How to Change the Icon of a Shortcut on Windows 10

Customizing your desktop and file shortcuts can make your computer experience more personalized and efficient. One way to do this is by changing the icon of a shortcut on Windows 10. This simple process can help you easily identify and access your most used programs and files. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to change the icon of a shortcut on Windows 10.

Finding the Icon You Want

Before we get into the steps of changing the icon, you need to find the icon you want to use. You can use any image or icon file, but it is recommended to use a .ico file for best results. You can find .ico files online or create your own using an image editing software.

Changing the Icon

To change the icon of a shortcut on Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the shortcut you want to change and select “Properties.”
2. In the Properties window, go to the “Shortcut” tab.
3. Click on the “Change Icon” button.
4. In the “Change Icon” window, click on “Browse” and navigate to the location of the icon file you want to use.
5. Select the icon file and click “Open.”
6. Back in the “Change Icon” window, select the desired icon and click “OK.”
7. Click “Apply” and then “OK” in the Properties window to save the changes.

Managing Shortcut Icons

If you want to change the icon of multiple shortcuts at once, you can use the following steps:

1. Select all the shortcuts you want to change by holding down the “Ctrl” key and clicking on each shortcut.
2. Right-click on one of the selected shortcuts and select “Properties.”
3. In the Properties window, go to the “Shortcut” tab.
4. Click on the “Change Icon” button.
5. In the “Change Icon” window, click on “Browse” and navigate to the location of the icon file you want to use.
6. Select the icon file and click “Open.”
7. Back in the “Change Icon” window, select the desired icon and click “OK.”
8. Click “Apply” and then “OK” in the Properties window to save the changes.

Troubleshooting

If you are unable to change the icon of a shortcut, it could be due to the following reasons:

• The icon file is not in the .ico format.
• The icon file is corrupted.
• The shortcut is a system file and cannot be changed.

In these cases, try using a different icon file or creating a new shortcut.

Conclusion

Changing the icon of a shortcut on Windows 10 is a simple process that can help you personalize your computer experience. By following these steps, you can easily change the icons of your most used programs and files. Experiment with different icons to find the perfect one for your shortcuts. Happy customizing!