How To Change Desktop Icons On Windows 10

Windows 10 offers a wide range of customization options, and one of the most popular ways to personalize your desktop is by changing the icons. Did you know that changing desktop icons can not only enhance the visual appeal of your computer but also improve your productivity by making it easier to locate and access your favorite apps and files?

To change desktop icons on Windows 10, simply right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize" from the context menu. From there, click on "Themes" in the left sidebar and then choose "Desktop icon settings." Here, you can customize your icons by selecting from a list of available options or by browsing for your own icon files on your computer. With just a few clicks, you can transform your desktop into a reflection of your personal style and preferences.

Customizing Desktop Icons on Windows 10

If you're a Windows 10 user, you may want to personalize your desktop by changing the default icons. Whether you want to replace the icons for specific apps or system folders, Windows 10 allows you to customize your desktop icons easily. From a simple aesthetic change to a more organized and personalized desktop, changing desktop icons can enhance your overall user experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing desktop icons on Windows 10, ensuring you have the tools to make your desktop truly your own.

Step 1: Accessing Desktop Icon Settings

The first step in changing desktop icons on Windows 10 is accessing the desktop icon settings. To do this, follow these simple steps:

• Right-click on an empty space on your desktop. This will open a context menu.
• Select "Personalize" from the menu. This will open the Windows Settings app.
• In the Settings app, click on "Themes" in the left-hand menu.
• Scroll down and click on "Desktop icon settings". This will open the Desktop Icon Settings window.

Now that you have accessed the desktop icon settings, you can proceed to customize your desktop icons further.

Step 2: Choosing the Icons to Change

Once you have opened the Desktop Icon Settings window, you can choose the icons you want to change. Windows 10 provides default icons for various system folders such as "This PC," "Recycle Bin," and "Network." You can also select specific apps' icons to change. To choose the icons to change, follow these steps:

• In the Desktop Icon Settings window, you will see a list of available icons. These icons represent the system folders and apps on your desktop.
• Click on the icon you want to change. This will highlight the icon.
• Click on the "Change Icon" button below the list. This will open the Change Icon window.
• In the Change Icon window, you can select a new icon from the list or browse for a custom icon file on your computer. Click "OK" when you have selected your desired icon.

Repeat these steps for each icon you want to change. You can also restore the default icons by clicking the "Restore Default" button in the Desktop Icon Settings window.

Step 3: Applying the Changes

After you have selected your desired icons, it's time to apply the changes and see the new icons on your desktop. Follow these steps to apply the changes:

• In the Desktop Icon Settings window, click "Apply" to save the changes you made.
• Click "OK" to close the Desktop Icon Settings window.
• Your desktop icons will now be updated with the new icons you have chosen.

If the new icons don't appear immediately, you can try refreshing your desktop or restarting your computer for the changes to take effect.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Icon Changes

If you're experiencing any issues with changing desktop icons on Windows 10, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

• If the icon you selected doesn't appear as expected, make sure the icon file is valid and not corrupted. Try selecting a different icon to see if the issue persists.
• If the changes don't apply even after clicking "Apply," ensure you have the necessary permissions to modify the desktop icons.
• If the new icons still don't appear after refreshing the desktop or restarting the computer, make sure the icon cache is not corrupted. You can rebuild the icon cache by following troubleshooting steps specific to Windows 10.

Customizing Application Icons on Windows 10

In addition to changing system folder icons, you can also customize application icons on Windows 10. This allows you to create a consistent and visually appealing desktop environment. Here's how you can customize application icons:

Step 1: Accessing the Application's Properties

To change an application icon, you need to access the application's properties. Follow these steps to access the properties:

• Locate the application for which you want to change the icon.
• Right-click on the application and select "Properties" from the context menu. This will open the Properties window.

Now that you have accessed the application's properties, you can proceed to customize its icon further.

Step 2: Changing the Application Icon

Once you have opened the application's properties window, you can change its icon. Follow these steps to change the application icon:

• In the application's properties window, click on the "Change Icon" button. This will open the Change Icon window.
• In the Change Icon window, you can select a new icon from the list or browse for a custom icon file on your computer. Click "OK" when you have selected your desired icon.
• Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

The application's icon will now be updated with the new icon you have chosen.

Step 3: Refreshing the Desktop

To see the new application icon on your desktop, you may need to refresh the desktop. Follow these steps to refresh the desktop:

• Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.
• Select "Refresh" from the context menu. This will refresh the desktop, and the new application icon will appear.

If the new icon doesn't appear immediately, you can also try restarting your computer for the changes to take effect.

Customizing desktop icons and application icons on Windows 10 can provide a more engaging and personalized user experience. Whether you're looking to improve aesthetics or streamline your desktop organization, changing icons allows you to create a workspace customized to your preferences. Follow the steps outlined in this article to transform your Windows 10 desktop and make it truly your own.

Change Desktop Icons on Windows 10

To change desktop icons on Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Right-click on an empty area of the desktop and select "Personalize" from the context menu.
• In the Personalization settings, click on "Themes" in the left-hand menu.
• Scroll down and click on "Desktop icon settings."
• Select the icon you want to change (e.g., "This PC," "Recycle Bin," etc.) and click on "Change Icon."
• Browse for the desired icon file and click "OK."
• Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

The desktop icons on Windows 10 can be customized to your preference. By following these steps, you can change the default icons to icons of your choice. This allows you to personalize your desktop and make it reflect your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about changing desktop icons on Windows 10:

1. How can I change the desktop icons on Windows 10?

To change the desktop icons on Windows 10, follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select "Personalize".

Step 2: In the "Personalization" window, click on "Themes" in the left sidebar.

Step 3: Click on "Desktop icon settings" under the "Related Settings" section.

Step 4: In the "Desktop Icon Settings" window, you can choose which icons to show on your desktop by checking or unchecking the boxes next to the options.

2. Can I customize the icons for specific files or folders?

Yes, you can customize the icons for specific files or folders on Windows 10. Here's how:

Step 1: Right-click on the file or folder you want to customize and select "Properties".

Step 2: In the "Properties" window, click on the "Customize" tab.

Step 3: Click on the "Change Icon" button.

Step 4: Choose an icon from the list or click on "Browse" to select a custom icon file.

3. How do I restore the default desktop icons on Windows 10?

If you accidentally changed the default desktop icons on Windows 10 and want to restore them, follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select "Personalize".

Step 2: In the "Personalization" window, click on "Themes" in the left sidebar.

Step 3: Click on "Desktop icon settings" under the "Related Settings" section.

Step 4: In the "Desktop Icon Settings" window, click on the "Restore Default" button.

4. Can I change desktop icons on Windows 10 using a third-party software?

Yes, there are several third-party software applications available that allow you to change desktop icons on Windows 10. Some popular options include Stardock IconPackager, CustomizerGod, and IconPackager.

5. Are there any limitations to changing desktop icons on Windows 10?

While you can change most desktop icons on Windows 10, there are a few limitations:

- System icons, such as the Recycle Bin and This PC, cannot be changed.

- Some third-party software may not support changing icons for all file types.

In conclusion, changing desktop icons on Windows 10 is a simple process that allows you to personalize your computer's appearance. By right-clicking on the desktop, selecting "Personalize," and navigating to the "Themes" or "Desktop icon settings" section, you can easily modify the icons to your liking. You can choose from a variety of pre-installed icons or use custom icons of your choice.

Remember to make sure the custom icons you want to use are in the .ico format to ensure compatibility. Changing desktop icons on Windows 10 is an effective way to add a personal touch to your computer and make it more visually appealing.