How to Change System Icon in Vista

An alternative volume icon.

In Windows Vista, a system icon is a small graphic that represents one of the main Vista functions, such as Network, Volume and Power. Icons in Vista are 256 by 256 pixels, as opposed to the smaller and lower resolution icons used in Windows XP. Nevertheless, you may have not like the appearance of one of the system icons that Vista uses. Changing icons in Vista is a simple process.

Instructions

1. Right-click on the desktop background and select "Personalize" from the context menu that appears.

2. Click "Change Desktop Icons," located in the left pane of the Personalize window.

3. Click the system icon you would like to change.

4. Click "Change Icon." A window displaying available icons opens. You can also click "Browse" to select an icon that you have created or downloaded from the Internet.

5. Click "OK." The new icon is now visible.

References

• Top Bits: How to Change Vista Icons
• Microsoft Support: System Icons Do Not Appear in the Notification Area in Windows Vista