Black Box Stuck in Top-Left Corner of Screen on Windows PCs

On some Windows machines, particularly those once used in the Media Lab, we have seen a black box appear in the upper left corner that cannot be moved or closed. There is no content displayed, nor is there a menu or “x” icon to close the window. Full screen apps will cover the box, but it remains once the app is closed or minimized.

The black box is caused by a faulty application called, “LSAirClient” or “LanSchoolAir.” It’s an application to oversee students in a workgroup environment with the teacher having control over their desktops.

Resolution:

The only way to fix the issue is to remove the application using Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel or the Windows applet from the Start menu. Restart the system once removed, and the issue will disappear.

The app was used by Media Lab teachers for a time, but fell out of use and a replacement was never found or requested.