How To Change the File Icon

An icon is a small picture (or pictogram) that represents a computer program, file or a folder. Special image files with the extension ICO typically contain icons. Furthermore, some executable (EXE) and library (DLL) files contain embedded icon information. A particularly important class of file icons belongs to shortcuts located on the Windows Desktop. Changing an icon on your Windows Vista/XP Desktop allows you to personalize a particular file and make it easier to find.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Getting a New Icon from ICO/EXE/DLL Files

1. Right-click on the file shortcut icon on Desktop and choose "Properties."

2. Select the tab "Shortcut" in the properties windows.

3. Click the "Change Icon" button and browse to a directory that contains a desired ICO file. Note you can download various sets of icons (as ico files) from the Icon Archive website using the link in resources.

4. Double-click on the ICO, EXE or DLL file. The list of available icons should appear in the window.

5. Select an icon from the list and click "OK." Then click "OK" again.

Choosing an Icon from the Windows Icon Collection

6. Right-click on the file shortcut icon on Desktop and choose "Properties."

7. Select the tab "Shortcut" in the properties windows.

8. Click the button "Change Icon."

9. Delete all characters in the "Browse" field and click "OK." A list of available Windows icons will appear in the window.

10. Double-click on an icon from the list. Then click "OK."

Resources

• Icons in Windows
• Icon Archive