Comments on: How to change file icons in Windows

By: Whitestar

Whitestar — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:07:39 +0000

To make your own icons, you don’t need to download anything. In MS Paint, either open an existing file or start a new one from scratch. When you are satisfied with the picture, save it as a 24-bit bitmap (.bmp). This is the standard saving option if you just created the image. Once you have saved the image, go to the folder it’s in and rename it as an icon file: yourfilename.ico. The system will warn you that the file may become unusable if you change the file name; just do it anyway. Then, attach it to whatever folder, hardware, or file type you want as described above, and you have a custom icon made with just MS Paint.

TIP: if you are going to create an icon from an existing image, try to make it EXTREMELY low-res, or else Windows will mess up its appearance when it’s used.

By: Kamilo

Kamilo — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:37:05 +0000

Nice, one can learn so many things by just reading a bit.

By: Ateiyev

Ateiyev — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:46:23 +0000

Please remove WinIcon Customizer from the list of softwares. It is seriously infected with a virus and loads of Spyware. It tries to install at least four different toolbars on your system. Avast Antivirus and Comodo Internet Security flagged the threats detected.

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:27:05 +0000

I concur with Gordon, this does not work in Vista. I have tried several other suggested pathways including using the system registry but none have worked to change a file icon in Vista. FYI, I was trying to change the icon for Zip files but it has been a failure. Has anyone else ever done that successfully in Vista?

By: castmo

castmo — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:36:25 +0000

Hi,

Thank you very much. Can i ask how to make it in Vista Home Basic Edition as well? Thank you.

By: Gordon

Gordon — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:59:45 +0000

This doesn’t work in Vista.

By: Einstein

Einstein — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:01:42 +0000

Thanks for sharing those facts and freeware programs.
Here are some questions I may ask before downloading those freeware programs.

1. Are they safe? Could I still undo those changes I made?
2. Do they not delete the original icons I have (Windows XP)? I am very glad you, yourself, or anybody here can answer my questions.

Cheers,
Einstein

By: abhishek

abhishek — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:49:24 +0000

Well i would prefer a little application that does not cost too much on memory and allows me to change entire set of windows icons in one go…and u have just explained everything…really nice post.

By: Prince234

Prince234 — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:27:46 +0000

I’m the one to thank you, i have learn more from you, infact i bookmark your blog already.

By: akishore

akishore — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:13:12 +0000

Prince – thanks a lot! I am glad you like the blog! Please do come back for more computer tips!

By: Prince234

Prince234 — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:02:00 +0000

Nice blog, full of good infos, keep the good work going.