Windows 11 users shocked as hidden ‘drop shadow’ feature found on desktop icons - Learn how to remove it now!
Users of Windows 11 were recently shocked to discover a hidden ‘drop shadow’ feature present on their desktop icons. The drop shadow is a subtle effect that makes the icons look like they are floating on the desktop. While some users may prefer this effect, there are others who find it distracting and want to remove it.
In this article, we will show you how to remove the drop shadow from your desktop icons in Windows 11.
What is the ‘drop shadow’ effect?
The drop shadow effect is a shadow created under an object to give the impression that the object is floating above the surface it is sitting on. In the context of Windows 11, the drop shadow effect is applied to the desktop icons to make them stand out and also to give them a depth effect.
The drop shadow effect is not a new feature, as it has been around in previous versions of Windows. However, in Windows 11, the effect is more pronounced, which is why some users are finding it distracting.
How to remove the drop shadow effect in Windows 11
If you are one of the users who find the drop shadow effect distracting and want to remove it, here are the steps to do so:
Right-click on the desktop and select ‘Personalize’.
In the Personalization window, select ‘Colors’ in the left-hand menu.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on ‘Advanced display settings’.
In the Advanced display settings window, select ‘Display adapter properties’.
In the Display properties window, click on the ‘Troubleshoot’ tab.
Click on the ‘Change settings’ button.
Move the ‘Hardware acceleration’ slider to the left, to disable the hardware acceleration.
Click on ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’ to save the changes.
After following these steps, the drop shadow effect should be removed from your desktop icons. If you want to enable the drop shadow effect again, simply move the ‘Hardware acceleration’ slider back to the right to re-enable it.
Conclusion
The drop shadow effect on desktop icons in Windows 11 is a subtle but divisive feature. Some users find it visually appealing while others find it distracting. If you fall into the latter category, you can follow the steps above to disable the effect, and if you prefer it, you can always enable the feature again.
Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 apply the drop shadow effect on desktop icons. The drop shadow effects are barely visible, mainly if you use a dark background image. However, if you use a lighter wallpaper, you can see the shadows underneath the desktop icon texts. Drop shadow effect is applied to make the icon text more visible, but the same feature can make text difficult to read in a few displays and lighter wallpapers. You may find it very difficult to read the icon label at times, making the text appear blurry.
Steps to Remove the Drop Shadow From Desktop Icons in Windows 11
Hence, if you cannot read the icon labels due to the drop shadow effect, you need to turn it off manually from the Settings. Below, we have shared a step-by-step guide on removing the drop shadow effect from desktop icons in Windows 11. Let’s check out.
1. Disable Drop Shadow Effect via Settings
This method will use Windows 11’s Settings app to disable the drop shadow effect. Here are some of the simple steps you need to follow.
First, click on the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.
Next, click on the System tab on the Settings app on the right pane.
On the right, scroll down to the end and click on the About.
On the About page, scroll down and click on the Advanced System Settings link.
This will open the System Properties Window. You need to switch to the Advanced tab, as shown in the screenshot.
Next, click on the Settings button under the Performance.
On the Performance option, switch to the Visual Effects tab. Select the Custom option and uncheck the ‘Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop’. Once done, click on the Ok button.
That’s it! This will hide the drop shadow effect from the desktop icons on your Windows 11 PC.
2. Disable Desktop Icon Drop Shadow Effect via Registry Editor
This method will use the Registry Editor to disable the desktop icon drop shadow. Here are some of the simple steps you need to follow.
First, click on the Windows 11 search and type Registry Editor. Next, open the Registry Editor app from the list.
On the Registry Editor, navigate to the path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
On the right pane, find and double click on the ListviewShadow.
If you want to disable the Drop Shadow effect, enter 0 on the Value data field. To enable the drop shadow effect again, you must enter 1 on the Value data field. Once done, click on the Ok button.
That’s it! This is how you can disable the drop shadow from desktop icons in Windows 11. Make sure to restart your computer after applying the changes. So, that’s all about how to disable the drop shadow effect from desktop icons in Windows 11. If you use a light background, it’s best to disable the drop shadow effect for texts in the desktop icons.
