How to Get Rid of Check Marks on Desktop Icons in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 12, 2025

Have you noticed tiny check marks appearing on your desktop icons in Windows 11? They can be distracting, especially if you like a clean, clutter-free desktop. These check marks usually indicate files or folders marked for offline availability or selected for certain actions. The good news? Removing them is straightforward.

In this guide, we’ll cover several ways to get rid of check marks on desktop icons in Windows 11, including settings tweaks and registry edits for advanced users.

Why Do Check Marks Appear on Desktop Icons?

Understanding why check marks appear helps prevent them in the future. Common reasons include:

  • File Explorer Selection Checkboxes: Windows allows selecting multiple files using checkboxes.

  • OneDrive Status Indicators: Files synced with OneDrive may show check marks or overlays.

  • Third-Party Software: Some apps like antivirus or cloud storage may add icons.

Step 1: Turn Off Desktop Icon Checkboxes

Windows 11 has a built-in feature to display checkboxes for selected items:

  1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.

  2. Hover over View.

  3. Uncheck Show checkboxes for icons.

✅ This is usually the simplest way to remove the check marks.

Step 2: Check OneDrive Status Icons

If you use OneDrive, the check marks may be status indicators:

  • Green Check with White Background: File is available offline.

  • White Check in Green Circle: File is synced to OneDrive.

To Adjust OneDrive Status Indicators:

  1. Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.

  2. Go to Settings → Account → Choose folders.

  3. Adjust syncing preferences or deselect “Always keep on this device” for files you don’t need offline.

⚡ This removes the persistent check marks for OneDrive files.

Step 3: Restart File Explorer

Sometimes the check marks remain due to a temporary glitch:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Find Windows Explorer under Processes.

  3. Right-click → Restart.

🖱️ Your desktop may flicker, but this refresh often removes unwanted icons.

Step 4: Clear Icon Cache

A corrupted icon cache can cause visual anomalies:

  1. Press Win + R, type %localappdata%, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to Microsoft\Windows\Explorer.

  3. Delete files starting with iconcache (e.g., iconcache_*.db).

  4. Restart your PC.

🔧 Windows will rebuild the icon cache automatically.

Step 5: Disable Third-Party Overlays

Programs like antivirus software, cloud storage apps, or customization tools can add overlays:

  1. Open the application causing the overlay.

  2. Look for settings → icon overlays or desktop notifications.

  3. Turn off check marks or status indicators.

⚠️ Disabling overlays can reduce clutter without affecting functionality.

Step 6: Use Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

If check marks persist, a registry tweak can help:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons

  3. Create a new String Value if not present: 29.

  4. Set its value to an empty icon file path:

    %windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50

  5. Restart your PC or Windows Explorer.

⚠️ Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Backup before making changes.

Step 7: Check Folder Options

  1. Open File Explorer → View → Options → View tab.

  2. Ensure Display file icon on thumbnails is checked.

  3. Uncheck Always show icons, never thumbnails if enabled.

💡 This ensures correct icon display without extra check marks.

Step 8: Update Windows 11

Sometimes, check marks appear due to system bugs:

  1. Press Win + I → Windows Update → Check for updates.

  2. Install any available updates.

  3. Restart your PC.

🛠️ Updates often fix visual glitches including unwanted check marks.

Step 9: Reset Desktop Icon Settings

  1. Right-click on your desktop → Personalize → Themes → Desktop icon settings.

  2. Remove and re-add icons as needed.

  3. Apply changes.

🔄 This can refresh icon display and remove check marks.

Step 10: Scan for Malware or Corruption

Occasionally, unwanted overlays are caused by malware:

  1. Run Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection → Quick Scan.

  2. Use a trusted third-party scanner if necessary.

  3. Remove any threats detected.

Step 11: Disable Tablet Mode Check Marks (If Applicable)

If using a touchscreen device:

  1. Press Win + I → System → Tablet.

  2. Ensure Tablet mode is off.

  3. Restart Windows Explorer.

💡 Tablet mode sometimes adds selection checkboxes automatically.

Step 12: Adjust Desktop Icon Size

Sometimes check marks appear more prominent with certain icon sizes:

  1. Right-click on the desktop → View.

  2. Choose Medium icons or Small icons.

  3. See if the check marks appear less intrusive.

Step 13: Log Out and Log Back In

Logging out and back in can refresh icon states:

  1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del → Sign out.

  2. Log back into your account.

  3. Check if the check marks are gone.

Step 14: Create a New User Account (Optional)

If all else fails:

  1. Press Win + I → Accounts → Family & other users → Add account.

  2. Create a new local or Microsoft account.

  3. Log in to the new account and check if desktop icons are clean.

⚠️ Sometimes corrupted profiles display unusual icon behavior.

Step 15: Maintain a Clean Desktop

  • Avoid too many icons on the desktop.

  • Regularly sync or organize files in folders.

  • Keep OneDrive and other cloud apps updated.

  • Use desktop cleanup tools sparingly.

Conclusion

Getting rid of check marks on desktop icons in Windows 11 is usually a simple fix, whether it’s turning off checkboxes, adjusting OneDrive settings, or refreshing File Explorer. By following this step-by-step guide, you can enjoy a clean, visually appealing desktop without distractions.

Remember, the solution depends on why the check marks appear, so try the methods in order—from simple to advanced—for the best results.

FAQs

1. Why do check marks appear on my desktop icons in Windows 11?

Check marks usually indicate selected files, OneDrive status, or overlays from third-party apps.

2. How do I turn off selection checkboxes?

Right-click the desktop → View → Show checkboxes for icons → Uncheck.

3. Are OneDrive check marks removable?

Yes. Adjust syncing preferences in OneDrive settings or deselect “Always keep on this device.”

4. Can I remove check marks using the registry?

Yes, advanced users can edit the registry to override icon overlays, but backup your system first.

5. Why do check marks keep coming back?

They may reappear due to OneDrive syncing, third-party overlays, or Windows updates resetting settings.

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