Alex Ruben
How to Eliminate Black Boxes on Desktop Icons in Windows 10/11
If you’re experiencing frustrating black boxes or glitches covering your desktop icons in Windows 10 or 11, you’re not alone. This common issue can disrupt your workflow and make your desktop look disorganized. Fortunately, you can resolve it quickly by following a few simple steps to reset folder icons and clear the thumbnail cache. By the end of this guide, you’ll have your desktop looking tidy and functional again, without the need for unnecessary reinstalls or complicated fixes.
Before you begin, ensure you have administrative privileges on your computer, as some actions will require these permissions. No additional software downloads are necessary for this process, as all required tools are built into Windows.
Step 1: Reset Folder Icon Settings
The first step in clearing up those pesky black boxes is to reset the folder icons back to their default settings. This can often resolve display issues related to icon rendering. Here’s how to do it:
- Right-click on the problematic folder that is displaying the black box.
- Select Properties from the context menu.
- Navigate to the Customize tab.
- Under the Folder icons section, click the Change Icon… button.
- In the Change Icon window, select the default folder icon (usually the first item in the list).
- Click OK, then hit Apply, and finally click OK again to confirm your changes.
Resetting the folder icons can immediately clear up display glitches, allowing your desktop to appear correctly once again.
Step 2: Clear the Thumbnail Cache Using Disk Cleanup
After resetting the folder icons, the next step is to clear the thumbnail cache. This cache can become corrupted and lead to display issues. Here’s how to clear it:
- Open the Start menu and type
Disk Cleanupinto the search bar. - Select Disk Cleanup from the results.
- In the Disk Cleanup window, choose the drive where Windows is installed (usually Drive C) and click OK.
- Scroll down to find and check the box next to Thumbnails and any other temporary files you wish to delete.
- Click OK, then confirm by selecting Delete Files.
Clearing the thumbnail cache not only helps in resolving display glitches but also optimizes system performance by reducing load time for icon previews.
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
Once you’ve completed the above steps, it’s important to restart your computer. This ensures that all changes take effect properly, and any remaining cache is cleared from memory. To do this:
- Click on the Start button.
- Select Power and then click Restart.
After your system restarts, check your desktop to see if the black boxes have been eliminated.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you still see black boxes on your desktop icons after following these steps, consider checking for Windows updates or running a system file checker scan. You can do this by opening the Command Prompt as an administrator and running the command sfc /scannow. This checks for and attempts to repair any corrupted files within Windows.
Additionally, if the issue persists, consider creating a new user profile, as user-specific settings and caches can sometimes lead to display issues.
Conclusion
In summary, resetting folder icons and clearing the thumbnail cache are effective methods for resolving black box glitches on desktop icons in Windows 10 and 11. By following this guide, you not only restore the visual integrity of your desktop but also improve overall system performance. If you encounter further issues, do not hesitate to explore other troubleshooting methods or seek additional support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there black boxes on my desktop icons?
Black boxes on desktop icons are typically caused by a corrupted thumbnail cache or folder display settings.
Will clearing the thumbnail cache delete my files?
No, clearing the thumbnail cache does not delete any files. It only removes cached image previews for files and folders.
What should I do if the issue persists after following these steps?
If the issue continues, consider checking for Windows updates or running a system file checker scan using the command sfc /scannow.