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
    2022-11-20T18:10:59+00:00

    hi! so i was just having the same issue after i just built my OC and installed windows 11 too and i was clicking around after also trying the previously suggested fixes with no success.

    HERE IS HOW TO FIX: .... so simple lol

    In files app, right click on One Drive and select properties, under attributes uncheck the read only box and click apply and the icons should disappear!

    you can now open your docs in the apps instead of having to do it on the website. :)

    the read only box with re check itself if you right click and go to properties again but im not sure if this will effect the docs in the future. i hope it doesnt otherwise il just keep unchecking that box every time they reappear for some reason.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-11-21T09:09:26+00:00

    I appreciate the answer, but I am a forgetful person. I will have to copy and keep this for the next time I forget what the solution was to this problem.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-11-22T23:34:12+00:00

    Brilliant!

    A fix that actually worked.

    Give yourself a pat on the back.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-11-25T20:37:19+00:00

    Hi there. I have the same issue only I can't open these files. I don't have what you suggested (settings > apps > apps and feature archive apps >) on my laptop.

    These files are in OneDrive which was given to me by Yorkville University while I was a student in their online program. I have since graduated, and I've been told to move any files I value from their OneDrive by November 30 or my files will be deleted. That is understandable, but I no longer have access to some of these files that have these brown boxes in the left-hand corner. I can't open them, rename them, or edit anything. Please help. As I have many files affected by this "brown box". What does the brown box mean??

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