How to Remove Check Marks on Desktop Icons in Windows 10

Many Windows 10 users have reported seeing unusual check marks or green overlay icons on their desktop files and folders. In my experience as a tech expert, these check marks are often related to the file synchronization features of cloud storage services such as OneDrive or Dropbox. As an expert on tech-related issues, troubleshooting, and how-to articles, I’m Tracy, and I’m here to guide you through the simple process of removing those check marks on your desktop icons.

Step 1: Identify the Source of Check Marks

Before we begin the removal process, it’s crucial to identify which application is causing these check marks to appear. Typically, if you have OneDrive or Dropbox installed, those are the prime suspects.

Step 2: Adjusting OneDrive Settings

If the check marks are from OneDrive, you’ll need to alter its settings to remove them:

1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
2. Select ‘Settings’ from the context menu.
3. Under the ‘Settings’ tab, uncheck the option “Use Office applications to sync Office files that I open.”
4. Click ‘OK’ to save changes and close the dialog.

Step 3: Adjusting Dropbox Settings

For those using Dropbox, the steps are just as simple:

1. Right-click the Dropbox icon in the system tray.
2. Click your profile picture or initials and select ‘Preferences’.
3. Under the ‘General’ tab, disable the ‘Show desktop notifications’ and ‘Badge’ to turn off the check marks.
4. Click ‘OK’ to save your settings.

Step 4: Disabling Icon Overlays in the Registry

If the previous steps don’t work, the more advanced users might want to try editing the Windows Registry:

1. Press ‘Win + R’, type in ‘regedit’, and hit ‘Enter’ to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ShellIconOverlayIdentifiers
3. Here you’ll see a list of all overlays. The ones with names such as “OneDrive”, “Dropbox”, “Google Drive” are likely responsible for the check marks.
4. Right-click on the key corresponding to your cloud service and select ‘Rename’. Add a space and a punctuation mark such as a dash (“-“) to the beginning of the name – this will effectively move it down the priority list and disable the overlay.
5. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Note: Modifying the registry can be risky, so please ensure you backup your registry before making changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can these check marks cause harm to my system?

No, these check marks are merely visual indicators and do not pose a threat to your system’s security or performance. They’re used by sync services to show the status of files being synced.

Will removing the check marks interfere with the synchronization process?

Removing the check marks will not stop your files from syncing. It will simply remove the visual indicators from your icons.

What should I do if I don’t use OneDrive or Dropbox and still see check marks?

In that case, there may be another application at play. Consider any other cloud storage or backup solutions you use and check their settings for corresponding options.

Removing the check marks on your desktop icons in Windows 10 is generally a fast and non-invasive process. Whether they’re a minor nuisance or a distraction, following the steps outlined above should eliminate those little green marks without disrupting your work or your system’s performance.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with another tech problem, feel free to reach out. And remember, always backup your system before making any significant changes, especially in the Registry Editor.