How to change the program icon. Changing the appearance of icons in Windows

Well, today we’ll talk again about personalization computer, or rather about how to change the file icon. After all, we install different wallpapers on the desktop, some set personal themes, but the icons individual programs or files and folders in general sometimes seem primitive. So all this can be changed, and for this you do not need to install any additional programs, everything can be done standard means Windows 7.
In Windows 7, there are many standard icons for shortcuts, folders and file types, but you can also set your own. You just need to download them from any of the Internet sites. There are a variety of icons, as they say, for every taste and color. In order to change the file icon you need to follow the steps described below. and so let's get started.

1. Select a file or folder and click on it right click mouse, in the menu that appears, select " Properties".

2. In the window that opens, go to the " tab Label" and press the button " Change icon.."

3. A selection will be presented from the icons that are in the program; in order to select and install your icon, you need to click the browse button and specify the path to it. Then click “Ok” -> “Apply”.

4. Done!
Change folder icon in Windows 7
1. Go to "Properties".

2. Go to the "Settings" tab and click on the "Change icon..." button

3. Select a folder icon from those presented in the system, or use the "Browse..." button to indicate the path to your icon.

4. Click "Ok" -> "Apply". Ready!

Well, that’s basically all about how to change the icon of a file or folder. These are ways to change icons. I consider them the simplest, since you do not need to install any programs or software in order to expand the capabilities of the OS. As usual, I tried to explain everything in as much detail as possible and with examples. In case there are additional questions, then I will definitely answer them in the comments. Also, if you don’t know yet, then be sure to read the article dedicated to this.

In addition to desktop backgrounds, screensavers and color styles windows, Windows users 7 have the ability to change the standard icons of folders and program shortcuts to any others. Diversify the design working environment you can use icons from system libraries or from third party sources. Various collections of beautiful miniatures are available for free download on many web resources.

Installing icons from the Windows 7 collection

So you want to change standard image folders for something more original. Where can I get badges? The simplest and fastest solution is to find them in the system.

Change icon

Open the folder properties.

Go to the “Settings” tab and click the “Change Icon” button.

Specify the location to search for the icon. By default this is the system library Shell32.dll, but you can choose another source. Click the appropriate image and click OK.

Now the folder looks like this.

The Shell32.dll library as a source of icons for folders is not always the best choice. The icons in it are not particularly beautiful and there are not too many of them. Other images can be found in the libraries Aclui.dll, Ddores.dll, Moricons.dll and many others.

To make it easier to view icons on your computer, we suggest using the free Icon Viewer utility: it shows all the icons that are stored in different files selected folder. So, in the C:Windowssystem32 directory alone there are several hundred of these images.

By clicking on the icon you like, at the bottom of the window you will see which file it contains.

Changing the image

To change the folder image, leaving the standard icon, on the same tab, in the “Folder Image” section, click “Select file”.

Select any image of a suitable format and click “Open”.

Our folder looked like this. The picture selected as an image is not moved inside the folder.

Installing folder icons and desktop shortcuts from third-party sources

Many design-related web resources offer collections of icons for folders and desktops. This is usually a set of images in ico format and, less often, files dynamic libraries supported by Windows 7.

Changing the folder icon

For change standard icon folder to one of the new ones, you need to do the same as we discussed above: open the folder properties, click the “Change icon” button, indicate the location where you unpacked the collection of icons, and select one of them.

Windows 7 supports ico, icl, dll and exe file formats (the latter can also contain images that can be used as icons and shortcuts).

Changing desktop shortcuts

A program shortcut on the desktop is a graphical miniature that is installed on the computer during installation of this program. Physically, the shortcut image is stored in the executable (exe) file of the application and, as in the case of folders, it can be changed to another.

Open the properties of the application shortcut and go to the “Shortcut” tab. Click the “Change Icon” button.

Specify the path to the folder with the desired image(as in the previously discussed example, we can use files in the formats ico, icl, dll and exe). Select an icon and click “Open”.

Confirm your selection by pressing OK.

After this, the shortcut to our “experimental” program Total Commander took on an updated look.

Using the same method, you can change any desktop icons, with the exception of system ones.

Changing system icons on the desktop

To change the appearance of the Computer, Recycle Bin, Network, and root directory account user, you need to enter the personalization panel (but note that the “Personalization” component is not available in the start and home basic editions of Windows 7).

To do this:

right-click to open desktop properties and click “Personalization”;

on the left side of the panel window, click on the menu item “Change desktop icons”;

Desktop shortcuts are used to quick launch installed applications. Usually the image is set by default, but the user can independently change the appearance of the icons: icon, size, remove the arrow, and more.

Shortcuts on the desktop: what they are and why they are needed

Shortcuts provide quick access to files. If you delete the shortcut, then to launch the utility you will have to search for the location of the file, and this will take more time.

It is worth saying that the shortcut is not the program itself, it simply indicates the path to it. And if you delete the icon, the utility will remain in the system.

How to change shortcut icons

If you are not satisfied with the standard shortcut icons, you can change them.

How to reduce or increase the size of a shortcut

At different resolutions The same size icons will look different on each screen. There are two ways to change the scale.

The first is through the desktop settings:

With this method, icons may automatically align to the grid and will have to be sorted again.

The second way is to pinch Ctrl key and roll the mouse wheel up or down, the icons will increase or decrease accordingly.

How to remove the arrow from a shortcut

By default, each shortcut is marked with a small arrow to make it clear to the user that it is a shortcut. But not everyone likes this appearance of the icons. Quick solutions The operating system developers did not provide for this problem, and it can be fixed by making changes to the registry or using a special program.

More simple and in a safe way is software solution. The most popular utility is Aero Tweak. It has a simple interface, does not require installation and, in addition to changing the type of shortcuts, has several more useful functions.

Aero Tweak can customize other display options besides arrows on shortcuts

Open the program and go to “ Windows Explorer", check the box next to "Do not show arrows on labels". They will disappear after you restart your computer.

If it is not possible to download the utility, then you can solve the problem through the register:

It is important to do everything exactly according to the instructions and rename the file “IsShortcut”. The registry is responsible for the operation of the entire system, and if there is an error, the computer may not function correctly.

Video: how to remove the arrow from a shortcut using Aero Tweak

How to change the appearance of shortcuts

You can completely change the appearance of the shortcut:

You can download individual packages on the Internet, where the choice is much wider. To see the downloaded icons in the window, you need to click “Browse” and specify the path to the package.

How to change system icons

System shortcuts are a little more complicated to change:

System icons may change along with the desktop theme.

How to remove shields from labels

If all shortcuts are marked with arrows, the shields indicate that the program can make changes to the system and works with administrator rights. If you remove the shield, the computer will read the utility being launched simple application. For computer safety, inexperienced users are advised not to expose the computer to danger and leave the guards in place.

If you still want to remove the shields, then to do this you need:

The shields will disappear. To return them back, we do the same steps, only we return the slider to the middle.

How to remove and hide shortcuts

If you need to hide shortcuts for a while, then:

All icons will disappear from the screen. It is worth noting that all files that were on the desktop will be hidden: documents, folders, images. To return everything to its place, you need to check the box “Show desktop shortcuts”.

To delete, select an icon (or several) and press Delete. Or simply drag the files to the trash.

How to recover deleted shortcuts

If you accidentally deleted a shortcut yourself, you can easily restore it by going to the trash. Or you can create a new one:

If shortcuts disappear without your participation, then the reason may be as follows. The system maintenance tool checks your computer every week (unless this function is disabled) and if there are more than four damaged shortcuts, it deletes them.

A shortcut that does not lead anywhere is considered damaged. For example, after deleting a program, its icon remains. But the system may consider the shortcut damaged removable storage, which is not connected or is in an inaccessible place at the time of verification.

What you can do:

move all shortcuts to separate folder, the service tool checks only the desktop;
disable the service tool.

The second method may affect the operation of the system, so it is preferable to simply move the shortcuts to a separate folder.

If you still want to disable the service tool, you can do this as follows:

If the icons still continue to disappear, then the problem is most likely a virus. Put good protection and scan your computer.

Editing appearance labels are a matter of personal taste and, in general, do not pose any danger to the operation of the system. But if you download additional software for settings, then download it only from a trusted source and be sure to check for viruses.

Sometimes users wonder how to change icons in Windows 7. This simple task, but not every user is familiar with it. In fact, the processes do not require any special skills or knowledge. It is enough to follow the simplest instructions to complete the task. Below we will look best ways replacing icons in Windows.

Methods for solving the problem

It is worth paying attention to the fact that there are a lot of options for the development of events. When thinking about how to change icons in Windows 7, you need to understand that the algorithm of actions will depend on the situation.

On at the moment can be changed:

labels;
folder pictures;
Start menu image;
operating system "Trash" icon.

In addition, you can cope with the task:

using programs;
manually;
through system services of the operating system.

In fact, everything is simpler than it seems. And even a schoolchild will be able to change the folder icon in Windows 7 and more.

Changing the image of folders

Let's start with the folders. Their icons are most often encountered by users. And the design of the operating system often depends on them.

How to change icons in Windows 7? The guide for adjusting folder images looks like this:

Click on the required storage data on the PCM desktop.
Select the "Properties" line.
Go to the "Settings" tab.
Click on the "Change Icon" button.
Select a suitable image from the list that appears. If necessary, you can click on the "Browse" button and specify the path to new Windows icons.
Click on "Ok".

That's it. Now the user can change folder images. It's not as difficult as it seems.

File shortcuts

How to change a file icon in Windows 7? The algorithm of actions in such circumstances will differ little from the previously proposed instructions.

You will have to act like this:

Right-click on the file.
Go to the "Properties" section. It will be displayed in the appeared function menu.
Click on "Change icon...". The corresponding control is located in the "Shortcut" section.
Choose a suitable picture.
Confirm the actions taken.

It's done. Windows 7? The answer to this question will no longer make you think. In any case, we have already become familiar with the basic operations. All of them are carried out either manually or system services.

Replacing the icon archive

How to change icons in Windows 7? You can immediately change the styling of all operating system images - both files and folders. This will take a little effort. Most challenging task is the selection of icons.

Once the image archive is found and downloaded to the PC, you should:

Right-click anywhere on the desktop. You must select a free area on the screen.
Go to the "Personalization" section.
In the menu in the upper left part of the window, click on "Change icons...".
Click on "Change icon...".
Select a suitable image archive.

Important: you can simply download and install the style for Windows 7. Then the icons will be replaced with new ones automatically. But that's not the most best solution.

Cart and its correction

How to change the trash icon in Windows 7? This question is of interest only to individual users. Usually the cart remains without any adjustments. It's very convenient.

If you want to change the picture of the "Cart" service, you can cope with the task using the previously proposed algorithm of actions. But after step 3 you will have to select “Trash”, only then click on “Change icon”.

The steps taken help change the image of the trash can in Windows 7. It is recommended not to experiment - the user is more accustomed to seeing a regular trash can as a “Trash”.

Changing the Start Menu

The next scenario is to change the Start icon. This will require specialized software. For example, Windows program 7 Start Button Changer. With its help, bringing your idea to life will take just a few minutes.

It is proposed to act as follows:

Launch Windows 7 Start Button. You must start working with the utility as an administrator.
Select an image from the menu that appears that will be displayed in the Start menu.
Confirm the operation.

Just a couple of minutes - and it's done. As you can see, no skills or abilities are required from the user. Just one free program and an archive of icons.

Changing Theme in Windows 7

How to change icons in Windows 7? We have already said that sometimes, to achieve a given task, users can simply change the themes of the operating system. This will lead to massive graphic changes OS.

The step-by-step process of adjusting the theme looks like this:

Right click on free space on the desktop.
Select the "Personalization" option.
Click on the appropriate topic in the corresponding log. To find new options, you can turn on the Internet and click on the hyperlink “Search for new ones on the Internet.” If necessary, download the topic of interest to your PC.
Click on the button responsible for confirming the adjustments.

In just a couple of seconds, the design of the operating system will be changed. And along with it, the Windows icons may change.

Icon formats

We found out how to change desktop icons in Windows 7. It's not that difficult to do. And even a schoolboy will be able to cope with the task.

It is important to note that icons are recognized only in a certain format of the corresponding documents.

At the moment, the .ico format is most often used in Windows. Less often - .png. It is these formats that will be recognized as icons.

In addition, Windows 7 allows you to install image archives for folders and files in .dll or .exe formats. The corresponding extensions should not scare users. These are not viruses and therefore can be used. The main thing is to download icons from trusted sources.

Important: image archives must first be unpacked. You can download data at any time convenient place, preferably in a separate folder. This will make searching for OS icons much easier.

Recovering Old Images

How can I change the icons in Windows 7 back? Often, users upgrade operating systems, and then do not know how to return initial parameters"Windows". Coping with the task at hand can sometimes be difficult. Especially if you don’t know where the archives with system (initial) icons are stored.

Standard pictures can be found in the following ways:

C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll;
C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll;
C:\Windows\System32\ddores.dll.

It is at these addresses that you can find standard Windows icons. They are restored according to the principles presented earlier.

Important: if you don’t want to search for the corresponding image archives, you can simply click in the “Change icon...” menu on the “Restore default” button. Then the operating system settings will be restored.

Results

We found out how to change icons in Windows 7. Sometimes users work with specialized programs to adjust images of folders and files. Most of them are free.

You can use the following applications:

Restorator;
IconPackager;
AveIcon 2;
IrfanView.

Using the last two utilities, users can create icons themselves. It's very convenient!

Now I will show you how to change the icon of the Windows folder to another one. Folder icons can be easily changed to the ones you need, you just need to master a few simple rules. Complex cases I’m not looking at anything special here, but you will find the answer to a very common question on the Internet about changing the folder icon.

Is it possible to change the folder icon?

Let's first see what the difference is between folders and files. WITH technical point In terms of view, a folder in Windows is a container that can contain both files and other folders. Since a folder is not a file, essentially all folders are the same and differ only in their contents. And if so, then there is absolutely no need to assign them different icons. It is for this reason By default, all folder icons are the same within a specific operating system.

For example, in Windows 7 all folders look the same, and in Windows 10 they also look the same, but their appearance may differ from the appearance of folders in Windows 7. In operating system Android all folders also have the same icons. This is done on purpose so that you can always see that this is a folder and not a file.

Still, some folders on the system look different than others. For example, the Computer, My Pictures, or Control Panel folders have different icons than the default ones. This led users to the idea that it would be a good idea to change the icons of their own folders that they create with their own icons. Well, or at least change the standard icon to something else.

In fact, changing the folder icon is very easy and quick. Now I'll show you how it's done. Read carefully to the end, and then watch the video where all this is shown with an example.

Change the folder icon to another one

This article is posted on the site with the goal of resolving this issue once and for all. The fact is that, that is, those that you yourself created, are a very common task. And my practice shows that it is easier to explain everything well once than to listen to the same question many times. A lot of times...

Now let's look at an example of how to change the icon of a folder. It's very simple. First of all you need to call context menu for this folder, that is, click on the folder icon with the RIGHT mouse button, then select “Properties” (the lowest item), and then... It’s easier to show than to describe. Enlarge the picture and take a look.

The numbers in the figure show the sequence of operations that need to be performed to change the icon of the selected folder. Just do as shown in the picture and everything will be fine.

It is also worth keeping in mind that the icon installed on a folder does not have to be saved when the folder is transferred to another computer. The fact is that the icon set for the folder by you or some program (this also happens) is NOT stored in the folder itself. In a folder, when the icon is changed, the system creates a special hidden file desktop.ini, which specifies the path in the icon of this folder in one of Windows files. So when you transfer a folder to another computer, there may NOT BE such icons there, or they may be there, but they look different. In this case, the folder icon will again become standard.

There was an important part of the article, but without JavaScript it is not visible!

How to change the icon of a file?

In a similar way - no way. The fact is that, unlike folders, files can have their own icons. However, in order to accurately answer the question about changing the icon of a file, you need to divide all the files into two large groups.

Data files (text, films, sound, pictures and others);
Executable files, that is, programs;

The files in the first group do NOT have their own icons. Within the same computer, such files are assigned an icon for the program with which these files are opened. So only by changing the program with which you want to open files of this type on your computer, you will thus change the icon for ALL files of this type. Simply put, leave the icons of these files alone.

As for programs (in Windows these are files with the *.exe extension; in Explorer they are of the “application” type), each such file has its own icon, which is located inside the program file. You can change it if there are other icons inside the file, or you can specify an icon from system library or other executable file.

In practice icons executable files never change, but if you really need it, the figure below shows how this can be done.

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If you have any questions, watch the video. There, the folder icon change is shown in Windows example 8.1. In the rest Windows versions The operation of changing the folder icon is performed in exactly the same way.

Video tutorial on changing icons for Windows folders

Standard folder icons can be replaced with absolutely any icons. The video shows only the simplest ways to change the folder icon.

Let's sum it up

You can quickly change the icon of a folder that you created yourself - this is included in the system properties. Badges system folders changing is not so easy and usually not necessary. You can also change the icons of executable files, as well as files with data, but there is no point in this.