Changing the icon of an app in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can help personalize your desktop. By right-clicking on the app’s shortcut, accessing its Properties, and selecting a new icon, you can give your favorite apps a fresh look. Follow these steps to make your desktop uniquely yours.
How to Change the Icon of an App in Windows 10
Changing the icon of an app in Windows 10 can seem daunting at first, but it’s pretty simple once you know where to go. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you change the icon of any app on your Windows 10 desktop.
Step 1: Right-Click on the App Shortcut
First, locate the shortcut of the app whose icon you want to change. Right-click on this shortcut to bring up a context menu.
When you right-click, a menu with several options will appear. Make sure you’re clicking on the shortcut and not the app itself if it’s pinned to the taskbar.
Step 2: Select ‘Properties’
In the context menu, select ‘Properties’ at the bottom of the list. This will open the Properties window for the app.
The Properties window contains several tabs with different settings for the shortcut. You’ll be focusing on the ‘Shortcut’ tab for this process.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Change Icon’ Button
In the ‘Shortcut’ tab, look for a button labeled ‘Change Icon’ and click on it.
Clicking this button will bring up a new window with various icon options. This is where you’ll select a new icon for your app.
Step 4: Choose Your New Icon
Select an icon from the available list or browse for a custom icon file saved on your computer. Click ‘OK’ once you’ve made your choice.
If you have a custom icon file, make sure it’s in the .ico format. Otherwise, you can use any of the default icons provided by Windows.
Step 5: Apply Your Changes
After choosing the new icon, click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’ in the Properties window to save your changes.
Your app’s shortcut will now display the new icon you selected. If it doesn’t update immediately, try refreshing your desktop.
After you complete these steps, your app will have a fresh new icon, making your desktop a bit more personal and visually appealing.
Tips for Changing the Icon of an App in Windows 10
- Use Properly Formatted Icons: Ensure your custom icons are in the .ico format for them to work correctly.
- Backup Original Icons: Save a copy of the original icon before making changes, just in case you want to revert back.
- High-Resolution Icons: Choose high-resolution icons to avoid a pixelated appearance.
- Refresh Desktop: If the icon doesn’t change immediately, right-click on the desktop and select ‘Refresh.’
- Admin Rights: Some system shortcuts may require administrative privileges to change their icons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the icon of any app in Windows 10?
Yes, you can change the icon of most apps that have a desktop shortcut. However, some system apps may not allow this change.
What file format should my custom icons be in?
Your custom icons should be in the .ico format. Other formats like .png or .jpg won’t work as icons in Windows.
Why doesn’t the icon change immediately?
Sometimes the desktop needs to refresh to show the new icon. Right-click on the desktop and select ‘Refresh’ to update it.
Can I revert to the original icon?
Yes, you can revert to the original icon by going back to the ‘Change Icon’ menu and selecting the original icon from the list.
Do I need special software to create .ico files?
There are several free tools available online to convert images into .ico files. Programs like GIMP or online converters can help you create .ico files.
Summary
- Right-click on the app shortcut.
- Select ‘Properties.’
- Click on the ‘Change Icon’ button.
- Choose your new icon.
- Apply your changes.
Conclusion
Changing the icon of an app in Windows 10 is a simple yet effective way to personalize your computer. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily transform the look of your desktop, making it uniquely yours. Whether you want to use custom icons or choose from the default options available, the process is straightforward and quick.
Remember to use icons in the .ico format and refresh your desktop if the changes don’t appear immediately. If you’re ever unsure, this guide will be here to walk you through each step, ensuring you get the results you want.
For those looking to delve deeper into Windows personalization, consider exploring other customization options such as changing themes, adjusting taskbar settings, and more. Personalizing your workspace can increase productivity and make your computer a more enjoyable place to spend time.
So go ahead, give your desktop a makeover and enjoy a more personalized computing experience!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.