How to Change Icon Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 27, 2025

Icons in Windows 11 aren’t just decorative — they help you quickly identify apps, folders, and files. But what if you want a personalized desktop experience? Luckily, Windows 11 allows you to change icons for apps, folders, shortcuts, and even system icons with just a few clicks.

In this detailed guide, we’ll show you exactly how to change icons in Windows 11 step by step, along with some pro tips, troubleshooting solutions, and the best places to find custom icons.

Why Change Icons in Windows 11?

Customizing icons isn’t just about looks — it can improve productivity too.

  • Personalization: Match your icons with themes, wallpapers, or aesthetics.

  • Organization: Use unique icons to identify folders quickly.

  • Productivity: Color-coded or custom icons reduce clutter.

  • Fun factor: Makes your PC feel unique and truly yours.

Types of Icons You Can Change

In Windows 11, you can change icons for:

  • Desktop shortcuts (apps, programs).

  • Folders (both default and custom).

  • Drives (C:, D:, external drives).

  • System icons (Recycle Bin, This PC, Control Panel, Network).

  • Pinned icons (Start Menu & Taskbar – limited customization).

How to Change Desktop Shortcut Icons

Want to give your app or program shortcut a new look?

Steps:

  1. Right-click on the shortcut you want to change.

  2. Select Properties.

  3. Go to the Shortcut tab.

  4. Click Change Icon….

  5. Browse and select a new icon file (.ico).

  6. Click OK → Apply → OK.

👉 Your shortcut now has a new icon!

How to Change Folder Icons in Windows 11

Changing folder icons helps you organize files better.

Steps:

  1. Right-click the folder → select Properties.

  2. Go to the Customize tab.

  3. Under Folder icons, click Change Icon….

  4. Choose from default icons or browse for a custom .ico file.

  5. Click OK → Apply → OK.

👉 The folder icon will now change instantly.

How to Change Drive Icons

Want to make your D: or E: drive stand out?

Method 1: Using Registry Editor

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\DriveIcons

  3. Right-click DriveIcons → New → Key → name it after your drive letter (e.g., D).

  4. Inside that, create a new key named DefaultIcon.

  5. Double-click (Default) and paste the path to your .ico file.

  6. Restart File Explorer.

👉 Your drive will now display the new icon.

How to Change System Icons (This PC, Recycle Bin, Network, etc.)

System icons require a different method.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Personalization → Themes.

  3. Scroll down and click Desktop icon settings.

  4. Select the system icon (e.g., This PC, Recycle Bin).

  5. Click Change Icon… → Browse for your .ico file.

  6. Click Apply → OK.

👉 System icons will now appear with your chosen design.

How to Restore Default Icons in Windows 11

Made a mistake or don’t like the new icon? You can reset it.

  • For shortcuts/folders: Open Properties → Change Icon → Click Restore Defaults.

  • For system icons: Go to Desktop icon settings → Click Restore Default.

  • For drives: Delete the Registry key created earlier.

Best Places to Download Custom Icons

You’ll need .ico files for Windows icons. Some great sources are:

File Formats Supported for Custom Icons

  • Windows supports only .ico files for icons.

  • If you download icons in .png or .jpg, convert them using:

    • Online converters (ICOConvert.com).

    • Free tools like GIMP, IrfanView, or Photoshop.

How to Create Your Own Custom Icons

Want something 100% original? Create your own icons.

  • Use GIMP, Photoshop, or Paint.NET to design.

  • Export the design as .png.

  • Convert the .png into .ico with free converters.

  • Apply the icon using the steps above.

Fix: Icons Not Updating in Windows 11

Sometimes icons don’t refresh immediately. Try:

  • Restart File Explorer (Task Manager → Restart Explorer).

  • Clear the icon cache:

    1. Open Run → %localappdata%.

    2. Delete IconCache.db file.

    3. Restart PC.

Pro Tips for Better Icon Customization

  • Keep all custom icons in a dedicated folder so they don’t get deleted.

  • Use high-resolution .ico files for crisp visuals.

  • Stick to a consistent color theme for a clean desktop look.

  • Backup your Registry before making drive icon changes.

Conclusion

Changing icons in Windows 11 is a fun and powerful way to personalize your PC. Whether you want to customize folders, apps, system icons, or even drives, Windows gives you plenty of options.

With the right icons, your desktop can look more organized, stylish, and truly yours.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change icons for shortcuts, folders, drives, and system icons in Windows 11.

  • Custom icons must be in .ico format.

  • System icons can be changed via Settings → Themes → Desktop icon settings.

  • Use trusted sources like Icons8, Flaticon, and IconArchive for icon packs.

  • If icons don’t update, restart Explorer or clear the icon cache.

FAQs

1. Can I change taskbar icons in Windows 11?

Direct customization is limited, but you can use third-party tools like Start11 or TaskbarX.

2. Why can’t I apply a new icon to a folder?

Make sure the file is in .ico format — .png or .jpg won’t work.

3. Do custom icons slow down Windows 11?

No, as long as they’re properly formatted and not excessively large.

4. How do I get back the original Windows 11 icons?

Use the Restore Default option in icon settings.

5. Can I use the same custom icon for multiple folders?

Yes — just browse to the same .ico file when customizing each folder.

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