In Windows 10, OneDrive overlays badges on files to indicate sync status, such as active syncing or fully synced items marked with green checkmarks. These work well in most views but clash in List or Details mode, obscuring file icons and causing mix-ups—like mistaking a Word doc for an Excel sheet.
OneDrive lacks a native option to remove these badges, but as a Windows specialist with extensive experience troubleshooting sync issues, I recommend using NirSoft's trusted ShellExView tool or enabling Files On-Demand as a reliable workaround.
ShellExView is a free, reputable utility for managing shell extensions. Download it in ZIP or installer format below.
Download ShellExView
Extract or install, then run as administrator (right-click the executable > Run as administrator). It scans and lists all shell extensions.
Scroll to find "UpToDateCloudOverlayHandler Class", "UpToDatePinnedOverlayHandler Class", and "UpToDateUnpinnedOverlayHandler Class". Ctrl+click to select all three, right-click, and choose Disable Selected Items.
Restart your PC. Green checkmarks in OneDrive folders will be gone, while sync, share, and error badges remain for essential status checks.
Note: Re-enable anytime by selecting and choosing Enable Selected Items in ShellExView.Avoid disabling other badges unless critical—these provide vital feedback:
Disabling sync error badges, for instance, hides issues you'd otherwise spot easily beyond notifications.
Shift badges to a dedicated Status column via Files On-Demand (requires Windows 10 Fall Creators Update v1709+). Note: New downloads become placeholders until accessed.
Right-click the OneDrive tray icon > More > Settings.
Go to Settings tab, check Files On-Demand, and click OK.
In OneDrive folders, badges now appear in a separate column, even in List or Large Icons views—clear icons, no overlap.
Note: Cloud icons mark placeholders; right-click > Always keep on this device to download.These proven methods—ShellExView for full removal or Files On-Demand for separation—eliminate green checkmark clutter. Enjoy confusion-free file browsing in OneDrive.
