What are these brown box icons in left bottom corner of my files??

Anonymous
2022-03-07T21:29:56+00:00

Does anyone know where these small brown box icons came from and what they mean?? I suddenly have these little brown icons (looks like a small file box) on most of my files, Word, pdf, photos, etc. I've googled the daylights out of this and apparently lots of folks have the same question but no one has an answer. I hasn't affected my ability to open files but it's really annoying! (see pic below) Does it have something to do with my upgrade to Windows 11?

Thanks!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

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Anonymous
2022-04-23T00:35:08+00:00

Had this exact same issue today. The resolution was quick no reinstall. I'm on Win11, so perhaps that was a plus in this scenario. Here's the fix that worked for me:

  1. Open windows explorer <windows-key + e>
  2. If you're using OneDrive you should see something like "OneDrive - Personal" within the left-hand pane. If so, Right-Click to access the context-menu.
  3. You should see the menu-item: "Always keep on this device", select this.
  4. Recheck your desktop; no more brown boxes, yay!

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-12-17T10:23:20+00:00

    Had the same situation and read through a lot of fixes but none of them worked.

    I eventually found out i just needed to update my PC and the boxes disappeared.

    I'm sure you've already fixed this by now, this is just for those looking for a quicker explanation and solution. If it works then i'm glad i could help, if not i'm sorry I couldn't.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-12T22:56:34+00:00

    An app called "fileview" also can cause it lol

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-11-03T20:26:32+00:00

    Thank you very much! It worked perfectly!

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-10-30T02:52:41+00:00

    I’m brand new to the pc world. My windows+e) just opened up some home panel. Found an easy work around for those who don’t know.

    1.Press the windows key

    2.Type “one drive” in search bar on top of the Fran you just opened

    3.In the new frame there will be a left hand side column. There you will find your one drive -“ personal”

    4.Lay your curser over “personal” and right click.

    5.Then lay your cursor over “always keep on this device”

    You’re was more than efficient, but some us are lacking in the tech section.

    Hope this helped

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