How to change the icon of a folder in Windows

Prabhu TL
2 Min Read
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Description: Description: New Windows logo.

Folders are a great way to organize programs, files, and even web page shortcuts. If you have many folders on your desktop, they can begin to look bland or it may be hard to locate a specific one. Luckily, Windows offers a solution to this issue in the form of allowing its users to customize the appearance of their folders. To proceed, follow the steps below.

Tip

These steps also work for folders that are not on the Windows desktop.

How to change the icon of a folder in Windows

1.     Browse to the location of the folder whose icon you’d like to change, or create a new one.

2.     Right-click the folder, and select Properties from the bottom of the drop-down menu that appears.

Description: Description: The selector for the properties menu.

3.     In the folder properties menu, select the Customize tab (A), and then the Chang Icon… (B) button.

Description: Description: The customize tab in Windows properties.

4.     In the Change Icon window, make your selection (A) and then click OK (B).

Description: Description: The change icon folder in Windows.

Tip

If you would like to add a custom icon, click Description: Description: The browse button in Windows. and locate the file.

5.     Back on the Properties window, click Apply (A) and then OK (B).

Description: Description: The final steps in changing the icon.

6.     Your folder should now display its new icon.

Description: Description: The changed icon for Computer Hope folder.

Tip

If you would like to undo the changes you made to a folder icon, click the Description: Description: The restore default button in Windows. button in the Properties window.

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Prabhu TL is a SenseCentral contributor covering digital products, entrepreneurship, and scalable online business systems. He focuses on turning ideas into repeatable processes—validation, positioning, marketing, and execution. His writing is known for simple frameworks, clear checklists, and real-world examples. When he’s not writing, he’s usually building new digital assets and experimenting with growth channels.
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