OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop Green Check Marks on Desktop Icons in Windows 10

Kushani Nimanthika Sep 29, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to remove the green check mark overlays that appear on Windows 10 desktop shortcut and file icons.

How to Remove Green Check Marks from Desktop Icons in Windows 10

Product: Microsoft OneDrive / Windows 10
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Managing desktop icon appearance and modifying OneDrive synchronization behaviors.
Observed behavior: Desktop shortcut and file icons automatically display a green check mark overlay, which is a visual indicator for OneDrive synchronization status.

Before you start

Verify that all your important files are fully stored locally on your hard drive and that no unsynchronized data could be lost before modifying OneDrive settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Uninstall OneDrive from Windows Settings

If you do not use OneDrive for cloud storage, uninstalling the application is the most effective way to permanently remove the synchronization overlays.

Green check marks indicate that OneDrive is integrated with File Explorer and actively monitoring your files. OneDrive may remain integrated and display these icons even if you are not actively signed in.

Uninstalling the application will remove this integration and clear the overlays without deleting your local files.

Open Windows Settings

Click the Windows Start button and select the gear icon to open Settings, or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.

Navigate to Apps & Features

Click on 'Apps' in the Settings menu, then select 'Apps & features' from the left-hand pane.

Locate and Uninstall OneDrive

Scroll down the app list or use the search box to find 'Microsoft OneDrive'. Click on it, select 'Uninstall', and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the removal.

Uninstall OneDrive from Windows Settings

Keep Windows Updated: It is recommended to keep Windows 10 fully updated before removing system-integrated applications like OneDrive to ensure a clean uninstallation.

Solution 2

Stop Syncing the Desktop Folder in OneDrive

If you want to keep OneDrive installed for other files but want to remove the check marks from your desktop, you can exclude the Desktop folder from cloud backups.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a solid green circle with a white check mark mean on my icons?

This specific OneDrive status icon indicates that a file or folder is marked as 'Always keep on this device'. It means the file has been fully downloaded to your hard drive and is available even when you are disconnected from the internet.

Will uninstalling OneDrive delete my personal files?

No, uninstalling the Microsoft OneDrive application from Windows 10 will not delete your local files. However, you should always ensure your files are completely downloaded to your local drive before proceeding with the uninstallation.

Why did the green check marks suddenly appear on my desktop?

These icons often appear after a Windows update, or if OneDrive was recently signed into and automatically began backing up your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to your 5 GB free cloud storage.

Document & File Issues