Personalising Your Icons on Windows 10
How to Change Icons on Windows 10
Alright, here’s the lowdown—this is a pretty simple job, and even if you’re not a tech whiz, you’ll manage it easily. Just follow the steps to get to the good stuff.
Right-Click on the Item
First, right-click on the shortcut, folder, or file you want to change. This opens a context menu, which is your gateway to customizing that item. Think of it as the quick way to spruce things up.
Select “Properties”
From the menu, click on “Properties”. This opens a window with all sorts of options for that item. If it’s a shortcut, look for the “Shortcut” tab. For folders, it might be the “Customize” tab. Just follow the steps to access the settings you need.
Click on “Change Icon”
In the Properties window, select the “Shortcut” tab (if it’s a shortcut) or the “Customize” tab for folders, then click on “Change Icon”. A new window will open where you can browse your current icons — it’s your chance to personalise it!
Select Your New Icon
In that icon picker, you’ll see a list of default icons. If none catch your eye, click “Browse” to find a custom icon. Pro tip: Windows prefers .ico files for icons, so try sticking to those. It helps avoid issues later on.
- Default icon folders: C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll and C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll
- You can store your custom icons anywhere you like — just remember where you put them. An example path might be:
C:\Users\YourUsername>\Icons\MyIcon.ico
Apply Your Changes
Once you’ve chosen your icon, click “OK” and then “Apply” in the Properties window. Sometimes the desktop doesn’t update immediately, so you might need to refresh or reopen the folder. No dramas — just a quick refresh will do it!
Tips for Customising Icons on Windows 10
- Stick to
.icofiles for custom icons — it keeps things running smoothly. You can convert images to .ico format using sites like ConvertICO. - Use colour coding or matching themes — it’s a handy trick to keep things organised and easy to find.
- Consider backing up original icons just in case you want to revert later. For system icons, that might mean saving the DLL or EXE files they come from.
- Opt for high-resolution icons (like 256×256 pixels) for the best clarity, especially on larger screens.
- If you’re using a work or school device, check if there are any restrictions on changing icons. Sometimes IT settings can limit your options or require admin permission.
Common Questions About Customising Icons on Windows 10
Can I change icons for all file types?
You can easily change icons for shortcuts and folders, but not every file type allows for icon customisation. Certain system files or application-specific files might be locked down. For more tricky cases, tools like Rainmeter or registry tweaks could do the trick.
What types of icon files work with Windows 10?
Windows 10 prefers .ico files for icons. They’re designed for that purpose and generally look good at any size. If you need to create or convert icons, ICOConvert is a handy online tool.
Is there a limit on how many icons I can keep?
No strict cap — but keep in mind, each icon takes up some storage. If you’re hoarding thousands of icons, it might slow things down a bit. Managing backups or tightening your collection can help keep your system tidy.
Can I revert to the original icon?
Absolutely! If you change your mind, click the “Restore Defaults” button or select the original icon again if it appears. For system icons, you might need to reset icon caches or follow some recovery steps.
Do customised icons slow down my system?
Generally not — icons are pretty lightweight. But if you slap on massive, high-res icons on an older machine, it could cause slight lag. Stick to reasonably sized icons to keep your system running smoothly.
Before You Go…
- Right-click on the item you want to change.
- Open “Properties”.
- Go to the “Shortcut” or “Customize” tab, then click “Change Icon”.
- Select an icon from the list or click “Browse” to find your custom icon file.
- Pick your icon, then click “OK” and “Apply”.
Go on, have a crack at those icons! Little changes like this can improve your user experience — and maybe even save time in the long run. Cheers to a more personalised Windows 10!