Windows 10: How to Remove Blue Double Arrows and Stop Automatic Compression of Files and Folders.

I'm posting this as an answer in the questions section because I believe that more people will see it there than in the discussions section.


Recently I noticed that my icons on my desktop had a pair of blue arrows in the top right corner. This was also true for my documents folder. Any new files that I created had the blue arrows.

I found out that it was due to my files being compressed after looking through other forum posts of people with similar issues. The answers provided didn't actually fix the problem, so I figured it out myself and brought it to attention while I was chatting with Microsoft support.


To resolve this:

>Open file explorer,

>Right-click on the affected directory (desktop/documents in my case),

>Go to "Properties,"

>"Advanced,"

>Uncheck "Compress contents to save disk space,"

>"Ok,"

>"Apply."

The files will begin uncompressing, and this will prevent new files from becoming compressed automatically.


This may be caused by an update, as this exact issue was present across three different devices of mine.

:)

 

Mysterious Blue Double-Arrows Added to Windows Desktop File & Folder Icons

The fact that Microsoft released something like this with no documentation, no notice, no off-switch, etc... shows that the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing.

The fact that the solutions for this involve either registry hacks or widespread decompression of files is idiocy.

The fact that people putting themselves forward as "experts" without doing even a cursory google search is asinine.

DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU PROVIDE AN ANSWER!

• norton has nothing to do with this
• it involves compressed files
• it is part of windows

Yes Norton is one of the worst pieces of software on the market but this situation cropped up after an update so the solution
obviously would not have been in lanedog33's 2010
post.

Anyone with an IQ over room temperature should be able to deduce this quickly enough.

2 example posts of what is out there:

Windows 10 and the Double Arrow icon of death

Windows 10 and the Double Arrow icon of death - Nerdshack

November 29th, 2015

"Somewhere in the recent TH2 builds a new overlay was introduced to indicate compressed files/folders."

“TH2” or “the real Windows 10”

Change or Remove Double Blue Arrows Icon on Compressed Files and Folders in Windows 10

Change or Remove Double Blue Arrows Icon on Compressed Files and Folders in Windows 10

03/01/2016

the compressed folders will display blue arrows at the top right corner of the folders

 

Blue Arrows on folder and file icons

Double Blue Arrows that point at each other = Compression:

Originally, this feature was fantastic.

Previously, compression was indicated simply and optionally by turning the file/folder name blue.

 

Double blue arrows appear on top right corner in Windows 10.

The overlay can be removed by overriding the shell icon 179 using a blank icon. See:

Windows 10: Hide "blue arrows" compressed file icon - Nerdshack

Mysterious Blue Double Arrow Icon on Files and Folders in Windows 10?

Mysterious Blue Double-Arrows Added to Windows Desktop File & - Microsoft Community