How Can You Change App Icons on Windows 11?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

Personalizing your digital workspace can significantly enhance your productivity and enjoyment, and one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to do this on Windows 11 is by changing your app icons. Whether you want to refresh the look of your desktop, make frequently used apps easier to spot, or simply express your unique style, customizing app icons offers a fun and creative outlet. Windows 11, with its modern interface and design flexibility, provides several methods to tailor your icons to better suit your preferences.

Changing app icons on Windows 11 goes beyond mere aesthetics; it can improve your workflow by helping you organize and identify applications more quickly. While the default icons are sleek and consistent, they may not always align with your personal taste or the theme you’ve set for your desktop environment. Fortunately, Windows 11 supports a variety of ways to modify these icons, from built-in settings to third-party tools, catering to both casual users and tech enthusiasts.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the different approaches to changing app icons on Windows 11, highlighting the ease and creativity involved in the process. Whether you’re looking to swap out a single icon or overhaul your entire desktop’s appearance, you’ll find practical tips and guidance to help you make your Windows experience truly your own.

Changing Shortcut Icons on the Desktop

To customize the icon of a desktop shortcut in Windows 11, start by locating the shortcut whose appearance you want to change. Right-click on the shortcut and select Properties from the context menu. This opens the Properties window, where you can modify several aspects of the shortcut.

Navigate to the Shortcut tab within the Properties window. Here, you’ll find the Change Icon… button near the bottom. Clicking this button opens a new dialog box displaying the default icon library used by the target application or Windows system files.

If you want to select a different icon, you can browse for icon files by clicking Browse… within the Change Icon window. Windows supports `.ico` files, as well as `.exe` or `.dll` files that contain embedded icons. Once you select the desired file, the available icons will appear in the dialog box, allowing you to choose one.

After selecting your preferred icon, click OK to confirm your choice, then Apply and OK in the shortcut Properties window to save the changes. The desktop shortcut icon will update immediately.

Using Custom Icon Files

Customizing app icons beyond the default library requires sourcing or creating `.ico` files. You can create these icons from images or download them from various icon repositories online. Here are some important points to consider when using custom icon files:

  • Icon files should ideally be 256×256 pixels for optimal clarity on Windows 11.
  • The `.ico` format supports multiple resolutions and color depths within a single file, allowing Windows to choose the best size depending on display settings.
  • Third-party tools like IcoFX or online converters can help convert images (e.g., PNG, JPG) into `.ico` files.

Once you have a suitable `.ico` file, follow the same process as described above to assign it to your shortcut via the Change Icon dialog.

Modifying App Icons for Pinned Taskbar Items

Changing icons for apps pinned to the taskbar involves a slightly different approach, as the taskbar shortcuts are linked to the installed application’s executable or a Start menu shortcut.

To change a taskbar icon:

  • Right-click the pinned app icon on the taskbar.
  • Right-click the app name in the menu that appears.
  • Select Properties.
  • Click Change Icon… on the Shortcut tab.
  • Choose or browse for the new icon, then confirm and apply the changes.

If the Properties option is missing or grayed out, unpin the app from the taskbar, modify the shortcut icon on the desktop or Start menu, and then pin the customized shortcut back to the taskbar.

Applying Icon Changes to Universal Windows Platform (UWP) Apps

Modifying icons for UWP apps, such as those installed from the Microsoft Store, is more restrictive because these apps do not use traditional executable shortcuts. However, you can use the following workaround:

  • Create a desktop shortcut for the UWP app:
  • Open the Start menu.
  • Find the app, right-click it, and choose **More > Open file location**.
  • In the File Explorer window that opens, right-click the app shortcut and select Create shortcut.
  • Place the new shortcut on your desktop.
  • Change the desktop shortcut icon as described earlier.
  • Pin the customized shortcut to the taskbar or Start menu, replacing the original.

This method allows for personalized icons, but it does not modify the original app icon within the system.

Comparing Icon File Types and Their Uses

Understanding the differences between icon file types can help you select the best format for your customization needs. The table below summarizes common icon file types and their characteristics:

File Type Description Usage Advantages Limitations
.ico Windows Icon file containing multiple image sizes and color depths Primary format for Windows shortcuts and executable icons Supports multiple resolutions; optimized for Windows display scaling Requires conversion from other image formats
.png Portable Network Graphics image format with transparency Used for creating icons before conversion; widely supported in design High quality and supports transparency Cannot be used directly as a Windows icon
.exe / .dll Executable or dynamic link library files containing embedded icons Source of icons for applications and system resources Multiple icons embedded; easy to extract Limited to existing embedded icons

Changing App Icons for Desktop Shortcuts on Windows 11

Customizing the appearance of your desktop shortcuts by changing their icons can improve usability and personalize your Windows 11 experience. The process involves locating the shortcut, accessing its properties, and selecting a new icon from available options or a custom file.

Follow these steps to change an app icon on your Windows 11 desktop:

  • Locate the Shortcut: Find the app shortcut on your desktop or in the Start menu pinned list. Note that built-in apps or apps installed from Microsoft Store may not always have editable shortcuts.
  • Open Properties: Right-click the shortcut and select Properties from the context menu.
  • Access Change Icon Dialog: In the Properties window, switch to the Shortcut tab. Click the Change Icon… button near the bottom.
  • Choose or Browse for an Icon: Windows will display a set of default icons. Select one or click Browse… to locate a custom icon file (.ico), executable (.exe), or dynamic link library (.dll) containing icon resources.
  • Apply the New Icon: After selecting the desired icon, click OK in the Change Icon dialog, then Apply and OK in the Properties window.
  • Refresh Desktop: If the icon does not update immediately, right-click an empty space on the desktop and select Refresh, or restart the File Explorer process.
Step Action Details
1 Locate Shortcut Find app shortcut on Desktop or Start menu
2 Open Properties Right-click shortcut > Properties
3 Change Icon Shortcut tab > Change Icon button
4 Select Icon Choose from default or browse custom .ico file
5 Apply Changes Click OK > Apply > OK
6 Refresh Desktop Right-click desktop > Refresh

Changing Folder and File Icons on Windows 11

Windows 11 allows users to customize folder and some file icons to distinguish them visually. This can be especially useful for organizing frequently accessed directories or project files.

To modify a folder icon, use the following procedure:

  • Right-click the folder and select Properties.
  • Navigate to the Customize tab.
  • Click the Change Icon… button.
  • Choose an icon from the list or browse for a custom icon file.
  • Click OK to confirm, then Apply and OK in the Properties window.

Note that not all file types support icon changes via Properties. For files, changing the icon often involves modifying the associated file type icon through the registry or third-party software, which requires advanced knowledge and caution.

Using Custom Icon Files and Formats

Windows supports several icon formats for customization:

  • .ico files: The native Windows icon format supporting multiple resolutions and color depths.
  • .exe and .dll files: Many executables and libraries contain embedded icon resources that can be extracted and used.
  • .png, .jpg: These image formats are not directly supported as icons; conversion to .ico format is necessary.

To create or convert images to .ico files, utilize icon editing tools such as:

  • IcoFX
  • Greenfish Icon Editor Pro
  • Online converters (e.g., ConvertICO.com)

Ensure that the icon file contains multiple sizes (16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 256×256) for optimal display across different UI elements.

Modifying Taskbar and Start Menu Icons

Icons pinned to the Taskbar or Start Menu are typically shortcuts and can be changed using the same method as desktop shortcuts. However, for built-in system apps or Microsoft Store apps, icon modification may be restricted or require additional steps.

  • Taskbar Icons: Right-click the icon, then right-click the app name in the context menu, and select Properties. Change the icon as described previously.
  • Start Menu Tiles: Windows 11 does not support native icon changes on pinned Start menu apps. Third-party utilities like Start11 or Expert Insights on Customizing App Icons in Windows 11

    Dr. Emily Chen (User Interface Designer, Tech Innovations Lab). Changing app icons on Windows 11 is a powerful way to personalize the user experience. It not only enhances visual appeal but also improves workflow efficiency by allowing users to quickly identify applications. Understanding the system’s icon cache and the proper use of .ico files ensures that custom icons display correctly without causing performance issues.

    Marcus Lee (Windows Systems Engineer, Global Software Solutions). From a systems perspective, modifying app icons on Windows 11 requires careful attention to file formats and permissions. Users should utilize the built-in properties dialog for shortcuts or leverage third-party tools designed for icon customization to avoid corrupting system files. Proper backup before making changes is essential to maintain system stability.

    Sophia Martinez (Digital Accessibility Consultant, Inclusive Tech Group). When changing app icons on Windows 11, it is important to consider accessibility standards. Icons should maintain sufficient contrast and clarity to support users with visual impairments. Custom icons must be tested across different display settings to ensure they remain recognizable and do not hinder usability for all users.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How do I change app icons on Windows 11?
    Right-click the app shortcut, select “Properties,” go to the “Shortcut” tab, click “Change Icon,” choose a new icon from the list or browse for a custom .ico file, then apply the changes.

    Can I change icons for apps installed from the Microsoft Store?
    No, Microsoft Store apps do not support manual icon changes via shortcut properties due to system restrictions.

    What file formats are supported for custom icons?
    Windows 11 primarily supports the .ico file format for custom icons. PNG or JPG files must be converted to .ico before use.

    Will changing an app icon affect the app’s functionality?
    No, changing an app icon only modifies the shortcut’s appearance and does not impact the app’s performance or functionality.

    How can I restore the default app icon after changing it?
    Access the shortcut’s “Properties,” click “Change Icon,” then select the original icon or click “Restore Defaults” and apply the changes.

    Is it possible to change icons for system apps in Windows 11?
    System app icons are generally protected and cannot be changed through standard methods without advanced system modifications, which are not recommended.
    Changing app icons on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that allows users to personalize their desktop environment and improve visual organization. By accessing the properties of a shortcut, users can easily replace the default icon with a custom image or an icon file. This customization enhances the overall user experience by making frequently used applications more identifiable at a glance.

    It is important to note that while changing icons for shortcuts is simple, altering the icons of built-in or system apps may require additional steps or third-party tools. Users should ensure that the icon files used are compatible, typically in .ico format, to maintain system stability and appearance consistency. Additionally, backing up original icons or shortcuts before making changes is a prudent practice to avoid unintended disruptions.

    Overall, customizing app icons on Windows 11 not only adds a personal touch but also contributes to a more efficient workflow. Understanding the methods and limitations involved empowers users to tailor their interface according to their preferences, ultimately enhancing productivity and satisfaction with the operating system.

    Author Profile

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    Harold Trujillo
    Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

    Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.