Icon Double Arrow: Unveiling the Significance of the Two Small Blue Arrows on Desktop Icons

The Windows operating system displays various overlay icons on desktop icons to convey specific information about the files or folders they represent. Among these overlay icons, the two small blue arrows are particularly noteworthy. This article delves into the meaning and implications of these double arrows, exploring their purpose, behavior, and methods for their removal.

Understanding the Icon Double Arrow

The two small blue arrows appearing on the top right corner of an icon indicate that the associated file or folder has been compressed to conserve disk space. This compression is achieved through an algorithm that reduces the data size while preserving its integrity. When a compressed file is accessed, the data is decompressed before being presented to the user.

Compression Behavior and Implications

The compression behavior of Windows is governed by specific rules:

Moving a file from a different NTFS drive into a compressed folder automatically compresses the file.

Moving a file from the same NTFS drive into a compressed folder retains the file’s original compression state.
The presence of the double arrows serves as a visual cue, informing the user that the file or folder has been compressed. This can be particularly useful when managing large numbers of files and folders, as it allows for quick identification of compressed items.

Removing the Icon Double Arrow

There are two primary methods for removing the icon double arrow:

1. Decompressing the File or Folder

Decompressing the compressed file or folder removes the double arrows. This can be achieved by right-clicking on the item, selecting “Properties,” navigating to the “Advanced” tab, and unchecking the “Compress contents to save disk space” option.

2. Modifying the Registry

Alternatively, the double arrows can be removed by modifying the Windows Registry. This involves creating or editing a string value named “179” under the “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons” registry key. The value data should be set to the full path of a blank icon file.

Conclusion

The two small blue arrows on desktop icons serve as visual indicators of compressed files or folders. Understanding their significance aids in managing and organizing digital resources effectively. The methods provided for removing the double arrows cater to different user preferences and technical expertise levels, allowing for customization of the desktop icon appearance.

FAQ

What do the two small blue arrows on a desktop icon signify?

The two small blue arrows on a desktop icon indicate that the associated file or folder has been compressed to save disk space. This compression is achieved through an algorithm that reduces the data size while preserving its integrity.

What is the purpose of compressing files and folders?

Compressing files and folders reduces their size, allowing for more efficient storage and transfer. This is particularly useful for large files or when dealing with limited storage space.

How can I remove the double arrows from a desktop icon?

There are two primary methods for removing the double arrows:

Decompress the compressed file or folder by right-clicking on the item, selecting “Properties,” navigating to the “Advanced” tab, and unchecking the “Compress contents to save disk space” option.
Modify the Windows Registry by creating or editing a string value named “179” under the “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons” registry key. Set the value data to the full path of a blank icon file.

What happens when I decompress a compressed file or folder?

Decompressing a compressed file or folder restores it to its original size and state. The data that was previously compressed is expanded, making it accessible in its entirety.

Does removing the double arrows affect the compression status of the file or folder?

No, removing the double arrows solely removes the visual indication of compression. The file or folder remains compressed, retaining its space-saving benefits.

Are there any potential drawbacks to compressing files and folders?

While compression offers space-saving advantages, it can also introduce some drawbacks. Compressed files may take longer to access and modify compared to uncompressed files due to the decompression process. Additionally, some compression algorithms may slightly degrade the quality of certain file types, such as images or audio files.