How to Stop Windows 11 from Creating “Shortcut” Text When Copying Files

When you create a desktop shortcut for an application, file, or folder in Windows 11, the operating system automatically appends the word “- Shortcut” to the end of the filename (e.g., Report - Shortcut.docx). If you prefer a clean, minimalist desktop, you are forced to manually right-click and rename every single shortcut you create to remove this redundant text.

Fortunately, you can delve into the Windows Registry to permanently disable this behavior. Once changed, Windows will create shortcuts with the exact same name as the original file, relying solely on the tiny arrow overlay on the icon to indicate it is a shortcut.

This guide explains how to stop Windows 11 from appending “Shortcut” to your files.

Warning Before You Begin

The Registry Editor is a powerful tool. Deleting or modifying the wrong keys can cause system instability. Follow these instructions carefully and do not change values outside of this guide.

How to Edit the Registry Link Value

You need to modify a specific binary value that dictates how shortcuts are named.

1. Click the Start button, type regedit in the search bar, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. (Click “Yes” if the User Account Control prompt appears).
2. Using the folder tree on the left-hand side, carefully navigate to the following path:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
3. Click on the Explorer folder so it is highlighted.
4. Look in the right-hand pane for a value named link. Double-click on it.
   • If you do not see a value named “link”, right-click in the empty space, select New > Binary Value, and name it link.
5. A small “Edit Binary Value” window will open. You will see a string of numbers.
6. Change the “Value data” to exactly: 00 00 00 00
7. Click OK.

Apply the Changes

For the Registry change to take effect, you must restart the Windows Explorer process (or simply restart your entire computer).

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Ensure you are on the Processes tab.
3. Scroll down the list until you find Windows Explorer.
4. Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart.

Your screen and taskbar will briefly flash. From now on, whenever you right-click a file and select “Create shortcut,” it will be named identically to the original file, without the annoying “- Shortcut” suffix.