Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
In this Itechguide, Victor teaches you how to change icons on Windows 10. The guide covers steps to change desktop, folder, and file type and shortcut icons.
Option 1: Change Desktop Icons
One method to change icons on Windows 10 is by changing desktop icons like Recycle Bin, This PC, etc. Here are the steps to change desktop icons:
- Right-click the Windows 10 Start menu and click Settings.
- Then, on Windows Settings, click Personalisation.
- On the left pane of the Personalisation settings screen, click Themes.
- When the Themes settings screen opens, scroll down to Related Settings and click Desktop icon settings.
- On Desktop icon settings, select the icon you want to change, then on the bottom right of Desktop Icon Settings, click Change Icon. For example, to change the icon for This PC, select it, then click Change Icon.
- Finally, on the Change Icon settings, select a new icon and click OK.
- The icon for This PC will change to the new selected icon. To save your changes, on the Desktop icon settings screen, click OK.
By default, This PC is not available on Windows 10 desktop. To make it available, on the Desktop icon section, check the checkbox beside Computer and click OK. This PC will now become available on your desktop – see the second image below – it is now displayed in the newly selected icon.
Option 2: Change Folder Icons
Another method to change icons on Windows 10 is by changing folder icons. Here are the steps to change folder icons…
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
- Right-click any folder on your PC and click Properties.
- Then, on the Properties of the folder, click the Custom tab.
- On the Custom tab, beneath Folder icons, click Change Icon.
- Finally, to change folder icons on Windows 10, on the Change Icon screen, select a new icon and click OK.
- To apply your changes, on the Properties of the folder, click OK.
Option 3: Change File Type Icons
You can also change the icon of a file type. But you need to download and install a 3rd party tool called FileTypesMan. Here are the steps to change file type icons.
Popular on Amazon
Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC Intel i7-7700 4-Cores 3.60GHz 32GB DDR4 1TB SSD WiFi BT HDMI Duel Monitor Support Windows 11 Pro Excellent Condition(Renewed)
- Model: Dell OptiPlex 7050 Small Form Factor (SFF)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 3.60 GHz
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 Ram
- Storage: 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD) Fast Boot + Storage
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
- Click FileTypesMan link. When the page opens, scroll down towards the bottom of the page and click the download link for your Windows 10 System Type.
To determine whether you have a 32 or 64-bits Windows 10, right-click Start menu and click System. Then, scroll down to the Device specifications section – see the second image below.
- If your PC is 64-bits, click the second link below. Otherwise, click the first link.
- Then, save the zip file to a folder on your PC.
- Finally, unzip the downloaded zip file. Then, open the unzipped folder and double-click FileTypesMan file.
- You will receive a User Access Control screen – click Yes.
FileTypesMan may take a short while to open.
- When the application opens, scroll down to the file extension type you want to change the icon. Then, right-click the file type and click Edit Selected File Type.
You may also press Ctrl and F keys to open the find option. Then type the file extension you want to change the icon and click Find Next – see the second image below.
- Finally, on the right side of the Default Icon field, click the 3 dots. Then, select a new icon for the File Type and click OK.
Option 4: Change Shortcut Icons
Another way to change icons on Windows 10 is to change the icon of a specific shortcut. Here are the steps.
The steps in this section can also be used to change the icon for a program shortcut as well.
- Right-click the shortcut you want to change its icon and click Properties. The properties of the shortcut will open on the Shortcut tab.
- On the lower part of the Shortcut tab, click Change Icon.
- Finally, on the Change Icon window, select a new icon and click OK. Then, on the Shortcut Properties, click OK.
You can use the 3 methods to change icons on Windows 10! I hope you found this Itechguide helpful. If you found it helpful, click on “Yes” beside the “Was this page helpful” question below.
Also popular on Amazon
HP ProDesk 600 G1 SFF Slim Business Desktop Computer, Intel i5-4570 up to 3.60 GHz, DVD, USB 3.0, Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit (Renewed) (8GB RAM | 500GB HDD) (Renewed)
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The Refurbishing Process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high-performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com.
- HP 600G1 Intel I5 Quad-Core 3.2 GHz Processor.
- What's Inside: 8GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, DVD Optical Drive.
- Includes: USB Keyboard and Mouse, Microsoft office 30 days free trail.
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit-Multi-Language Supports English/Spanish/French.
You may also express your thoughts and opinions by using the “Leave a Comment” form at the bottom of this page.
Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →Recommended: PC Feels Slow? A Free Scan Shows What's Dragging Windows Down →Recommended: Update Every Outdated Driver on Your PC in One Scan - Free →
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Finally, for more Windows 10 Itechguides, visit our Windows 10 How-To page. You may also be interested in our Work from Home page.
Quick Recap
Also popular on Amazon
Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD Player CD ROM Rewriter Writer Reader for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple
- 【PLUG & PLAY – EASY CONNECTION】 Simply connect the Amicool External DVD Drive to your computer’s USB or Type-C port, and it will usually be detected right away without the need for extra drivers. For stable operation and sufficient power, we recommend connecting it directly to a USB port on your computer (for desktops, use a rear motherboard port) and avoiding USB hubs or extension cables. This user-friendly design ensures quick setup for both beginners and professionals.
- 【FAST & STABLE DATA TRANSMISSION】 Featuring dual interfaces (USB 3.0 and Type-C), this optical drive supports data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. To ensure a reliable connection, please connect it directly to your computer. The drive supports multiple disc formats such as DVD+R, DVD-R, CD-R, and CD-RW. Please note: It does NOT support DVD-RAM, Blu-ray (BD) discs, or certain proprietary formats. Maximum DVD read speed is 8x, and maximum CD read/write speed is 24x.
- 【UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY】 Compatible with Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 7, Linux, and all macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon) for MacBook Air/Pro, iMac, Mac mini; NOT for iPad/iPhone/Apple TV/ChromeOS; for Mac, insert disc FIRST, connect directly to USB port (use a POWERED USB‑C hub for M1/M2/M3 to avoid insufficient power), and open media with VLC Player (Apple DVD Player not supported). Works with most computers from brands like Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, and Samsung. 👉 Important: Designed specifically for computers. It is NOT compatible with TVs, tablets, game consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox), car stereos, or standalone Blu-ray players.
- 【SLIM & PORTABLE DESIGN – BUILT-IN CABLE, READY TO GO】With an integrated cable design, slim body, and stylish matte finish, this lightweight CD/DVD drive is both durable and portable. Easily slip it into your laptop bag or backpack and use it anytime, anywhere—perfect for business, travel, or home use
- 【MULTIFUNCTIONAL & RELIABLE OPERATION】 Equipped with intelligent error correction and anti-shock technology, this drive supports reading, writing, and burning discs. If the drive is not recognized or a disc cannot be read, try restarting your computer or testing with a different, standard CD-R or DVD-R disc. The pop-up button and built-in cable design offer convenience and portability. For desktop PCs, connecting to a rear USB port is recommended for optimal power and performance.
Also popular on Amazon
Sale
Getorli Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U, 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, Triple Display, WiFi 6 | Mini Desktop Computer With Expandable 32GB RAM & 2TB SSD, Bluetooth 5.3, VESA Mount, for Office, Streaming & Learning
- 【AMD Ryzen 5 3501U Mini PC For Enhanced Daily Performance】Powered by AMD Ryzen 5 3501U processor with 4 cores and 8 threads, this mini pc provides responsive performance for office applications, home entertainment, online learning, media playback, and everyday computing.
- 【16GB Memory & 512GB Storage With Expansion Options】Built with 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD, this mini computer provides more space for applications, files, videos, and daily content. Upgrade memory up to 32GB, expand SSD storage up to 2TB, or add a 2.5-inch HDD.
- 【Flexible Small Desktop Computer For Home Applications】This small desktop computer is designed for home office, streaming, personal server setups, digital entertainment, and light gaming. The upgraded memory helps support smoother operation when using more applications.
- 【Triple Display Setup & Flexible Connectivity】Dual HDMI ports and a full-function USB-C port support up to three displays. This micro pc offers convenient connectivity with WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, Gigabit Ethernet, and multiple USB ports.
- 【Compact Mini Desktop With Space-Saving Design】Measuring only 5.0 × 4.4 × 1.6 inches, this small pc saves valuable desk space. VESA mount support allows installation behind compatible monitors, making it suitable for home offices and compact workspaces.
Also popular on Amazon
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
