Question
Issue: What are brown box icons on my pictures and how to remove them in Windows?
Hello. Recently I noticed small brown box icons on most of my files in Windows 11. What do they mean and how do I get rid of them?
Solved Answer
Windows 11 is the newest operating system version of Microsoft. It came out with a new user interface, design, and features. Unfortunately, many people experience various bugs and inconveniences. We previously wrote about Windows 11 issues, such as icons keep disappearing from taskbar, Security Dashboard won't open, and audio stopped working.
Recently, users encountered another problem that does not interfere with their work but is annoying. People noticed small brown icons that look like boxes next to their files. Research says that it is most likely an updated way of identifying which files are not stored on your device, but are linked to the cloud or OneDrive.
Some people say that the brown boxes did not affect their ability to open files, but for others, the files were impossible to open if they are not connected to the Internet. It is unknown how exactly people can get rid of this identification as different methods work for different people.
In this guide, you will find 9 options that should help you remove brown box icons on pictures and folders in Windows. We also recommend using a maintenance tool like RestoroMac Washing Machine X9. It can automatically fix most system errors, BSODs,[1] corrupted files, and registry[2] issues or clear your system from cookies and cache.[3] Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Solution 1. Log Out and Log In to OneDrive
- Open OneDrive and click on your account icon
- Click on the Sign out button and close OneDrive
- Now open OneDrive and sign-in
Solution 2. Disable Archive Apps
- Enter Settings on Windows Search Menu and click on Open
- Click on Apps on the left sidebar
- Then click on Apps & Features
- Press on More Settings, then select Archive Apps and turn it off
Solution 3. Uninstall OneDrive
- Open the Windows Start Menu, then select All apps
- Go to OneDrive, right-click on it and select Uninstall
- Check if the brown icon box disappeared from your files
- If not, download OneDrive and reinstall it
Solution 4. Turn on Network for OneDrive
- Go to Settings and click on System
- Go to OneDrive, and then Network
- If a message pops up saying it is shut off, turn it on for private network sharing
- Check if the issue is resolved
Solution 5. Always keep on this device
- Open Windows Explorer
- 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
- Select Always keep on this device
- Check if the brown boxes disappeared
Solution 6. Refresh Desktop
- Right-click anywhere on your desktop
- Click Refresh from the menu
Solution 7. Manage Backup
- In the System tray, right-click the OneDrive icon and click on Settings
- Select the Backup tab
- Select Manage backup and add or remove whichever folders you're having the problem with
Solution 8. Disable Storage Sense
- Enter Settings on Windows Search and click on Open
- Click on Storage
- Under Storage management, turn off Storage Sense
Solution 9. Use System Restore
- Go to the Start menu, type
restore
, and click on Create a restore point - Click System Restore, then follow the prompts until you can select a restore point
- Select the one you want (ideally before the brown box icon issue began) and go ahead with the process
Repair your Errors automatically
ugetfix.com team is trying to do its best to help users find the best solutions for eliminating their errors. If you don't want to struggle with manual repair techniques, please use the automatic software. All recommended products have been tested and approved by our professionals. Tools that you can use to fix your error are listed bellow:
Protect your online privacy with a VPN client
A VPN is crucial when it comes to user privacy. Online trackers such as cookies can not only be used by social media platforms and other websites but also your Internet Service Provider and the government. Even if you apply the most secure settings via your web browser, you can still be tracked via apps that are connected to the internet. Besides, privacy-focused browsers like Tor is are not an optimal choice due to diminished connection speeds. The best solution for your ultimate privacy is Private Internet Access – be anonymous and secure online.
Data recovery tools can prevent permanent file loss
Data recovery software is one of the options that could help you recover your files. Once you delete a file, it does not vanish into thin air – it remains on your system as long as no new data is written on top of it. Data Recovery Pro is recovery software that searchers for working copies of deleted files within your hard drive. By using the tool, you can prevent loss of valuable documents, school work, personal pictures, and other crucial files.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. Everything You Need To Know About the Blue Screen of Death. Howtogeek. Technology Magazine.
- ^ Tim Fisher. What Is the Windows Registry?. Lifewire. Software and Apps.
- ^ Difference between Cache and Cookies. Geeksforgeeks. IT Education.