In some of our previous articles, for example – 2 small blue arrow overlays appearing on desktop icons, overlay icons on encrypted files and blue and yellow shield icons, we explained what these overlays are and how delete them. In this article we will explain and show how to remove the chevron (>>) character in a blue box icon overlay on some files in Windows 10.
Generally, Windows provides default icons for each item displayed on the desktop and in Windows Explorer. These icons often provide the user with an overview of the content of the file or program associated with it.
Chevron (>>) character in a blue box icons overlay
This particular icon overlay occurs if third-party antivirus software is installed. This occurs after a file backup created automatically by the AV software, displaying a checkmark or a double-headed arrow (chevron) in a blue box overlay with the icon. The icon displayed simply indicates that the file has been modified by its last backup.
How to remove the chevron character (>>) in a blue box icon overlay
This overlay of icons is more or less harmful for your PC, as explained above. However, if you feel a slight discomfort about overlaying icons, you can easily delete it.
To remove this overlay icon, you must uncheck the status indicators of the backup on the settings of the third-party antivirus software. We explain below how to proceed in Norton Security. You can disable the backup from the Settings window, Backup settings window, or the Backup details window.
Disable the backup from the Settings window
- Start Norton.
- If you see the My Norton window, next to Security of the device, Click on Open.
- In the Norton main window, click Settings.
- In the Settings window, under Quick checks, do the following:
- To disable the backup, uncheck Backup.
Disable Backup from the Norton Backup Settings Window
- Start Norton.
- If you see the My Norton window, next to Security of the device, Click on Open.
- In the Norton main window, click Settings.
- In the Settings window, click Backup settings.
- In the Backup Settings window, do the following:
- To disable the backup, move the On / Off switch to Of.
- In the Settings window, click Apply.
Disable Backup from the Backup Details Window
- Start Norton.
- If you see the My Norton window, next to Security of the device, Click on Open.
- In the Norton main window, click safeguard, then click See the details.
- in the Backup details window under Things you can do, do the following:
- To disable the backup, click Disable backup.
If you have another third-party installed audiovisual program other than Norton, see the program guide for how to disable the backup for the software.
POINT: Using Nirsoft.net's ShellExView tool, you will be able to identify the program responsible for this overlay of icons. You can also disable it here.
