Step-by-Step Guide to Permanently Disable the “Learn More About This Picture” Icon in Windows 11
Key Notes
- Two primary methods exist: Registry Editor or third-party application.
- Always back up your registry before making changes.
- Explorer Patcher provides a user-friendly way to remove the icon.
Effortlessly Remove ‘Learn More About This Picture’ Icon in Windows 11
Are you tired of the “Learn more about this picture” icon cluttering your desktop when using Windows 11’s Spotlight wallpapers? This guide will help you eliminate it while still enjoying beautiful backgrounds.
Quick Solution: Disable Spotlight
For users looking for a straightforward fix, consider turning off the Windows Spotlight option entirely. This will revert your desktop to a more personalized setup with your chosen images.
Removing the “Learn more about this picture” Icon via Registry Editor
Follow these detailed steps to remove the Spotlight watermark using the Registry Editor:
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor
Launch the Registry Editor and locate the path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel.
Step 2: Create a New Key
Right-click in the right pane and select New, followed by DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 3: Name the New Key
Rename the new entry to {2cc5ca98-6485-489a-920e-b3e88a6ccce3} and proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Modify the Value Data
Select Hexadecimal for the base and set the Value Data to 1.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
Click OK and exit the Registry Editor.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
Log off or restart your computer to see the icon vanish from the desktop.
Pro Tip: To restore the icon in the future, re-access the same DWORD value and set its Value Data back to 0.
Using a Third-Party Application to Remove the Icon
If you’re hesitant about adjusting the Registry, third-party applications can simplify the process. One popular choice is Explorer Patcher.
Step 1: Download Explorer Patcher
Obtain the latest version from GitHub or other reliable sources.
Step 2: Launch the Application
Execute the downloaded file, allowing the application to install necessary icons.
Step 3: Access the Spotlight Settings
Navigate to the Spotlight tab from the left menu.
Step 4: Hide the Icon
Select the option to Hide the “Learn more about this picture” icon. The icon will disappear instantly from your desktop.
Additional Tips
- Always create a system restore point before making significant changes.
- Consider using alternative wallpaper-changing applications that suit your style.
- Explore other customization options available in Windows 11 to enhance your desktop experience.
Summary
Following the steps outlined above, you can easily eliminate the “Learn more about this picture” icon while preserving the beauty of Windows 11’s Spotlight wallpaper feature.
Conclusion
By utilizing either the Registry Editor or third-party tools, you can customize your Windows 11 desktop neatly to fit your preferences. Enjoy your beautiful wallpapers without distractions!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I disable the “Learn more about this picture” without altering the registry?
Yes, using the Explorer Patcher application allows you to easily hide the icon without registry changes.
What should I do if I want to see the icon again later?
You can restore it by navigating back to the DWORD you created and changing the Value Data back to 0 in the Registry Editor.