In this article, we will guide you through the process of removing the name (or text) from your desktop icons in Windows 11 or Windows 10. Desktop icons are a convenient way to access frequently used programs and files, but sometimes you may prefer a clean and clutter-free desktop without the accompanying text beneath the icons.
Removing the text from your desktop icons can help you achieve a cleaner, more minimalist look for your computer’s interface, making it easier to identify icons based on their visual appearance alone. We will discuss various methods to remove the name text from your desktop icons, allowing you to personalize your desktop and create a unique user experience.
See also: How to Undo Desktop Icon Changes in Windows 11
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Removing desktop icon name using invisible Unicode character
One of the easiest ways to remove the name from a desktop icon is by using an invisible Unicode character. You can achieve this by renaming the icon and replacing its text with the Unicode character Alt 0160:
- Right-click the desktop icon you want to remove the text from and click on “Rename“.
- Press and hold the Alt key.
- While holding down the Alt key, type 0160 using the numeric keypad.
- Release the Alt key, and you will see the text replaced by an invisible character.
- Press “Enter” to save the changes.
Now the icon’s name is replaced with an invisible character, making the text disappear. This method works well for individual icons and helps maintain a clean and organized appearance for your desktop.
Pro tip: How to Make a Picture an Icon in Windows 11
Removing text from multiple desktop icons
The method mentioned above might not work for multiple icons with the same “blank” name. In such cases, you can use different Unicode characters to rename the other icons:
- Right-click the second desktop icon you want to remove the text from and click on “Rename”.
- Press and hold the Alt key.
- While holding down the Alt key, type 255 or 0173 using the numeric keypad.
- Release the Alt key, and you will see the text replaced by a different invisible character.
- Press “Enter” to save the changes.
Repeat this process, alternating between the Unicode characters Alt 255 and Alt 0173 for each subsequent icon. This way, you can have multiple icons without visible text while still having unique names for each of them.
In addition to using different Unicode characters for multiple icons, there’s another useful tip to prevent overlapping names while removing the text from multiple icons. You can enter multiple instances of the same invisible Unicode character for a name. This allows each icon to have a unique “blank” name, preventing conflicts that may arise when two icons share the same invisible character as their name.
For example, if you’ve used the Alt 0160 character for the first icon, you can use two instances of Alt 0160 for the second icon, three instances for the third icon, and so on. This ensures that each icon has a distinct name, even though they appear to have no text. By applying this technique, you can maintain a clean and organized desktop while avoiding potential issues that may occur when multiple icons have identical names.
Useful tip: Save and Restore Positions of Desktop Icons in Windows 11/10
Copying invisible characters from a text editor
If you cannot use the ALT code when renaming an icon, you can first type it into a text editor, such as Notepad, and then copy and paste the character to the icons:
- Open a text editor, like Notepad.
- Press and hold the Alt key.
- While holding down the Alt key, type 0160, 255, or 0173 using the numeric keypad.
- Release the Alt key, and you will see the invisible character in the text editor.
- Copy the invisible character.
- Right-click the desktop icon you want to remove the text from and click on “Rename”.
- Paste the invisible character as the new name and press “Enter” to save the changes.
This method is particularly useful if you experience difficulties using the ALT codes directly on the desktop icons.
Related guide: How to Change Desktop Icon Spacing in Windows 11
Using a third-party tool
Using a third-party tool like Iconoid can help you remove the text from desktop icons and blend them into the background. Iconoid can change both the desktop icon’s text color and the icon background to white or the same color, making it appear as if the text is gone. Here’s how:
- Download and install Iconoid from the official website.
- Launch Iconoid and navigate to the “Colors” tab.
- Under “Text Color“, choose a custom color to match your desktop background.
- Under “Icon Background“, select “Transparent” or choose a custom color to match your desktop background. You can also set both the text color and icon background to the same custom color of your choice, such as white. By setting both the text color and the icon background to the same color, you make the text blend into the icon background, creating the illusion that the text is gone.
- Click on “Apply” and then on “Hide” to minimize Iconoid to the system tray.
Now the text of your desktop icons should blend into the background, making it appear as if the text is gone. This method is especially helpful for those who want more control over the appearance of their desktop icons without manually renaming each one.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, removing the name or text from your desktop icons can help you achieve a more streamlined and visually appealing desktop interface, while also providing additional privacy and security benefits. By hiding the icon name, you can make it more difficult for other users to identify the contents of your desktop at a glance, which can help protect your privacy and security.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that removing the text does not provide foolproof security, and it should not be relied upon as the sole security measure for your computer. It’s important to use other security measures such as password protection or encryption if you want to keep your files and programs truly secure.
Overall, customizing your desktop interface can be a fun and rewarding way to personalize your computer experience. By experimenting with different customization options and finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality, you can create a desktop interface that reflects your unique style and preferences, while also taking steps to protect your privacy and security.
