How to change the icon of a folder in Windows

Folders are a great way to organize programs, files, and even web page shortcuts. If you have many folders on your desktop, they can begin to look bland or it may be hard to locate a specific one. Luckily, Windows offers a solution to this issue in the form of allowing its users to customize the appearance of their folders. To proceed, follow the steps below.

Tip

These steps also work for folders that are not on the Windows desktop.

How to change the icon of a folder in Windows

1. Browse to the location of the folder whose icon you'd like to change, or create a new one.

2. Right-click the folder, and select Properties from the bottom of the drop-down menu that appears.

3. In the folder properties menu, select the Customize tab (A), and then the Chang Icon... (B) button.

4. In the Change Icon window, make your selection (A) and then click OK (B).

Tip

If you would like to add a custom icon, click  and locate the file.

5. Back on the Properties window, click Apply (A) and then OK (B).

6. Your folder should now display its new icon.

Tip

If you would like to undo the changes you made to a folder icon, click the  button in the Properties window.