How to Change a Desktop Icon on Windows or Mac

Changing a desktop icon makes a shortcut, folder, or other desktop item easier to recognize or better suited to your preferences. The steps depend on whether your computer runs Windows or macOS, and the available options vary by item and system version. You will need an image or icon file if you are replacing the default artwork; built-in Windows system icons are another option.

What You’ll Need

A Windows PC or Mac, and permission to change the relevant item’s settings.
An image or icon file saved on your computer. For Windows, an ICO file is the most dependable choice for custom icons. For Mac, a PNG or other image file generally works.
The desktop shortcut, folder, or other item whose appearance you want to change. A shortcut is usually easier to customize than the original app or system file.
Optional: a copy of the original icon file or a note of the starting setting, so you can restore it later.

Step-by-Step

Choose the instructions for your operating system. Menu names and layouts may differ slightly by version.

Windows 10 or Windows 11

Identify the item. Right-click the desktop icon. If you see “Properties,” it is likely a shortcut or folder that supports an individual icon change. Avoid changing or moving the application’s original files just to alter a desktop shortcut.
Open its icon settings. Select “Properties,” then open the “Shortcut” tab and choose “Change Icon.” For a folder, open “Properties” and look for a “Customize” tab and “Change Icon.” If the item does not have either option, use the desktop system-icon method below or create a shortcut to the app.
Choose a replacement. In the Change Icon window, select an available icon, or choose “Browse” to locate an ICO file. If the file is not listed, change the file-type filter if available, or confirm that you selected the icon file rather than an image or a folder.
Apply the change. Select the icon, confirm with “OK,” then choose “Apply” and “OK” in the Properties window. The desktop should show the new icon. If it does not refresh immediately, right-click an empty desktop area and choose “Refresh,” if that option is available.
Change built-in desktop icons. To customize items such as This PC or Recycle Bin, open Settings and search for “desktop icon settings.” Open the matching result, select an icon, choose “Change Icon,” and apply your selection. The exact route may differ by Windows version; this changes Windows’ desktop system icons, not every app shortcut.

Mac

Choose an image. Find an image file to use as the icon. A clear, square image usually looks best at small desktop sizes. You can also copy an image from an app or file that already has the appearance you want.
Copy the image. Open the image in Preview, choose Edit > Select All, then Edit > Copy. If you are copying from an existing file or folder instead, select it in Finder and press Command-C. Copying the file itself uses its icon; copying an image’s contents uses the image.
Open Get Info. In Finder, select the desktop item you want to change and choose File > Get Info, or press Command-I. Click the small icon at the upper-left of the information window so it is selected.
Paste the replacement. Choose Edit > Paste or press Command-V. The item’s icon should change. Close the window and check the desktop. You may need to select the icon itself in the Get Info window before pasting.
Restore the original. Open Get Info again, select the small icon at the upper-left, and press Delete or Backspace. This normally removes the custom artwork and returns the item to its default icon. If the key does not work, use the Edit menu or consult the instructions for your macOS version.

These steps change how an item appears; they do not change what it opens or does. Changing an app’s own icon can require a different process, and operating-system protections may prevent modifying certain apps or system items. Avoid replacing application files or changing permissions to force an icon change.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong file type on Windows. A JPG or PNG may not appear in the Change Icon picker. Use an ICO file or select an icon from a supported program file.
Changing the wrong thing. A shortcut’s icon is separate from the original application. Make sure the Properties or Get Info window belongs to the desktop item you intend to customize.
Copying the wrong content on a Mac. Copying a file gives you that file’s icon; copying an image from Preview gives you the image artwork. Select and copy the method that matches your goal.
Expecting every desktop icon to have the same controls. Windows system icons, folders, shortcuts, and Mac apps use different settings. The absence of “Change Icon” does not mean the computer is broken.
Deleting the source image. Windows may depend on the selected icon file’s location. Keep it where it is, or choose a file stored in a stable folder rather than a temporary download location.

Tips

Use a simple, high-contrast image. Fine details and text can become hard to see when the icon is small.
Keep custom icon files in a dedicated folder that you do not routinely move or delete. If Windows loses access to a file, it may display a blank or default icon.
For Windows, you can often select an icon from an existing executable or DLL in the Change Icon window, but do not edit or replace that program file.
To change several Windows shortcuts, repeat the Properties method for each shortcut. Changing one shortcut does not automatically update every copy of the app’s icon.
Consider saving a copy of the original artwork or noting which system icon you selected, especially if you plan to customize several items.

Troubleshooting

The new icon does not appear: Confirm that you applied the change to the correct item and closed the settings window with Apply or OK on Windows. Refresh the desktop or sign out and back in if the display seems stale. On a Mac, reopen Get Info and check that the small icon was selected before pasting.

Windows cannot find or display the icon: Use an ICO file, browse to its actual location, and make sure the file has not been moved or deleted. Reopen Change Icon and select it again. If the icon came from a program file, the file must still be available.

The option is missing or unavailable: Check whether you selected a shortcut, folder, app, or protected system item. Try the appropriate Windows desktop icon settings for built-in items. On a Mac, some protected apps may not allow changes; use a separate shortcut or alias if suitable, rather than altering protected files.

The icon looks blurry or blank: Choose a clearer, larger source image or a well-formed ICO file. On Windows, restore the default through Change Icon and select the original icon again. On a Mac, use Get Info to remove the custom icon and try copying the image again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PNG as a Windows desktop icon?

The Windows Change Icon picker generally works best with ICO files. Convert or obtain the image as an ICO file using a trusted tool, or select a built-in icon instead.

Does changing an icon rename the desktop item?

No. The icon changes its appearance, while the item’s name and function stay the same. Rename it separately if you also want a different label.

Can I change an app icon on a Mac?

Some apps allow their icon to be changed through Get Info, while protected apps may not. Changing a desktop alias or other item is usually safer than modifying the app itself.

Will a custom icon change for other users?

Usually, changing a desktop shortcut or item affects only that item in your account. Shared folders and system-level settings can behave differently depending on permissions and how the computer is configured.

How do I undo a custom desktop icon?

On Windows, open the same Change Icon window and select the original icon. On a Mac, open Get Info, select the small icon at the upper-left, and press Delete or Backspace.

Further reading: Microsoft Support and Apple Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.