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
    2023-02-28T03:58:20+00:00

    I have the blasted brown box issue also, with all of my desktop items. This immediately followed a MS update installation that I had no idea what it is for, only that it kept pestering me to do it.

    In File Explorer, these same Desktop files are all green circled checkmarks. I can open them all, too.

    HOWEVER , I am now in the process of using EnricoJHowardSr's response ("Always keep on this device") There are 30,00 files downloading to OneDrive Personal. I sincerely doubt I've EVER had that many files in my lifetime.

    I am really worried.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-02-28T07:27:32+00:00

    HOWEVER , I am now in the process of using EnricoJHowardSr's response ("Always keep on this device") There are 30,00 files downloading to OneDrive Personal. I sincerely doubt I've EVER had that many files in my lifetime.

    Although the "Always keep on this device" does get rid of the brown box issue when I did it, it just filled up my local drive making copies of everything on the onedrive so in the end I had to revert back. Even if I did have the space I really don't want/need copies of the OneDrive data stored locally.

    After I reverted back, the brown boxes didn't reappear, I did ask ChatGPT about them and it stated:

    "The brown folder icons on your OneDrive files indicate that these files are placeholders and are not fully downloaded to your computer. These placeholders are useful for saving storage space on your computer while still being able to see and access all of your OneDrive files."

    It gave the advice to use the "Always keep on this device" but ended by stating:

    "Note that downloading all your files may consume a considerable amount of disk space, so ensure you have enough storage available on your computer."

    Ignore them and I guess they will go away, they did for me.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-02-28T17:48:19+00:00

    Response to Gordon D. Wimpress and Microsoft site, which are the same:

    Did not work for me - I am back to brown boxes all over my Desktop files. They still open, but this is REALLY annoying as it happened after an update to MS 11 that I have no idea what it was for. Avoid updates at all costs.

    Mary

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-02-28T20:16:56+00:00

    Oh my, Martin! I just lost the reply I was sending to you. URGH

    Thanks for your kind reply with useful, personal experience info.

    I have to keep this short, as I am on way out the door.

    Your last sentence puzzled me: "Ignore them and I guess they will go away, they did for me." I *think* you mean that you should not have gone thru the upload to OneDrive only to have to undo it again. Yes?

    Is is now confusing to not see all of your files in FIle Explorer, now that all files are not synced?

    Sorry - Gotta run

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