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mordred's avatar
mordred
Brass Contributor
Jun 01, 2026

All shortcuts icons turn blank (white) in Windows 11

I turned my PC a while ago and all shortcut icons have been turned blank.

I cleared the shortcut cache by deleting the IconCache.db file. Nothing

Run sfc /scannow with no errors. Nothing

When I change it again nothing happens, it remains blank. The last update that may cause the problem was installed the last time I turned off my computer (2026-04 Security Update (KB5083769) (26200.8246).

I uninstalled it but the problem remained.

Creating a new local account didn't solve the problem either.

Please advise.

Thank you

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3 Replies

  • mordred's avatar
    mordred
    Brass Contributor
    Jun 08, 2026

    After using Windows 10 for nearly 10 years without a hitch I have to reformat this abomination of an OS after a few months of installing it.

  • bugz's avatar
    bugz
    Brass Contributor
    Jun 01, 2026

    Hello,

    I suggest the following

    1. Try out DISM Tool
      Make sure to repeat (clearing icon cache) but (1st Close Terminate explorer.exe then, after clearing, start explorer.exe

    2. Reset App Defaults.
    3. Last Option, Check Registry (Need to be carefull)

    4. cleanmgr  Clear thumbnails

    5. Restart PC

    Best

    • mordred's avatar
      mordred
      Brass Contributor
      Jun 02, 2026

      Thank you for your reply.

      Unfortunately I did all the above to no avail.

      Did also the below

      https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/shell-experience/application-shortcuts-show-blank-icons

      No results either