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

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

Ever noticed those check marks on your desktop icons in Windows 11? They might be small, but they can be pretty annoying. Getting rid of these check marks is a breeze. Basically, you need to tweak a setting in your File Explorer options, and within minutes, those pesky check marks will be history.

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

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you remove those check marks on your desktop icons in Windows 11. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a clean, check-free desktop in no time.

Step 1: Open File Explorer Options

First, you need to access the File Explorer Options.

To do this, open File Explorer and click on the three-dot menu at the top-right corner. Select ‘Options’ from the dropdown menu. This will open the File Explorer Options window where you can make changes.

Step 2: Go to the View Tab

Now, navigate to the ‘View’ tab in the File Explorer Options.

The View tab contains various settings for how your files and folders are displayed. Here, you can modify settings related to file icons, thumbnails, and much more.

Step 3: Uncheck "Use Check Boxes to Select Items"

In the View tab, find and uncheck the option that says "Use check boxes to select items."

Unchecking this option will remove the check marks from your desktop icons, as well as other items in File Explorer. This setting causes the check boxes to appear, so disabling it will make them disappear.

Step 4: Apply and Click OK

After unchecking the option, click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’ to save your changes.

Once you’ve applied the changes, the File Explorer Options window will close, and you should notice that the check marks on your desktop icons are gone.

After following these steps, your desktop icons should no longer have check marks. Your desktop should look cleaner and less cluttered.

Tips for Getting Rid of Check Marks on Desktop Icons in Windows 11

• Make sure to carefully follow each step to avoid missing any important action.
• If the changes don’t apply immediately, try restarting your computer.
• These steps also remove check marks from other areas in File Explorer, not just the desktop.
• If you ever want the check marks back, just follow the same steps and recheck the "Use check boxes to select items" option.
• If you encounter any issues, consider checking for Windows updates, as updates can sometimes reset settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my desktop icons have check marks?

The check marks appear because the "Use check boxes to select items" option is enabled in the File Explorer Options.

Are check marks harmful to my computer?

No, they are not harmful. They are just a visual aid to make selecting multiple items easier.

Can I remove check marks only from desktop icons but keep them elsewhere?

Unfortunately, the setting is universal, so you can’t specify it for desktop icons alone.

Will this affect the performance of my computer?

No, changing this setting will not affect the performance of your computer at all.

What should I do if the check marks reappear?

If the check marks reappear, go back to the File Explorer Options and ensure that the setting remains unchecked. Sometimes updates can reset preferences.

Summary

1. Open File Explorer Options.
2. Go to the View tab.
3. Uncheck "Use check boxes to select items."
4. Apply and click OK.

Conclusion

There you have it—a simple guide to getting rid of those annoying check marks on desktop icons in Windows 11. This small tweak can make a big difference in how tidy your desktop looks. If you’re anything like me, a clutter-free workspace helps you stay focused and productive. Removing these check marks is quick and simple, so why not give it a shot? And remember, if you ever miss those check marks, you can always bring them back by reversing these steps. For more tips and tricks on customizing your Windows 11 experience, stay tuned to our blog. Happy tidying!