Windows 7: Shortcut - Change Icon

   Information

This will show you how to change the icon of any file, folder, or drive shortcut to have a custom icon of your choice instead.

   Tip

To change a shortcut icon that is pinned to the taskbar, you will need to first unpin the shortcut from the taskbar, change the shortcut's icon using the instructions below, then pin the shortcut back to the taskbar.

1. Right click on the file, folder, or drive shortcut, and click on Properties. (see screenshots below)

2. Click on the Shortcut tab, and click on the Change Icon button. (see screenshots below)

3. To Just Select from Another Available Icon

A) Select an available icon, and click on OK. (see screenshot below)

B) Go to step 6.

4. To Select Another Windows 7 Icon

A) Click on the Browse button. (see screenshot below step 3A)

B) Navigate to and select a .dll or .exe system file in Windows 7 that contains a icon library to select from, then click on the Open button. (see screenshot below)

   Note

Two most common locations of default Windows 7 icons are located at:

• C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll
• C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll

C) Select an available icon, and click on OK. (see screenshot below step 3A)

D) Go to step 6.

5. To Select a Custom Icon of Your Own

A) Click on the Browse button. (see screenshot below step 3A)

B) Navigate to and select a 256x256 pixel .ico file that you want to use for the shortcut's icon, then click on the Open button. (see screenshot below 4B)

C) Select the icon, and click on OK. (see screenshot below step 3A)

6. Click on OK. (see screenshots below step 2)