Windows 11 brings a fresh design, rounded corners, and new icons — but what if you want to customize your folders even further? If you’re someone who likes to keep things organized, or simply want your desktop to look unique, knowing how to change folder icon in Windows 11 can make a huge difference.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know — from basic customization to advanced tips, troubleshooting, and FAQs. By the end, you’ll be able to personalize your PC just the way you like.
📝 Summary: Key Takeaways
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You can easily change folder icons in Windows 11 through the Properties menu.
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Windows offers built-in icons, but you can also download or create custom icons.
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Changing icons helps with visual organization and adds a personal touch to your workspace.
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You can even set different icons for different folders to keep your files sorted.
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If something goes wrong, restoring the default icon is simple.
Why Change Folder Icons in Windows 11?
By default, all folders in Windows 11 look the same — a yellow folder icon. While clean, it can get boring and confusing if you work with many folders. Here’s why you might want to customize them:
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Better organization – Assign unique icons to different project folders.
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Faster navigation – Quickly spot important folders at a glance.
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Personalization – Match your desktop aesthetic with custom icons.
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Productivity boost – Save time by avoiding accidental clicks on the wrong folder.
Think of it like labeling boxes in a storage room — icons work as visual labels that make finding things easier.
Methods to Change Folder Icons in Windows 11
There are multiple ways to change folder icons. Let’s explore them step by step.
1. Using the Folder Properties Option (The Standard Way)
This is the most straightforward method and works for almost any folder.
Steps:
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Right-click the folder you want to customize.
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Select Properties from the context menu.
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Go to the Customize tab.
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Under “Folder icons,” click Change Icon.
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Browse through the list of icons and select your favorite.
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Click OK, then Apply, and finally OK again.
Your folder will now display the new icon.
2. Changing Folder Icons with Custom .ICO Files
Want a completely unique look? You can use .ico files downloaded from the internet or even create your own.
Steps:
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Download an icon pack (many free and paid options are available online).
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Follow the same steps as above, but in the Change Icon window, click Browse.
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Navigate to the folder containing your .ico file.
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Select the file and hit OK.
👉 Pro tip: PNG images won’t work directly — they need to be converted to ICO format first.
3. Assigning Different Icons for Multiple Folders
If you manage several projects or departments, giving each folder its own icon can make life easier.
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Use a red icon for urgent folders.
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Use a blue icon for work documents.
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Use a green icon for personal files.
This way, your folders act like a color-coded filing cabinet.
4. Restoring the Default Folder Icon
Accidentally changed an icon you don’t like? No worries.
Steps:
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Right-click the folder → Properties.
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Go to Customize → Change Icon.
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Select the default yellow folder icon.
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Click Apply → OK.
Your folder is now back to normal.
Advanced Customization Options
5. Changing Desktop Folder Icons (Special Folders)
Folders like This PC, Recycle Bin, and Network require a slightly different method.
Steps:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Personalization → Themes.
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Under “Related Settings,” click Desktop icon settings.
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Select the system folder (e.g., Recycle Bin).
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Click Change Icon and pick a new one.
6. Using Third-Party Icon Packs & Tools
Some apps make icon management easier. Popular tools include:
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Folder Marker – lets you color-code and assign icons quickly.
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IconPackager – changes system-wide icons.
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Custom icon sets from sites like Flaticon or Iconfinder.
These tools give you more freedom compared to the built-in Windows options.
7. Creating Your Own Icons
Feeling creative? You can turn any image into a folder icon.
Steps:
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Open an image in a converter tool (online or using software like GIMP).
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Save/export the file in ICO format.
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Apply it using the Change Icon method described earlier.
This way, you could use your company logo, a family photo, or anything you like as a folder icon.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Why is my folder icon not changing?
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Make sure you clicked Apply after selecting the icon.
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Check if the folder is read-only — remove that property first.
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Restart your PC to refresh the icon cache.
My custom icons disappear after restart. What should I do?
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Ensure the ICO file is stored in a permanent location (not a temporary folder).
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Rebuild the icon cache if Windows isn’t updating properly.
How do I reset all folder icons at once?
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Open File Explorer Options → View tab → Reset Folders.
Best Practices for Organizing with Custom Icons
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Use consistent colors for categories (e.g., blue = work, green = personal).
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Avoid overly complex icons that look cluttered at small sizes.
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Keep backup copies of your custom icons.
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Store icons in a dedicated “Icons” folder so they don’t get moved or deleted.
Comparison: Built-in Icons vs. Custom Icons
| Feature | Built-in Icons | Custom Icons |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to apply | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Variety | ❌ Limited | ✅ Unlimited |
| Personalization | ❌ Minimal | ✅ High |
| Risk of issues | ✅ Low | ⚠️ Medium (if files move) |
Conclusion
Learning how to change folder icon in Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your computer. Whether you stick with built-in icons, download custom ones, or design your own, this tweak makes your workspace more organized and fun.
So go ahead — give your folders a new look today. You’ll be surprised at how much easier it becomes to spot what you need at a glance!
❓ FAQs About Changing Folder Icons in Windows 11
1. Can I change multiple folder icons at once?
Not directly in Windows. You’ll need third-party tools like Folder Marker to batch-apply icons.
2. Do folder icons affect performance?
No, changing icons doesn’t slow down your PC.
3. Where can I find free icons for Windows 11?
Websites like Flaticon, Iconfinder, and DeviantArt offer free and paid icon sets.
4. Can I use PNG or JPG images as folder icons?
No, they need to be converted to ICO format first.
5. How do I undo all customizations?
Go to Folder Properties → Customize → Change Icon → Restore Default.