Change the shortcut icon. Standard or third-party icons in ico format

When creating shortcuts, sometimes default icons appear, standard ones. For unknown reasons, the shortcut does not want to take the icon from the program or game. Also, when creating website shortcuts, icons are often created in the form of a white sheet, or they are small on a white background, which look ugly. Or maybe you just want to change the shortcut image to your own. In this tutorial I will tell you how to make, change and create a picture for a shortcut on the Windows 7 desktop. Let's go.

How to make an icon for a shortcut

Let's try to create an icon first and then change it. After all, the usual image PNG format or JPEG you will not be able to put on a shortcut, since they are not supported.

So, I want to make an icon for the “classmates” label, I found a suitable image through the Google Images service. Now we need to convert this image to ICO format, first making it square. IN otherwise, it will turn out distorted. Let's go to online service http://image.online-convert.com/ru/convert-to-ico. Click review and download the file. After in additional settings We set the dimensions to 128 by 128 pixels. Click “Convert File”.

Please note that shortcut icons can only be in the following sizes: 16x16, 32x32, 64x64 and 128x128 pixels.

After a few seconds of waiting, a dialog box will pop up asking you to save the finished result. Now be sure to create a “Pictures for Shortcuts” folder on drive D and save or move all the necessary images there. After all, if you replace the shortcut icon and then delete this picture, then after restarting the computer it will the shortcut will disappear. This way, everything will be stored in one place and will not be deleted by mistake.

The first stage is completed. We were able to create an icon for the shortcut and save it to a specific folder.

Adding an image for the label

In this section of the lesson we will already change the label image. As you can see in the screenshot below, I created a shortcut with a white sheet. In a word, I'm not impressed.

We have already made the icon in ICO format in the lesson above. Now take the desired shortcut and click on it right click mouse and select “Properties”.

In the window that pops up, you can also select the standard icons that are present in the Windows system. But we want to add our own icon, click “Browse” and go to our created folder for the image.

Find our icon and click “Open”

One of the properties of an object is the appearance of its icon. Like many other properties, it can be changed. However, it is necessary to distinguish between icons and object labels. Changing a shortcut is very simple, but an icon is a little more difficult, especially if this icon is a standard one.

How to change the folder icon in a shortcut.

Right-click on the shortcut icon to get to its properties. If this is really a shortcut (and not a full-fledged object icon), then the dialog box (as of today) of its properties has tabs: General, Shortcut, Security, Details, Previous.

We are interested in the tab - Shortcut, which has a command button Change icon (Change icon). Click on it and the Change Icon dialog box will open. Here you can choose an icon that suits your taste.

Icons are supplied either in collections (libraries) or included with programs. Libraries can have dozens, if not hundreds of icons to choose from. Programmers usually include one or two, and sometimes several, icons with their programs so that the user can choose the one he likes best.

In the dialog box - Change Icon there is a field for entering the name of the file from which you want to borrow the icon. It is possible that the window - Change icon - has opened in such a way that the address of some library has already been entered in this field, as in the figure below - then you have a wide choice.

But the window could open with the address of some program, and then the choice is small.

However, this is not important, because using the Browse button you can view the entire computer and find all the icons included in both libraries and programs.

Click the button - Browse - a dialog box will open - Change icon:

which is similar to the standard file opening window. Explore the contents hard drive, paying attention to files with the extension .DLL and .EXE. After selecting any file, click the Open button. Don't be afraid, in in this case programs will not launch. Here the Open command will only show those icons that are in the program or in the library. If they are not there, a message will appear, and then the experiment can be repeated with another file. When you find what you need, select the icon you like and close the “Change Icon” window with the OK button.

To shorten your search a little, we will give the addresses of several standard icon collections:

♦ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\shell32.dll - a collection of Windows system icons;

♦ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\pifmgr.dll - collection of custom icons;

C:\WINDOWS\moricons.dll is a collection of special Windows icons.

In addition to these collections, you can use icons of any programs. For example, the program C:\WINDOWS\winfile.exe has not one icon, but four. Three of them are missing anyway - use them if they suit you.

(standard file icons) .

In operating rooms Windows systems All files of the same type are displayed with one standard icon. Here is an example of one of several types of standard icons:

A Word document with an extension (.DOC or DOCX) looks like the picture above.

For Windows XP

Changing standard icons is as easy as we did with shortcuts, because in the object properties dialog box, which opens from context menu, there is no tab - Shortcut and, accordingly, there is no button Change icon.

However, this operation is still possible.

Let's try changing the standard Word icon to something different. This file created as a regular folder; accordingly, all files of this type are assigned this standard icon.

To change it, we need to change the properties of the entire file type.

1. To manage the properties of file types, use the File Types tab in the Folder Options dialog box. It opens by clicking Start > Settings > Folder Options > File Types.

2. In the Registered file types list, find the type Microsoft document Word and click the Change button - the Change File Type Properties dialog box opens.

3. In this dialog box, click the Change icon button - the already known Change icon window will open. Use it to find another icon and apply it. From now on, all documents created in word processor Microsoft Word 2000 will appear with a different icon.

For Windows 7

Since there are no system tools for changing standard file types in Windows 7, except by editing the registry, I recommend using a program that can be downloaded from the website http://defaultprogramseditor.com/. There is enough information on this program on the Internet, so go for it.

To change the icon for a regular folder, type:

Right-click on such a folder, then in the dialog box - properties and get into the following window:

P.S. I would like to remind you about the folder - My Documents - how do you approach it? Consumer or professional? Link to article: .

Sometimes users wonder how to change icons in Windows 7. This is a 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;
• "Trash" icon operating system.

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 folder image

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:

1. Click on the desired data storage on the RMB desktop.
2. Select the "Properties" line.
3. Go to the "Settings" tab.
4. Click on the "Change Icon" button.
5. Select a suitable image from the list that appears. If necessary, you can click on the "Browse" button and specify the path to the new Windows icons.
6. 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:

1. Right-click on the file.
2. Go to the "Properties" section. It will be displayed in the function menu that appears.
3. Click on "Change icon...". The corresponding control is located in the "Shortcut" section.
4. Choose a suitable picture.
5. 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 by 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. The most difficult task is selecting icons.

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

1. Right-click anywhere on the desktop. You must select a free area on the screen.
2. Go to the "Personalization" section.
3. In the menu in the upper left part of the window, click on "Change icons...".
4. Click on "Change icon...".
5. 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 only of interest 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 to 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:

1. Launch Windows 7 Start Button. You must start working with the utility as an administrator.
2. Select an image from the menu that appears that will be displayed in the Start menu.
3. 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 result in massive graphical changes to the OS.

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

1. Right click on free space on the desktop.
2. Select the "Personalization" option.
3. 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.
4. 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 upload data to any convenient location, 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 Windows to its original settings. 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!

For quick visual search or decoration appearance folders (directories) have custom icons. The recommendations will show how to change the folder icon in Windows 7, 8 to your own.

There are quite a few ways to change the icon of a specific directory or all of them, involving Windows tools, third party programs. or select an existing one and follow the steps below.

How to change the appearance of a folder

To change the folder icon in Windows 7, 8 you will need to do a few things simple actions. In Explorer, select a directory and right-click on it. In the menu, click “properties”.

In the properties window, go to the “settings” tab. In the third area, click the "change icon" button.

In the dialog box, select a standard icon from the list (located in the SHELL32.dll file) or click “browse”, specify the path to your image (ico) and click “open”. To practice, download the archive with icons.

Recommended to use graphic files with a resolution of 256 by 256 pixels so that they are displayed correctly or in Explorer. If you decide to return the default folder view, click the “restore defaults” button. Once you've made your final selections and completed the steps, click OK.

In the properties window, look at the preview. Next, click “apply” and OK.

As a result, a configuration file desktop.ini is created in the folder, in which the parameters and path to the image are specified. To see it, you need.

You can manually create or edit the file instead of using dialog boxes. Create text document(txt), name it desktop and on (ini). Open it and copy these lines:

[.ShellClassInfo]
IconFile=full path to the icon (ico)
IconIndex=0

Save the changes to change the folder icon in Windows 7, 8. The lines in the existing desktop.ini may differ, you just need to enter the path to the picture.

It's not always possible change the folder icon to your picture, for example, this is not applicable for the Windows directory. You also cannot change the icon inside the library, first right-click on the folder and select “folder location” from the menu. Then follow the recommendations above.

How to change the icons of all folders

Using this method, you can change all folder icons in Windows 7 at once by setting a custom image. You will need administrative access. This will change the icons for all PC accounts. Icons also change when it supports such features.

1. In the search bar of the start menu, write regedit and click enter.

2. When the UAC window appears, click “yes”. These messages are irritating, so I suggest you read.

3. In the left pane of the registry, find the Explorer section (the picture shows the full path). Right-click Explorer, point to "New" and select "Partition". Give the Shell Icons a name and press enter. If this section exists, skip this paragraph and go to step 4.

4. Select the created, existing Shell Icons. In the right pane, right-click, hover over “new” and select “string parameter”. Write it type 3 and press enter.

5. Right-click on parameter “3”, click “edit”. In the value area, write the path to the ico file, for example, C:\iconca\papka.ico and click OK. The recommended image size (ico) is 256x256 pixels.

6. Pay attention to the bit depth of Windows 7; if you have a 32-bit system, go straight to step 7. If 64 bit is installed Windows version 7, then go to the section shown in the picture below and do steps 3 to 5.

7. To change the folder icon on Windows 7, restart your PC.

If you want to return regular folder icons, then visit the Shell Icons subsection and remove type 3 by right-clicking on it. Select “delete” from the menu, then click “yes.” For the 64-bit edition, do these steps in two places. Restart your computer.

Programs for changing folder icons

There are paid and free utilities to change the folder icon. Consider free products. I would like to emphasize that the programs do not bring more benefits than the use of regular funds. Such applications include IconTo (we’ll look at it in more detail), FolderIco. To change a folder icon or group of folders, do this:

1. Download IconTo and install.

2. Launch the program, click “specify folder/file” and select installation for one folder, for several or for a specific file type.

4. Select one icon from the standard ones, in the “favorites”, “software” tabs, or click “specify an icon” to select your picture. Then click “install icon” and enjoy the result.

That's all, I explained how to change folder icon in Windows 7, 8. Feel free to use the capabilities of the operating system itself. The programs do not give the desired result. If the theme went beyond icons, find out in order to improve the appearance of the OS.

In addition to desktop backgrounds, screensavers, and window color styles, 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 the standard folder image to 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 formats ico files, icl, dll and exe (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 ico, icl, dll and exe formats). 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”, “Trash”, “Network” and root icons 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”;