Green Checkmarks on Desktop Icons: How to Remove Them

If you've noticed green checkmarks on your desktop icons in Windows, this is likely due to file synchronization with OneDrive or other cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive. These checkmarks indicate that files have been successfully synced to the cloud and are available offline. To remove these marks, follow the steps below:

1. Check OneDrive Settings

OneDrive often places green checkmarks on files that have been synced. To remove them:

• Open OneDrive (the cloud icon in the taskbar at the bottom-right corner of your screen).
• Click on Settings and go to the Account tab.
• Uncheck the boxes for folders synced to your desktop, or adjust the sync settings to exclude desktop files.

2. Disable or Adjust Sync Icon Overlays

If you prefer not to see sync icons on your desktop, you can adjust these settings:

• In File Explorer, click on the View tab.
• Select Options and open the View tab in the options window.
• Disable the Show sync icons option if available, or adjust the settings in the Navigation Pane or Taskbar sections.

3. Review Settings in Other Sync Applications

Sometimes green checkmarks appear due to other cloud services:

• Open settings for services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
• Look for options related to showing sync status on icons and disable them.

4. Restart Your System

After adjusting sync settings, it’s best to restart your computer to refresh the desktop icons.

By following these steps, you can remove green checkmarks from your desktop icons and enjoy a clean, organized Windows interface.