How to Get Rid of Check Marks on Desktop Icons in Windows 11

How to Remove Check Marks from Desktop Icons in Windows 11

Those annoying check marks on your desktop icons in Windows 11 can be pretty frustrating. Usually, they mean your files are syncing with OneDrive, which is all good in theory, but it can be a pain when all you want is a clean desktop. Luckily, there’s a quick fix to hide those little marks—if you know where to look.

Start by opening File Explorer. The quickest way? Just tap the Windows key + E or click on that folder icon in the taskbar if you prefer. Either way, you’ll end up where all the magic happens. Be prepared to sift through some menus though — Windows likes to keep things a bit tucked away.

Once you’re in File Explorer, look at the top for the “View” tab. If it’s not something you’ve paid much attention to before, don’t stress; it’s easy to miss. Clicking on it reveals a bunch of options for how your files are displayed. But to get rid of those check marks, you’ll want to dig a bit deeper.

After clicking “View,” hover over “Show.” Here’s where all the checkboxes for file visibility live. The check marks come from the “Item check boxes” setting, which is usually turned on by default. Just uncheck that box, and voilà—those check marks will no longer clutter your desktop. Small change, but it makes a big difference for your workspace.

If you’re feeling a bit more tech-savvy and want to go the more advanced route, you can tweak the registry:

Open Registry Editor: Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Follow this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Create or edit: Find or make a DWORD (32-bit) value named AutoCheckSelect and set it to 0 to remove those check boxes.

Once you’ve done that, just close the Registry Editor. No need to save — Windows does that automatically. When everything reloads, those pesky check marks should be gone.

And that’s basically it! Your desktop should look a whole lot tidier. Those check marks can be like digital background noise, and getting rid of them helps you focus better. Plus, a cleaner workspace can actually give your productivity a bit of a boost.

Tips for Removing Check Marks on Desktop Icons in Windows 11

If jumping into File Explorer every time feels a bit much just to tidy up those check marks, here are some handy tips:

Use Shortcuts: Knock them out quick with Windows key + E instead of digging through menus.
Check Your OneDrive: If those check marks are still bugging you, they might be linked to OneDrive syncing. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray, select Settings, then go to the Account tab to pause sync or change what’s being synced to clear some icons.
Explore More: The “Show” menu isn’t just for check boxes—have a look at other options that might help keep your desktop tidy how you like it.
Keep Windows Up-to-Date: Updates can change how icons and features behave. Make sure your system’s fresh in Settings > Windows Update.
Back Up First: Before messing with the registry, it’s smart to set a restore point in Control Panel > System > System Protection.

FAQs

Why do I get check marks on my desktop icons?

They’re usually there when files are syncing with OneDrive, acting as a sign that sync is happening. If they only appear on certain files, it’s likely linked to OneDrive or another cloud service messing with your icons.

Can I remove the check marks without stopping OneDrive from syncing?

Absolutely. You can turn off the check marks in File Explorer or tweak your OneDrive settings without messing up your sync. Those marks are just visual — they don’t affect the actual syncing process.

Will removing the check marks affect my files?

Nope. Your files stay as they are and keep working just fine. You’re just cleaning up how they look on your desktop.

Are check marks a sign something’s wrong?

No, not at all. They’re just indicators. Some folks find them handy, but if they’re not your thing, no worries.

Can I turn the check marks back on?

Of course! Just follow the same steps and re-enable the “Item check boxes” option whenever you like. Easy as.

Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
Click the View tab.
Go to Show options.
Uncheck Item Check Boxes.
If you want, tweak your OneDrive sync settings too.
Close File Explorer and refresh your desktop if needed.

It’s amazing how a few clicks can tidy up your desktop. Giving those check marks the flick can make your workspace feel less cluttered, helping you focus better and cut out distractions. Hopefully, it saves you some headaches from staring at a cluttered screen!