complex.
What happens if I disable OneDrive?
Disabling OneDrive stops file syncing and removes the check marks, but your files remain safe in the cloud.
Summary
- Open OneDrive Settings.
- Go to Account Tab.
- Unlink This PC.
- Confirm Unlink.
- Restart Your Computer.
Conclusion
Removing green check marks on desktop icons in Windows 11 can be a quick fix to make your desktop look cleaner and less cluttered. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll easily get rid of these marks without affecting your files. If you later find that you want the sync functionality back, you can always relink your PC to OneDrive. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced computer skills. If you’re interested in keeping your desktop icons in order, consider exploring more settings within OneDrive or using other organization tools available in Windows 11. Feel free to share these tips with friends or colleagues who might be facing the same issue.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.