Green check marks on desktop icons in Windows 11 can be confusing for many users. These marks typically indicate that the files or folders are synced with OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service. While this feature is useful for ensuring your data is backed up, some users may find the green check marks distracting or unnecessary.
If you prefer a cleaner desktop or don’t use OneDrive, you might want to remove these marks. Below, we explore various methods to achieve this, depending on your preferences and system setup.
Method 1: Disable OneDrive Syncing
Step 1: Open OneDrive Settings
To remove green check marks, you can start by disabling OneDrive syncing. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select Settings. This will open the OneDrive configuration menu.
Step 2: Unlink Your Account
In the Account tab, click Unlink this PC. This will stop OneDrive from syncing files to your desktop, effectively removing the green check marks. Note that this will also stop cloud backups for your files.
Method 2: Hide OneDrive Files from Desktop
Step 1: Access OneDrive Folder Options
If you still want to use OneDrive but don’t want the green check marks on your desktop, you can hide the synced files. Open File Explorer and navigate to the OneDrive folder. Right-click and select Properties.
Step 2: Adjust Folder Settings
In the General tab, check the Hidden option and click Apply. This will hide the OneDrive folder and its contents from your desktop, removing the green check marks.
Method 3: Use Registry Editor
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
For advanced users, the Registry Editor offers a way to disable the green check marks. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Modify the Registry Key
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named EnableSyncProviderFlags and set its value to 0. This will disable the sync status icons, including the green check marks.
Method 4: Use Group Policy Editor
Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor
If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use the Group Policy Editor to remove the green check marks. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2: Disable Sync Provider Notifications
Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer. Find the policy named Turn off the display of sync provider notifications and enable it. This will remove the green check marks from your desktop icons.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Tools
Step 1: Download a Third-Party Tool
If you prefer a simpler solution, you can use third-party tools like Winaero Tweaker or Ultimate Windows Tweaker. These tools offer options to customize Windows 11, including removing sync status icons.
Step 2: Apply the Changes
After installing the tool, navigate to the sync status settings and disable the green check marks. These tools are user-friendly and don’t require advanced technical knowledge.
By following these methods, you can easily remove green check marks from your desktop icons in Windows 11. Whether you prefer disabling OneDrive, tweaking system settings, or using third-party tools, there’s a solution for everyone.