Force Quit a Program, Eternal Ø

Question

Hey, Everybody!

I was uploading iPhone pictures onto my computer a few days ago when the files folder program froze. I thought this was weird, but maybe it's not that uncommon. I used the task manager to quit the program and this little box appeared in the place of one of the files windows. It's very small and has rounded edges, and the only thing in it is a little black Ø. I'll attach a screenshot of it sitting on top of this very window that I am currently typing in. It sits on top of every window I open. I gave it time to see if it would just disappear, but it hasn't.

Any idea on how to get rid of it?

Thanks in advance :)

Answer 1

Hello Justin,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

This look like a glitch that happen when the Windows Explorer freeze. Before we proceed, may I know if restart the computer fix this?

In the meantime, please try to follow these 2 quick fixes.

• Restart Windows Explorer
  1. Open Task Manager.
  2. Under "Processes", find Windows Explorer.
  3. Right click on it and choose "Restart".
• Restart graphics card.
  1. In the Desktop screen, press Win +Ctrl + Shift + B.
  2. Your screen will blink once and restart the driver of the graphics card.

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Answer 2

Hi Justin, Thanks for posting here in Microsoft Community, I understand that a small Ø symbol window appeared after File Explorer froze and is now stuck on top of all your windows.

That sounds like a stuck Windows overlay or bug from File Explorer. Try restarting Windows Explorer from Task Manager, or just reboot your computer, since that usually clears floating boxes like that.

Could you let me know if this started immediately after force‑closing File Explorer and whether restarting the PC makes it disappear?

If you still needed further assistance or you still have any more question feel free to comment I'll be happy to assist you.

Best regards,

Ice C.