Once you hit OK, there is a preview that’ll show you what the icon will look like. Navigate to wherever you saved your icon, click it, and then click “OK.” RELATED: What Are DLL Files, and Why Is One Missing From My PC? You can pick from any of those if you want, or you can load in other icons by clicking “Browse.” You’re viewing the contents of Imageres.dll, which contains several hundred default Windows icons. When you click “Change Icon,” you’ll see a whole bunch of other Windows icons you probably recognize. Select the icon you’d like to change, then click “Change Icon.” This example will replace the “This PC” icon. Scroll down again, then click “Desktop Icon Settings.” Right-click empty space on your desktop and click “Personalization.” RELATED: Here's What Windows 11's Settings App Looks Like Windows 11 has options built right in to do just that. The major desktop icons - like “This PC,” “Recycle Bin,” “Network,” and a few others - are the easiest icons to change. RELATED: How to Make an Icon for Windows 10 or 11 Out of Any Image How to Change Your Desktop Icons on Windows 11 You can even make an icon out of an image if you wanted to - all you need is GIMP and a bit of spare time. There really is no limit to what you can do here except your imagination - free tools like GIMP and Inkscape are completely up for the task. You’re always able to make your own custom icons if you don’t want to download an icon or icon pack from the internet. Like before, if you see an executable or anything like one, stay clear. The archive file should contain typical icon formats. You should expect icon packages to come in some kind of archival file, like a ZIP, RAR, or 7Z file. PNGs and SVGs are especially versatile since they can be readily converted into an icon for any operating system out there. That said, it isn’t unusual to download an icon in another image format, like PNG, SVG, or ICNS if it was designed to work with multiple operating systems. Individual icons will typically be an ICO file if they were designed for use with Windows.

RELATED: Basic Computer Security: How to Protect Yourself from Viruses, Hackers, and Thieves If you download an icon and find yourself looking at an EXE or MSI file - or any other installer or executable file - stop what you’re doing and delete it.

Warning: There is never a reason for an icon or icon package to install software to your computer just to download some icons. Just exercise some caution - plenty of sites prey on people looking for things like icon packs, and will install malware or potentially-unwanted-programs (PUPs) if given the opportunity.

There are tons of icons freely available on the internet. How to Select and Apply an Icon to a Folder or Shortcut How to Change the Icon of an Individual Folder or Shortcut How to Change Your Desktop Icons on Windows 11

Cool finder icons