Customising Icons on Windows 11: A Real User’s Experience
Swapping out icons on the Windows 11 desktop might look straightforward, but it’s one of those little tweaks that can actually make a big difference. First up, right-click anywhere on your desktop — not too tricky, right? Then select Personalise from the menu. That takes you into a whole new world of customise options. Next, click on Themes. Here’s the clever bit: scroll down until you find Desktop icon settings; that’s where the magic really happens.
Once you’re in this section, you’ll see icons for things like This PC, Network, or Recycle Bin. Just select one, click Change Icon, and Bob’s your uncle! You can choose from existing options or hunt down some snazzy custom icons stored on your computer. If smaller folder icons are more your style, right-click the folder, select Properties, then head over to the Customize tab. There’s another Change Icon button waiting for you. It might sound dead simple, but it can really give your desktop a fresh feel when you’re working away.
Navigating Icon Customisation
Getting into this process isn’t too complex. Right-click the desktop and select Personalise again. This opens up a bunch of personalise options, including those sneaky icon settings.
Or, if you’re keen on shortcuts, open the Settings app with Win + I and head to Personalisation. On the sidebar, you’ll find the handy Themes section.
Diving into Desktop Icon Settings
Scroll down a bit and look for Desktop icon settings—it’s usually near the bottom, but sometimes can be a bit tricky to spot. Feeling nostalgic? You can also access it the old-fashioned way: Control Panel > Appearance and Personalisation > Personalisation > Change desktop icons. Or, simply type desk.cpl in the Run box (Win + R) and hit Enter — quick and easy!
Choosing and Changing Icons Like a Pro
In the Desktop Icon Settings window, pick the icon you’ve got your eye on — like Recycle Bin. Click Change Icon and a list will appear. You can choose from the default ones or browse your files for something more unique. Just remember: custom icons work best in .ico format. Got an image you want to turn into an icon? No worries! Use online converters like [ICO Converter](https://icoconvert.com/) to sort it out.
Personalising Your Folders
Changing folder icons is just as easy — right-click the folder, select Properties, then go to the Customize tab. Click on Change Icon and browse for your favourite icon. Once you hit OK, the folder instantly gets a new look — pretty satisfying, isn’t it?
Tips for Smoother Icon Customisation
- Before you start, consider backing up your icons or creating a restore point through Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection. Better safe than sorry!
- Stick to
.icofiles for icons; otherwise, things might look a bit wonky. Use online converters if needed. - There are heaps of icon packs available online. Check out sites like [IconArchive](https://iconarchive.com/) or [DeviantArt](https://www.deviantart.com/) for some fresh options.
- If you opt for larger or animated icons, your system might slow down slightly while changing things around. Patience is key.
- While you’re at it, why not save a customised theme? It’ll catch all your settings — icons, background, sounds — in one go!
FAQs on Icon Customisation
Can I use any image as an icon?
Kinda, but you’ll need to convert the image to .ico format first. Plenty of tools out there make this process a breeze.
Does fiddling with icons slow down my PC?
Usually not, but if you’re using massive or complex files, you might notice a bit of lag during the change-over.
Where’s the best place to find good icons?
Look for free or paid icon packs online. Popular sites include [Icons8](https://icons8.com/) and the built-in Windows icon collection.
What if I want my original icons back?
No worries. Head to Desktop Icon Settings and click Restore Defaults. Easy as.
Do I need special permissions to change system icons?
Most likely, yep. You’ll need administrator rights. Right-click the icon and select Run as administrator if you’re bumping into permission issues.
Once you get the hang of it, personalising your desktop icons can turn your machine into your own little space. A fresh icon here and there isn’t just a visual tweak — it can help make navigation a whole lot simpler. Whether you’re sprucing things up or organising for better workflow, changing icons is well worth the effort. Just remember to keep your original icons handy or make a restore point before getting stuck into customising — that way, you’re covered if anything goes awry. These small changes can make your day-to-day a bit more enjoyable on your PC. Hope this helps save you a few hours of frustration!