How to replace the default folder icon. How to change a folder icon: instructions and tips

Shortcuts on the desktop Windows desktop 7 are used for quick launch installed applications. They contain the path to executable file and let you get started with just a click of the mouse. This convenient and practical tool is customizable: you can change the icon size, remove arrows, or completely change the displayed icon using system tools or third party applications.

What are Windows 7 shortcuts and where are they located?

Almost every program installed on a computer with Windows 7 offers to place its icon on the desktop surface. Having agreed, the user discovers a new icon on the monitor, by clicking on which you can download the designated application.

Not everyone remembers that a shortcut is only a link, and not the executable module itself. So when inexperienced users they confuse the icon with the program, for example, trying to erase it, deleting the icon, nothing significant happens. The application is in the same location and is fully functional, although it can now only be launched by going to the appropriate directory.

A small number of shortcuts are pinned to the taskbar. This allows the user to launch the most frequently used applications with one click, without having to minimize other windows, since the taskbar remains visible with almost all programs running.

To see where the shortcut is physically stored on the disk, you need to right-click on the icon and find the “Properties” item in the pop-up list. Then, in the composite window of the same name that appears, go to the “General” tab. The path to the shortcut is indicated in the “Location” line.

If you need to find the location of a shortcut pinned to the taskbar, the path will be one click longer. By pressing the right button on the icon, you need to select the name of the application to be launched and press the same key again.

Further actions are similar.

It's easy to notice that the shortcuts are located in just a few places:

C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar;
C:\Users\[Username]\Desktop;
C:\Users\Public\Desktop.

The first path leads to the directory that stores shortcuts on the taskbar, and the second points to the desktop icons of a specific user.

It must be remembered that AppData folder is hidden. To see it, you need to configure Explorer to display invisible elements.

The third directory refers to desktop icons common to all registered users.

How to reduce or increase

At the same resolution, the physical dimensions of screens can differ significantly. It is clear that on a large display you can reduce the “pixel” size of icons, freeing up space on the desktop, and on a small display, on the contrary, you can increase it to visually enlarge the shortcuts. There are several ways to do this, but you need to remember that sometimes after changing the size, the icons are arranged “on a grid”, that is, it will be necessary to group them again.

How to resize using desktop settings

If everything was done correctly, the size of the labels will immediately change in accordance with the choice made.

Use the scroll wheel to adjust the dimensions

In order not to limit your choice to just three options, you can fine-tune the size of the icons.

Open the desktop.
Press and hold any of the Ctrl keys.
Scroll the mouse wheel up and down to increase or decrease the size of the labels accordingly.

This method is very visual - the icons change size before your eyes.

Video: How to make small icons on the Windows 7 desktop

How to remove the arrow from labels or return it

Not everyone likes the arrows drawn on shortcuts in Windows 7. The developers did not provide simple system tools for removing them, so it is necessary to make changes to the registry. This is worth doing if you are a confident PC user.

Making changes manually

Press the combination Win+R on the keyboard.
In the input line of the “Run” window that appears, type the command to call the registry editor regedit.
Press Enter or the “OK” button in the window and open the editor.
Going through the list of directories located on the left side of the window, we find the folder HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile.
The right side of the window displays a list of parameters. The one we need is called IsShortcut. Find it and right-click.
In the opened context menu Find the “Rename” item located at the bottom.
If everything is done accurately, the parameter name will become available for editing (the cursor will blink). Change its name to IsNotShortcut.
Exit the editor and reboot. The arrows should disappear.

If in the future you want to add an image of arrows, it will be enough to repeat the same steps, returning the parameter to its previous name.

Editing system registry Windows 7 is only suitable for experienced users, since careless or unskilled actions can lead to malfunction of the operating system.

Aero Tweak program

There is a sufficient number specialized programs For fine tuning Windows 7, called tweakers. Many of them are distributed free of charge, including those that serve to change the appearance of icons.

Aero Tweak is not only free, but also requires no installation. It is enough to download it (for example, from the official website of the developer www.inf.ru) and run it from external media: flash drive or disk.

The option we need is in the tab Windows Explorer located on the left side of the window. We put a checkmark on “Do not show arrows on shortcuts”, exit the program and restart the computer.

How to remove shields

Unlike arrows, not every label is equipped with a shield. System service UAC (control accounts) denotes in this way applications and commands that run with administrative rights. In particular, this means the possibility of making changes to system settings or, for example, prohibiting a user from launching without appropriate permissions. The main task of UAC is to protect the system, so disabling the service, and with it the shields, is only recommended experienced users and on computers with an effective antivirus installed.

To disable the control service, use the system configuration editor.

Press the Win+R keyboard shortcut to open the “Run” window and type the msconfig command in the input line.
After the system configuration window has opened, go to the “Service” tab.
Find the line “User Account Control Settings” in the list and click the “Launch” on-screen button.
Now all that remains is to move the slider to the bottom position and save the parameter change by clicking OK.

The changes will take effect after you restart your computer. In order to return the shields, you need to repeat all the steps, but at the last step return the slider to its previous position.

How to change, including system ones

If you wish, you can not limit yourself to half measures, but completely change the icon, including those related to system utilities.

Changing shortcuts for installed applications

To change the icon on the desktop, you need to go to its properties again using the right mouse button. This time we are interested in the “Shortcut” tab, in which there is an on-screen button “Change icon” at the bottom.

The small “Change Icon” window by default provides a list of shortcuts stored in the installed package file. Select the one you like and click OK.

Strictly speaking, it is not at all necessary to designate a program with a label prepared by its publisher. You can select an icon located in another file. To do this, click the “Browse” on-screen button in the same window and use Explorer to select the desired storage location with a different list of pictures. Other options are now available.

How to change system icons

In order to replace a label, for example, Recycle Bins, you need to do things a little differently.

In the search bar, which opens after pressing the on-screen “Start” or Win button on the keyboard, type the query: “Personalization”. Go to the top active tab in the results.
On the left side of the large window that opens there are several active links. Select "Change desktop icons".
The small Desktop Icon Settings window contains all available system shortcuts. Select the one you want to change and press the “Change icon” on-screen button.
The system will show all available shortcuts available in the corresponding Windows 7 directory. All that remains is to select the one you need and click OK.

How to hide or remove completely

Shortcuts, although very convenient tool, occupy a significant part of the desktop space and cover screen saver. We must also not forget about security considerations, because it is not always worth showing the applications installed on your computer to a casual viewer.

Fortunately, to solve these problems it is not necessary to delete the icons, just temporarily disable their display on the desktop.

If you need to delete a specific shortcut located on the desktop, then this can be done using standard Windows tools 7:

How to recover deleted ones and why they disappeared from the desktop

Deleted in the usual way the labels are placed in the Trash. This makes it possible, if necessary, to restore them in the same order as the rest of the files. If the Recycle Bin was emptied or the icon was deleted without placing it in it (Shift+Del), then it will not be possible to restore it. You will have to re-create the shortcut or use a backup system restore point.

Shortcuts can disappear from the desktop without user intervention. In some cases, work is the reason malware, so don’t forget about reliable anti-virus protection.

But sometimes the operating system itself is the culprit. Windows 7 accepts a shortcut that points to a non-existent or inaccessible file as if damaged. As a rule, this approach is justified. A damaged icon may indicate incorrect remote program or a disconnected disk, that is, to be useless. The system checks itself weekly and removes such icons. However, sometimes a custom shortcut may link to a resource that is used less than once a week but is still needed. For example, on network storage, located in the office of a regular client. In this case, deleting the icon creates unnecessary difficulties.

The most in a simple way The solution to the problem is to reduce the number of icons on the desktop. If there are less than four of them, then Windows 7 will not delete even those that, in its opinion, are damaged. The remaining shortcuts can be placed in separate folders. The disadvantage of this method is obvious - you can rarely get by with just 4 shortcuts.

Another solution would be to disable the corresponding system function. Unfortunately, this can only be done with the entire service automatic elimination problems.

Type “Check computer status” in the search bar and go to the top active link in the results.
In the Action Center window, expand the “Maintenance” item and find the “Change troubleshooting settings” link.
Follow the link and get to the settings window. All that remains is to move the switch in the “Computer Maintenance” item to “Disable” and exit after clicking OK.

Service outage may cause unstable work system, so this method should be considered only as a temporary solution.

Editing shortcuts belongs to the interface settings area and is determined by the taste and tasks of the user. Windows 7 and tweakers provide various ways organization and icon changes, but some imply a decrease in the level of system security, so they should be used with caution.

To quickly visually search or decorate the appearance of folders (directories), add custom icons. The recommendations will show how to change the folder icon in Windows 7, 8 to your own.

There are enough ways to change the icon of a specific directory or all, using Windows tools, third party programs. Create new folder 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 from the list standard icon(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 here.

Recommended to use graphic files with a resolution of 256 by 256 pixels so that the icon sizes on the desktop or in Explorer are displayed correctly. 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 preview. Next, click “apply” and OK.

As a result, it is created in the folder configuration file desktop.ini, which contains the parameters and path to the image. To see it, you need to display hidden folders And Windows files 7.

You can manually create or edit the file instead of using dialog boxes. Create text document(txt), name it desktop and change the extension to (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 have 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 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. More icons change when changed Windows themes, if 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 annoying, so I suggest you read how to disable User Account Control in Windows 7.

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 ico file, For example, C:iconcapapka.ico and click OK. It is recommended to use an image size (ico) of 256x256 pixels.

6. Pay attention to Windows bit depth 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. Let's consider free products. I would like to emphasize that programs do not bring more benefit than using 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 here 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 own 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 opportunities yourself operating system. The programs do not give the desired result. If the theme goes beyond icons, find out how to change the Start menu icon in Windows 7 to improve appearance OS.

If you are tired of the standard icon design in Windows 10 and 7, you can change it. Who needs monotonous folders that are no different from each other? After all, they can choose individual icons. For books - a volume in a beautiful binding, for documents - a stack of papers with a paper clip, for music - sheet music, for games - a joystick. If you do the same with shortcuts and system directories, you get a unique design theme. Find out how to change icons in Windows 7 and other versions. You can decide for yourself how your desktop elements will look.

There are several requirements for the image. It should be:

Square.
In .ICO format.
Suitable size (16x16, 32x32, 48x48 or 256x256).

Go to Start - Run.
In the window that opens, enter “regedit” without quotes and click OK. The Registry Editor will appear.

Click File - Export.
Come up with a name for backup copy and indicate where to save it. If something goes wrong, you can restore them all.

Now start changing icons.

In the registry, open the folder “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE”
Go to "SOFTWARE".
Then in Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer.
Right-click on Explorer.
Item “Create - Section”.
Name it "Shell Icons". If such a directory is already in the list, open it.
In the right part of the window, call the context menu and select “Create - Stock parameter”.
Write type 3 (three).
Right-click on the newly created parameter “3” (“Three”).
“Change” item.
In the “Values” section, enter the path to the icon along with the file name and extension.
If you have a 64-bit system, open the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE folder again.
But this time go to Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer
And repeat all the steps described above.
Restart your computer and evaluate new look icons

Edit the registry only if you are well versed in this matter. Get one parameter mixed up and errors will occur.

If you don't like the way folders and shortcuts look, you can change their icons. You only need pictures of a certain format. This way you will make a beautiful desktop.

A creative person is unlikely to agree to work with shortcuts that are repeated on all computers. It is only at first glance that it seems quite difficult to change these small drawings. In fact, if you have information on how to change the image of a shortcut on your desktop, you can subsequently create a new image for icons specific programs at least every day.

Changing the annoying icon for a shortcut will diversify the routine of working in Windows.

The main thing is that this is not tedious for you, and that the algorithm of actions on how to put your picture on a label, or make another change, is clear. We confirm that there really are no difficulties, and the result of your work will please you, since your desktop will be creative and unlike any other.

Creation process

So, each computer program has its own small system image that appears on the desktop if you want to create it. However, the same program on desktops different computers will be accompanied the same image. It’s good if this image completely suits you. However, unfortunately, some users are faced with the fact that installed icons cause negative emotions and irritation.

Of course, you shouldn’t work with such negativity; your productivity will be low and your mood will be constantly terrible. It's better to change the picture to a suitable icon for the shortcut that will please your personal creative imagination.

Algorithm of actions

So, there is no need to ask your friends how to create an icon for a shortcut, but constantly run into silent silence, since they themselves only have a superficial knowledge of how to change the shortcut picture. It’s better to immediately trust experienced users and study their recommendations on how to quickly change the shortcut icon.

You just need to get comfortable in your chair, read all the recommendations on how to create an icon, and then immediately start implementing practical actions. Initially, you should select the object whose icon you want to change. Right-click on it, in the menu that opens, look down, there you will find the “Properties” line.

Click on this option to open the dialog box we need, which contains six tabs. We don’t need all of them, we are only interested in the “Shortcut” tab, go to this tab.

ATTENTION. I would like to note that in most cases, when you open a dialog box, you are immediately taken to this tab, only in the most exceptional cases other tabs may be open.

Now we again invite you to look lower. There will be three buttons located there, among which choose the middle button “Change shortcut”.

This is the button we need if you decide to figure out how to change the icon of any shortcut.

So, click on this button to open the next important window, which allows us to get closer to the goal of how to make an icon for a shortcut, one more step.

Do not rush to get upset when you see a window open in which the system “kindly” offers to make an icon at your discretion, but it completely limits the choice, offering only one icon that is already installed for the program.

There is nothing wrong with this, since you decide to figure out how to change or how to create an icon, then follow confidently to the end.

In this window you will find the “Browse” button, use it to “pave” the path to the directory we need, which will allow us not only to figure out how to make a new “drawing”, but also to practically implement it all.

You will have to specify the path to the “Shell32.dll” subfolder located in system folder"System32". And we are sure you know where this folder is located. If not, then just in case, we’ll tell you, it’s located in the “Windows” folder located on system disk"C".

Now that you have followed the indicated path, multiple options for all kinds of small “drawings” will open before you. Don’t try to count them, it will just take up a lot of your time, just review this “collection” and choose the option that appeals to you most.

Now you can safely close everything open windows and admire the fact that it was you who managed to get the original icon for the program. By the way, you can also change the image of folders, and not just specific images for programs.

Once the creative element you create brings moral satisfaction, it will be difficult for you to resist replacing some more labels. This is your right, if you wish, proceed, especially since you have already figured out how to change such icons and do not need outside help.

Every user can change desktop shortcuts. The first thing you can do is rename them. To do this, just right-click on the shortcut and select “Rename” in the window that appears. Then enter the desired name and press Enter.

right-click on the object of interest;
from the menu presented, select “Properties”;
in the window that opens, find the “Shortcut” or “Settings” tab;
click the “Change icon” button;
choose desired image from the proposed list or through “Browse”, find your folder with downloaded icons and select the one you like from among them.

Also, many people don’t like the arrows on the shortcut icon; they can be removed quite simply. In progress this operation by editing the registry. The sequence of actions should be as follows: “Start” -> “Run” -> type “regedit” -> OK. In the expanded document, you need to open the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SOFTWARE -> Microsoft -> Windows -> CurrentVersion -> Explorer -> Shell Icons

If “Shell Icons” is not in the “Explorer” section, then you need to create it: right-click on “Explorer” -> select “Create” - “Section” -> type Shell Icons -> Enter. Next, in the right window, click on empty space, from the context menu select “Create” -> “String parameter”, enter the name 29.

Then right-click on parameter 29 and select “Change” in the context menu, then enter the value %windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50 or replace the existing one with it. Changes made will take effect after rebooting the computer.

How to change the size of a shortcut

Of course, not everyone understands why it is necessary to change the size of labels, so many people don’t even think about how to do it. However, often when changing the operating system, shortcuts are displayed in an unusual way large sizes. In addition, over time, the desktop becomes cluttered, and there is not enough space to place new objects.

In such situations, you involuntarily begin to think about how to change the size of the labels. Although in the second case it is better to find some time and put things in order on your desktop. However, there are 2 ways that allow you to quickly change the size of objects:

hold down on the keyboard Ctrl key and scroll the mouse wheel forward to increase the size of the labels, and backward to decrease them;
call the context menu by right-clicking on an empty area of the workbench. In the list that opens, move the mouse arrow to the “View” item, then click on the desired option: Large Icons, Normal Icons, or Small Icons.

How to change shortcut properties

Each label is assigned a specific set standard settings. However, any user can change them through the properties window. To do this, right-click on the desired shortcut and select “Properties” in the context menu that appears. The shortcut settings window will open.

Depending on the version of the operating system, the number of tabs in this window can be either three or seven. In most cases, change the settings of the “Shortcut” tab:

“Object” - in this field you can see the path to the file in the system;
“Window” - in the drop-down list you can change the appearance of the program on the screen at the moment of opening;
“File location” - when you click this button, a window opens where the file associated with the shortcut is stored;
“Change icon” - this button is intended to change the image of an object;
“Advanced” - in this window you can change the name of the user on whose behalf the file is opened.

In addition, in the “Security” tab you can differentiate the access rights of different users, “ Previous versions" - return the previous version of the file, "General" - edit the folder attributes: hide the object or limit the ability to edit.