Kaishin, inc.

How to Replace Icons in Windows 7

Changing icons in Windows without using third party solutions can get quickly confusing. Fasten your seat belt.

What you need

• New icon in .ico format
• Target file
• Optional: third party application

Changing System Icons

To change icons for Computer, Network and Recycle Bin, follow these steps:

1. Right click on the Desktop then select Personalize
2. In the Personalization Window click Change desktop icons in the left sidebar.
3. Select the target icon and click Change Icon…
4. Browse to the new icon and click OK
5. Done!

To restore the original icon:

• Repeat the same steps as above until step 2
• Select the target icon and click Restore Default

Changing Folder Icons

Steps (works only for non-Library folders)

1. Right click on the target folder and choose Properties
2. Click the Customize tab, then click the Change Icon button
3. Browse to the new icon and click OK
4. Done!

To restore the original icon:

• Repeat the same steps as above until step 2
• Select Restore Defaults in the new pane

Changing Program Shortcut Icons

Steps

1. Right click on the target shortcut and choose Properties
2. Click the Shortcut tab, then click the Change Icon button down below
3. Browse to the new icon and click OK
4. Done!

To restore the original icon:

• Repeat the same steps as above until step 2
• In the Change Icon pane, browse to the application folder and look for the default icon

Changing Running Programs’ Icons

Steps

1. Unpin your program (it doesn’t work otherwise)
2. Right-click the target program in the taskbar
3. Right-click the program name in the menu that shows up and select Properties
4. Follow the same instructions as the section above (starting at step 2)

To restore the original icon:

• Repeat the same steps as above until step 3
• Click the Shortcut tab, then click the Change Icon button down below
• In the Change Icon pane, browse to the default icon and select it

Using Third Party Software

While the instructions above may cover most of your needs, there is a good deal of third party applications that give you more control over your icon customization. Here is a quick rundown of the most notable ones:

• Stardock’s IconPackager ($9.95): The best of the lot. Allows to change icons in bulk, manage icon packages, restore icons, etc… (Screenshots and Video instructionshere)
• Replace Librarie Icon (Free): a free utility that allows to change Library folder icons.