In the realm of customization, the humble folder icon, a constant in the Windows operating system since the era of Microsoft Windows Vista, stands out. Though its design has seen minimal alterations across iterations, including the recent Windows 11, many users yearn for a touch of novelty. Over time, the ubiquitous yellow folder may lose its appeal, driving users to seek alternatives to the default icon. The reasons to switch up are numerous; perhaps it’s the desire for a refreshing aesthetic change, or more practically, to swiftly locate a frequently used directory among a sea of identical icons. Custom folder icons serve as visual cues, dramatically reducing the time taken to pinpoint a specific folder amid dozens.
While the internet brims with transformation packs promising quick color or style alterations, the most genuine experience of personalization comes from navigating the nooks and crannies of Windows 11/10 itself. For those specifically wanting a palette change, the Rainbow Folders freeware tool offers an easy solution. Yet, diving into Windows’ inbuilt settings reveals a world of customization possibilities, eliminating the need for third-party applications. A feature enabling users to change the default folder icon has been nestled within Microsoft’s OS since Windows XP. However, it remains an overlooked gem, unknown to many. Join us as we explore this feature, guiding you on how to breathe new life into your desktop environment.
Customizing the default folder icon in Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista
This method applies to all recent Windows versions, including Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista.
Step 1. Now, right-click on the folder and select the Properties option for which you want to change the default icon.
Step 2. Next, switch to the Customize tab.
Step 3. After that, click on the “Change Icon” button to select an icon for your folder under the Folder Icons section.
It will open the default icons folder; if not, then browse for the following path:-
%SystemRoot%\System32\SHELL32.dll
Further, click on the Browse button and navigate to where the custom icon is located if you already have a custom icon and want to use the same. Then, select the icon and click the open button.
Step 4. Next, select any desired icon which you wish to apply. Then click on the OK, Apply, after that, again click on the OK button.
Step 5. Now, you can see the selected icon has been applied to the selected folder.
You should change the folder icon on your PC when you complete the above steps.
Conclusion
Customizing the appearance of folder icons in the Windows operating system not only provides a fresh aesthetic touch but also increases practicality, especially for those seeking to identify specific folders swiftly. While third-party tools like Rainbow Folders exist for easy palette changes, Windows itself offers an in-depth customization option. By merely venturing into the native settings, users can easily change the default folder icon, a feature that has been available since Windows XP. This allows for a genuine personalization experience, free from the need to rely on external applications.
