How to Change File Icons in Vista

Changing your file icons in Vista can personalize your desktop and files. It can also help make important files easily recognizable. Desktop icons, file folder icons and shortcut icons are customizable and can be changed through the "Properties" menu. The process is slightly different for each of the file groups. You can use one of Vista's hundreds of default icons or select a different icon from your computer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Desktop Icons

1. Turn on your computer and go to your desktop. Right-click on your desktop and click "Personalize."

2. Click "Change Desktop Icons" under the task menu in the left-hand pane. This will bring up the "Desktop Icon Settings" menu.

3. Click on one of the five default icons you would like to change. Desktop icons include "My Computer," "Network," "User," "Recycle Bin -- Empty" and "Recycle Bin -- Full." Click "Change Icon." Select a different icon by scrolling through the "Change Icon" window. Select a personal icon by selecting the "Browse" option. Open the folder that contains your desired icon. Select your icon and click "OK" to return to the previous window. To restore the default icon, click on the icon and select the "Restore Default" button.

4. Add or remove the desktop icons by clicking on the checkmark that appears next to the icon name at the top. Select an icon to have it appear on your desktop and deselect it to remove it.

File Folders

5. Locate the file folder you want to change. Access the "Properties" menu of the file folder by right-clicking on the folder and selecting "Properties."

6. Select the "Customize" tab, which is located to the far right. Click the "Change Icon" button toward the bottom of the window.

7. Scroll through the file icon options to select a new icon. Browse personal folders by clicking on the "Browse" button and selecting the location of the icon you want to use. Click on your chosen icon and select "OK" to finalize the change. To restore the default icon, click "Restore Defaults."

Shortcuts

8. Locate the shortcut icon you want to alter. Shortcuts are typically located on the desktop. Right-click on the shortcut and select "Properties."

9. Select the "Shortcuts" tab and click the "Change Icon" button toward the bottom of the window. This will bring up a menu containing Vista's default icons.

10. Browse the icons to make a selection. To browse another folder, locate the folder in the toolbar at the top of the window. Highlight the desired icon by clicking on it once and then clicking "OK." The shortcut's icon will now change.

References

• Microsoft (File Folders and Shortcuts)
• Microsoft (Desktop Icons)