Icons were invented as a quick mode to visually identify information on a computer, but sometimes a Windows ten shortcut icon is so generic that it doesn't feel useful. In that case, Windows makes it easy to customize the icon. Hither's how to exercise it.

First, locate the shortcut with the icon you'd like to modify in File Explorer or on your Desktop. Right-click the shortcut, and select "Properties."

Right click the shortcut and click "Properties" in Windows 10.

In Properties, make sure you're on the Shortcut tab for an application shortcut, so click the "Modify Icon" button.

(If the shortcut points to a web page instead of an awarding, look in the "Web Document" tab, then click the "Change Icon" button.)

A "Change Icon" window will pop up containing a field of icons that y'all can use with the shortcut. By default, these come from a Windows organization file called "imageres.dll."

If you'd similar to use a unlike icon than the ones listed by default, you can click "Scan" and select either an EXE file, a DLL file, or an ICO file. (Yous tin utilise any image y'all like—you only have to convert it to ICO format first.) Once the file is loaded, yous will see the possible icons you can apply in the box below.

Whether you're using the default option or a custom file, select one of the icons, and click "OK."

In the Properties window, you will notice that the icon has inverse to the one y'all selected. Click "OK" to shut Properties and to save the settings.

Congratulations—your shortcut has a brand new icon! Feel complimentary to customize whatever shortcut icon you'd like. It'due south a great mode to add personality to your Windows installation.

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