Is the green check mark on desktop icons bothering you? Don’t worry; you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive article, we will provide you with easy-to-follow solutions to get rid of those annoying green check marks. So, let’s dive right in!
Understanding the Green Check Mark on Desktop Icons
The green check mark on desktop icons typically indicates that the file or folder is synced with Microsoft OneDrive. OneDrive is a cloud storage service that allows you to store your files and folders online and access them from anywhere. These green check marks can be useful in letting you know that your files are safely stored in the cloud. However, they can also be visually distracting, and many users prefer to remove them.
Common Reasons for Green Check Marks on Desktop Icons
There are a few possible reasons why you may see green check marks on your desktop icons. These include:
- The file or folder is synced with OneDrive.
- Windows 10 is getting confused and replacing the shortcut arrow icon overlay with the green check mark.
- The file is locally saved on your computer if you have OneDrive installed.
- The file is backed up into your OneDrive if you see it in the OneDrive folder.
Methods to Remove the Green Check Mark on Desktop Icons
In this section, we will discuss various methods to remove the green check mark on desktop icons. Follow the steps provided for each method carefully.
Method 1: Disable OneDrive Sync
If you don’t need to sync your files with OneDrive, you can disable the sync to remove the green check marks on your desktop icons. Here’s how:
- Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select “Settings.”
- In the Settings tab, uncheck the box next to “Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows.”
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
After completing these steps, the green check marks should no longer appear on your desktop icons.
Method 2: Remove Desktop from OneDrive Backup Locations
If you want to keep using OneDrive but don’t want to sync your desktop icons, you can remove the Desktop folder from the OneDrive backup locations. Here’s how:
- Open OneDrive settings by right-clicking the OneDrive icon in the system tray and selecting “Settings.”
- Go to the “Backup” tab and click on “Manage backup.”
- In the “Manage folders backup” window, uncheck the box next to “Desktop” and click “Stop backup.”
- Click “OK” to confirm your changes.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the green check marks should disappear from your desktop icons.
Method 3: Rebuild Icon Cache
Rebuilding the icon cache can help remove the green check marks on desktop icons. Follow these steps to rebuild the icon cache:
- Press “Windows key + R” to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “cmd” and press “Ctrl + Shift + Enter” to open Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
- In the Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:
[taskkill /IM explorer.exe /F] [cd %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer] [del iconcache*] [start explorer.exe]
After running these commands, the green check marks should no longer appear on your desktop icons.
Method 4: Disable OneDrive Completely
If you don’t use OneDrive at all and want to disable it completely, follow these steps:
- Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select “Settings.”
- Go to the “Account” tab and click on “Unlink this PC.”
- A confirmation window will appear. Click “Unlink account” to proceed.
- In the Settings tab, uncheck the box next to “Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows.”
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
After completing these steps, OneDrive will be disabled, and the green check marks should no longer appear on your desktop icons.
Conclusion
The green check mark on desktop icons can be visually distracting and make your desktop look cluttered. However, by following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily remove these green check marks without affecting your files or folders. Whether you decide to disable OneDrive sync, remove the Desktop folder from OneDrive backup locations, rebuild the icon cache, or disable OneDrive completely, the choice is yours based on your preferences and usage of OneDrive.
With a cleaner, less cluttered desktop, you can now focus on your tasks and enjoy a more organized and visually appealing workspace. Should you ever need to re-enable OneDrive sync or restore the green check marks, you can simply reverse the steps mentioned above.
We hope this article has been helpful in resolving the issue of green check marks on desktop icons. Don’t hesitate to explore further resources and troubleshooting guides to help you with any other tech-related issues you might encounter. Happy computing!
FAQs
What are the green check marks on desktop icons?
The green check marks on desktop icons typically indicate that the file or folder is synced with Microsoft OneDrive, a cloud storage service.
How can I remove the green check marks on desktop icons?
You can remove the green check marks on desktop icons by disabling OneDrive sync, removing the Desktop folder from OneDrive backup locations, rebuilding the icon cache, or disabling OneDrive completely.
Is it safe to remove the green check marks on desktop icons?
Yes, it is safe to remove the green check marks on desktop icons. Removing them does not delete your files or folders; it simply removes the visual indication that they are synced with OneDrive.
Can I continue to use OneDrive without the green check marks on desktop icons?
Yes, you can continue to use OneDrive without the green check marks on desktop icons by removing the Desktop folder from the OneDrive backup locations.
Why do some files have a green check mark on the desktop icons while others do not?
Files with a green check mark on desktop icons are synced with OneDrive, while those without the mark are not synced. This helps you quickly identify which files are stored in the cloud.
