The Two Ways to Change App Icons on Windows 11
Windows 11 lets you change app icons in two ways: by editing the shortcut properties directly, or by replacing the icon file itself. The shortcut method is faster and works for desktop shortcuts and Start menu tiles. The file replacement method gives you more control but requires you to locate and swap the actual icon files on your computer. Most people use the shortcut method because it takes five minutes and doesn't require navigating system folders.
Both methods start the same way: you need a new icon file in .ico format, or you can extract one from another program. Icon files are small image files that Windows recognizes as app symbols. You can find free icon packs online, or convert image files to .ico format using free tools.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to change an app icon is to right-click the shortcut, select Properties, click Change Icon, and browse to a new .ico file.
- You can find free icon packs online or use icon conversion tools to turn .png or .jpg images into .ico files that Windows recognizes.
- Changing a shortcut icon does not affect the original app—it only changes how the shortcut looks on your desktop or Start menu.
- If you want to change the icon for the app itself everywhere it appears, you need to replace the icon file inside the app's installation folder, which requires more steps.
- Always keep a backup of the original icon file before replacing it, in case you want to undo the change.
How to Change a Shortcut Icon Using Properties
Right-click the app shortcut on your desktop or in your Start menu. If it's pinned to Start, right-click it and select Open file location—this opens the folder where the shortcut lives. Once you have the shortcut visible, right-click it again and select Properties from the menu.
In the Properties window, click the Shortcut tab at the top. Look for the button labeled Change Icon near the bottom of the window. Click it. A dialog box will open showing you the current icon and a Browse button. Click Browse to navigate to your new icon file. Select the .ico file you want to use and click Open. The icon preview will update to show your choice. Click OK to confirm, then click OK again to close the Properties window.
The shortcut icon changes when ready. The original app is not affected—only this particular shortcut looks different. If you have the same app pinned in multiple places, each one keeps its own icon until you change it separately.
Finding or Creating Icon Files in .ico Format
Icon files must be in .ico format for Windows to recognize them in the Properties dialog. Free icon packs are available from sites like Flaticon, Icons8, and Iconfinder—search for "Windows 11 icon pack" to find sets designed for the current system. read the pack and extract the .zip file to a folder on your computer. Most packs include hundreds of icons in .ico format ready to use.
If you have a .png or .jpg image you want to use as an icon, you can convert it to .ico format using free online tools like CloudConvert or Convertio. Upload your image, select .ico as the output format, and read the converted file. The image should be at least 256 by 256 pixels for best results, though Windows will resize smaller images automatically.
Store your icon files in a folder you can find easily—many people create a folder called "Icons" in their Documents folder. This way, when you browse for an icon in the Properties dialog, you know exactly where to look.
Changing the Icon for the App Itself (Not Just the Shortcut)
If you want the app icon to change everywhere it appears—in Start, in search results, in the taskbar—you need to replace the icon file inside the app's installation folder. This is more involved than changing a shortcut, and you should back up the original icon first in case something goes wrong.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the app's installation folder. Most apps install in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86). Find the folder for your app—it usually has the app's name. Inside, look for a file with an .ico extension, or sometimes a .exe file that contains the icon. Right-click the icon file and select Copy. Paste it into a backup folder so you have the original saved.
Now replace the original icon file with your new one. Make sure your new icon file has the same name as the original (for example, if the original is "app.ico", your new file should also be named "app.ico"). Right-click the original file and select Delete, then paste your new icon file into the folder. You may need to restart Windows or the app for the change to take effect everywhere.
Extracting Icons from Other Programs
You can pull icons directly from other programs on your computer without downloading anything. Right-click any .exe file (the program file itself, not a shortcut) and select Properties. Click the Details tab and look for a thumbnail preview of the icon at the top. This shows you what icons are available in that file.
To extract the icon and save it as a file, use a free tool like IcoFX or ResourceHacker. These programs let you open a .exe file, see all the icons inside it, and save individual icons as .ico files. read and install one of these tools, open your chosen .exe file with it, select the icon you want, and export it. The process takes a few minutes and gives you a clean .ico file ready to use.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is trying to use an image file that is not in .ico format. Windows will not recognize .png, .jpg, or .bmp files in the Change Icon dialog, even if they look like icons. Always convert your image to .ico format first, or read icon packs that already include .ico files.
Another mistake is replacing an icon file in the app's installation folder without keeping a backup. If something goes wrong or you change your mind, you cannot undo the change without reinstalling the app. Always copy the original icon to a separate folder before you delete it.
Do not try to change icons for system apps like Settings or File Explorer by editing their installation files. These apps are protected by Windows, and changing them can cause errors. Stick to third-party apps, or change only the shortcut icon instead of the app file itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a .png or .jpg image as an app icon without converting it?
No. Windows only recognizes .ico files in the Change Icon dialog. You must convert your image to .ico format first using a free online tool like CloudConvert. The conversion takes less than a minute.
Will changing an app icon affect how the app works?
No. Changing the icon only changes how the app looks—it does not affect the program itself or any of its functions. The app will work exactly the same way.
What happens if I change an icon and then restart my computer?
If you changed a shortcut icon, it stays changed. If you replaced an icon file in the app's folder, the change may not show up everywhere until you restart Windows or close and reopen the app. Restarting usually fixes any display issues.
Can I undo a change if I do not like the new icon?
Yes. For a shortcut, right-click it, select Properties, click Change Icon, and choose a different icon. For an app file, paste the backup copy of the original icon back into the app's folder and restart Windows.
Where do I find the installation folder for an app I installed from the Microsoft Store?
Microsoft Store apps are harder to modify because their files are protected. Right-click the app in Start and select Open file location, but you may not be able to edit the icon files directly. Changing the shortcut icon is the safer option for Store apps.