How To Change App Icons On Windows 10

Default Windows icons help in recognizing apps, but they aren't particularly appealing. Thankfully, you can customize the wait of your desktop in a few clicks to add together a personal touch to your reckoner. You lot can either choose icons from the Windows library or upload your own. Today, we'll share instructions on changing app icons in Windows and answer common questions related to the topic.

How to Alter the Icons of Specific Apps in Windows

Changing an app'due south shortcut icon in Windows ten is easy, though you can't change the icon of the program itself. Therefore, you lot should first brand a shortcut to the app. Hither'south how to do that:

Open the Showtime menu and find the desired app.
Right-click the app's name and select "Open file location" from the dropdown menu.
Once the "Programs" folder opens, correct-click the app's proper noun once again and click on "Ship to," then "Desktop (create shortcut)" from the dropdown menu.

After the shortcut is created, caput to your desktop and do the following:

Right-click on the shortcut and select "Backdrop" from the dropdown carte du jour.
Navigate to the "Shortcut" tab.
Select "Alter Icon" at the bottom of the window.
Yous'll run across all alternative icons available for the app in the Windows library. Select the preferred icon and click "Ok" to confirm.
Click on "Ok" once again and leave the app properties window.

How to Set Custom App Icons in Windows

Although Windows offers culling icons for some app shortcuts, the choice isn't particularly exciting. Furthermore, some app shortcuts don't have alternative icons. The solution is simple – set your custom icons. Follow the steps beneath:

Notice a custom icon y'all like online or create your own. Almost importantly, the icon should be saved as an ICO file.
Create an app desktop shortcut. You tin follow the instructions in a previous department.
Right-click the shortcut on your desktop and select "Properties" from the dropdown bill of fare.
Click on "Shortcut" at the peak of the window.
Select "Modify Icon," and so click on "Browse."
Navigate to the folder containing your custom icon, select it, and click on "Ok" to upload.
Click on "Ok" once once more to confirm and close the window.

How to Pin Custom App Icons to the Taskbar in Windows

Many people adopt to keep their desktops minimalistic. However, the lack of icons on the desktop doesn't mean that you can't personalize your calculator's interface. Follow the instructions to pivot custom app icons to the taskbar in Windows 10:

Create a shortcut of an app.
Right-click the shortcut and choose "Properties" from the dropdown menu.
Navigate to the "Shortcut" tab at the peak of the window.
Click on "Change Icon."
Select an icon from the Windows library or upload your custom ICO file.
Click on "Ok" to confirm, then "Ok" once again, and close the window.
Right-click the app shortcut on your desktop and select "Pin to Taskbar."

Alternatively, yous may customize the shortcut of an app that'south already pinned to the taskbar. Follow the steps beneath:

Press and hold the "Shift" key, and so right-click the shortcut icon in your taskbar.
Select "Properties" from the dropdown menu.
Click on "Shortcut," then "Alter Icon."
Choose the preferred icon from suggested or upload your ain.
Click on "Ok" to confirm and exit the settings menu.

How to Modify Folder Icons in Windows

Apart from app shortcut icons, you can modify icons of specific folders in your Windows computer. It's a handy feature that lets you quickly recognize your apps – or simply make your computer's interface more than fun. Follow the instructions below:

Head to the File Explorer menu and observe the desired folder.
Right-click the folder and select "Properties" from the menu.
Navigate to the "Customize" tab at the superlative of the window.
Choose "Modify Icon," so "Browse" to upload your custom icon. Alternatively, you may cull an icon from the Windows library.
Click on "Ok" and close the window.

If you don't similar the new icon, follow the steps below to restore the default icon:

Right-click the folder proper noun.
Click on "Properties," so "Customize."
Select "Restore Default" under "Binder Pictures."
Cull "Ok" and exit the window.

FAQ

Go along reading to find answers to common questions related to changing app icons in Windows.

Where do I observe custom Windows app icons?

Windows icon selection isn't that great, but y'all can download a custom shortcut icon online or create your own. One of the all-time places to discover Window icons is Flaticon, a gratis vector image library. Head to the website and click "Icons" to browse the library. Once you find the preferred icon, click the "Download" button to save it every bit a PNG file. You may likewise download entire packs instead of individual icons.

After you've saved the icon as a PNG file, you should convert it into an ICO file. This tin be done using different 3rd-political party tools, for example, ConvertICO. The tool allows you to upload up to 50 PNG files at once or paste a link to the image instead of downloading information technology to your PC commencement.

Once you have the ICO files, you can change shortcut icons as usual by following the instructions higher up.

Practice all app shortcuts have culling icons in Windows?

Windows library contains many alternative icons for some app shortcuts. However, 3rd-political party apps don't always have alternative icons. For case, Google Chrome has multiple alternative icons designed by developers, while Adobe Creative Cloud doesn't take whatever. Thankfully, you tin can upload a custom icon for any shortcut.

Tin I change the icon of the app and not the shortcut in Windows?

You can change the chief app icon rather than a shortcut icon only with select apps – "Recycle Bin," "This PC," "Network," and your main file binder (the name may differ). Here's how to do that:

one. Click "Start," and so click the gear icon on the left to access the Settings menu.

2. Select "Personalization," and then navigate to the "Themes" tab from the left sidebar.

3. Click "Desktop icon settings."

iv. In the "Desktop Icons" tab, select whatever icon.

v. Click "Change Icon" and select the preferred icon from suggested or upload a custom file by clicking "Scan."

6. Click "Ok," then "Apply," and exit the window.

Why can't I change a folder icon in Windows?

If y'all want to modify a folder icon in Windows but don't run into the "Change Icon" selection, chances are, you're attempting to alter the primary binder icon. Windows has five chief folders: Desktop, Pictures, Documents, Downloads, and Videos. In that location's no way to modify the main binder icon unless y'all create a desktop shortcut.

A Personal Touch

Hopefully, our guide has helped you put a personal spin on your Windows desktop. Changing icons is not only a great way to customize your computer'south advent simply also a handy tip for quickly distinguishing your apps and folders. Consider irresolute your Windows theme for further personalization.

Do you know any bang-up PNG to ICO converter tools or icon libraries? Share your finds in the comments section below.