How to Remove Linux Icon from Desktop and Explorer

After uninstalling Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and Virtual Machine Platform using OptionalFeatures.exe, the “Linux” icon may remain in the Desktop and File Explorer navigation pane.

remove linux icon from desktop namespace

remove linux icon from desktop namespace

Running the following PowerShell command may also not remove the Linux icon.

Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux

Resolution

To remove the Linux icon from the desktop namespace, please download remove_linux_icon.reg (zipped), unzip and run it. Click Yes to confirm.

If you wish to manually delete the keys, open Regedit.exe and delete them.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{B2B4A4D1-2754-4140-A2EB-9A76D9D7CDC6}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{B2B4A4D1-2754-4140-A2EB-9A76D9D7CDC6}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{B2B4A4D1-2754-4140-A2EB-9A76D9D7CDC6}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{B2B4A4D1-2754-4140-A2EB-9A76D9D7CDC6}

(Deleting keys 1 & 2 above should be sufficient in most cases. Keys 3 & 4 may not exist. Check them anyway.)

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Ramesh Srinivasan is passionate about Microsoft technologies and he has been a ten-time recipient of the Microsoft MVP award in Windows Desktop Experience (Windows Shell), from 2003 to 2012. Ramesh founded Winhelponline.com in 2005.

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