Alex Ruben
How to Change App Icons on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide will walk you through the process of changing app icons on your Windows 11 device. Whether you own a laptop, desktop, tablet, or any other hardware that runs Windows 11, these steps will help you customize your experience. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to personalize your app icons to suit your taste.
Step 1: Access Your Desktop
Start by making sure you are on your Windows 11 desktop. If you are in another application or window, minimize or close it to access the desktop environment.
Step 2: Locate the App Shortcut
Find the app for which you want to change the icon. This can be done by looking for the shortcut on your desktop or within the Start menu. If the app isn’t readily available, you can search for it by clicking on the Start button and typing the app name.
Step 3: Right-click on the App Shortcut
Once you’ve identified the app, right-click on the shortcut icon. This will open a context menu with several options related to the shortcut.
Step 4: Select ‘Properties’
In the context menu, look for and click on Properties. This will open the properties window for the shortcut, where you can make modifications.
Step 5: Click on ‘Change Icon’
Within the properties window, find and click on the Change Icon button. This action will bring up a selection of icons you can choose from.
Step 6: Choose Your New Icon
In the icon selection window, scroll through the available icons. You can also click on Browse if you have a custom icon (.ico file format) saved on your device. Select your desired icon.
Step 7: Apply the Changes
After selecting your new icon, click the OK button to confirm your choice. Then, click Apply on the properties window to finalize your changes.
Step 8: Verify Your New Icon
Return to your desktop and check the app shortcut to see if the new icon has been applied. If not, you may need to refresh your desktop by right-clicking on an empty space and selecting Refresh.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are a few extra tips to enhance your experience:
- Ensure the icon file you want to use is in the correct format (.ico).
- If your changes aren’t visible, restarting your computer can sometimes resolve the issue.
- Make sure you have appropriate permissions to modify the icons, especially if your device is managed by an organization.
Common issues include the new icon not appearing. If this happens, check if the icon file is compatible and correctly formatted.
Conclusion
Changing app icons in Windows 11 can significantly enhance your user experience and allow for a more personalized feel to your device. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily customize your icons to fit your style. For more tutorials, consider checking our other guides on Windows 11 personalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the icons for built-in Windows apps?
Yes, you can change icons for built-in apps as long as you can access their shortcuts. Follow the same steps as you would for other apps.
What file formats can be used for custom icons?
The custom icons should be in the .ico format for compatibility with Windows.
Will changing icons affect the app’s performance?
No, changing icons is purely a cosmetic change and does not affect how the application functions.