How to remove the arrow from shortcut icons

Shortcut icons are a great idea: a fast, convenient way to access your frequently used folders and open your favorite applications. But there’s something I hate about shortcuts and that is the annoying arrow that Windows displays over them.

I know this arrow helps us distinguishing these icons from the real executable so that you don’t erase it by mistake. But I’m already a grown-up and I don’t need anybody to tell me how to manage my icons, so I’ve decided to get rid of it.

The first step then is downloading Tweak UI, a small tool developed by Microsoft to customize some hidden settings in the Windows user interface. Once installed on the hard drive, simply launch the program and click on “Explorer” and then on “Shortcut” in the left-side menu. You’ll be offered the possibility to change the shortcut arrow, customize it or -here comes the best part- remove it completely. Click on “Apply” and you’re done. Bye-bye arrows!