The easiest and cleanest way to remove the Windows 7 Start Menu user picture is by renaming or deleting the default user image files in the system directories. Because Windows 7 does not have a native “Turn Off User Picture” switch, modifying these source files removes the picture frame from the top-right corner of your Start Menu entirely.
Here are the step-by-step methods to get a clean, minimal interface. Method 1: The File Renaming Trick (Safest & Most Effective)
This method hides the picture and its frame without breaking any system settings. Open Windows Explorer (press Windows Key + E).
Navigate to the following path by pasting it into the top address bar:C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\User Account Pictures</code>
Inside this folder, look for two files: user.bmp and guest.bmp.
Right-click user.bmp, select Rename, and change it to user.backup.
Right-click guest.bmp (if present), select Rename, and change it to guest.backup.
Restart your computer or log out and back in. The user picture area on your Start Menu will now be completely gone.
(Note: If you cannot see the ProgramData folder, it is hidden by default. Click Organize in the top-left of Explorer, choose Folder and search options, go to the View tab, and check Show hidden files, folders, and drives.) Method 2: Clearing Current Account History
If you have ever customized your picture, Windows caches it in your user profile. You need to wipe this cache to clear the image.
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