Buzz
Are you seeking innovative ways to customize the appearance of your Windows 10 or 11 desktop? Although Windows doesn't offer a built-in option to change an EXE program's icon, you can utilize free applications to modify the icon of any program on your PC. If you prefer not to download software or make permanent alterations to the EXE file itself, you can generate a shortcut to the EXE and modify its icon instead. This Mytour article will guide you through the process of changing the icon of an EXE file on your Windows PC and assist you in discovering fantastic free downloadable Windows icon files (ICO).
Key Points to Consider
- Resource Hacker (free) and GConvert (shareware) offer convenient methods to permanently modify the icon of any EXE file.
- If you prefer not to make permanent changes to the EXE, you can create a shortcut to the file and modify its icon instead.
- Windows icon files must be in the .ICO file format, but you can convert PNG and SVG files to ICO format.
Step-by-Step Guide
Discovering Fresh Icons
Windows icons typically come in the ICO format, so you'll require an icon file with a .ICO extension. Numerous websites offer free icon downloads, though not all of them provide icons in the Windows-compatible format. For readily usable free .ICO files, explore these websites:
You can also convert images from other formats to ICO. If you come across an icon you adore (or have crafted your own in PNG or SVG format), you can effortlessly convert it to ICO using an online converter.
- Convertico can convert up to 50 icons simultaneously from PNG or SVG.
- Online Convert converts one icon at a time but allows you to adjust the size, eliminate the background, and apply basic filters before conversion.
Modifying the EXE Using Resource Hacker
Get Resource Hacker and install it. Resource Hacker is a free Windows program that enables you to permanently modify EXE file attributes, including the icon. This is the simplest method to alter your Windows icons, albeit it necessitates downloading a trustworthy third-party application. To install Resource Hacker:
- Visit http://www.angusj.com/resourcehacker in your computer's web browser and click the blue Download link at the top of the page.
- Choose EXE install and specify a save location if prompted.
- Double-click the downloaded setup file.
- Follow the installation instructions.
Launch Resource Hacker. Once it's installed, you can locate it in your Windows Start menu.
Open the EXE File with Resource Hacker. Here's how:
- Go to the File menu and choose Open.
- Navigate to the location of the EXE file. Typically, EXE files are found in your main drive under Program Files or Program Files (x86).
- Click Open.
- You can also right-click the EXE file icon on your PC and select Open with > Resource Hacker.
Press Ctrl+R. This action brings up the 'Replace icon in' window.
- You can also access this window by clicking on the Action menu and selecting
Replace Icon…
Click Open file with new icon…. This option is located at the top of the 'Replace icon in' window.
Choose your ICO file and click Open. Once selected, you'll see your new icon in the left panel.
Click the Replace button. You'll find it near the bottom of the right panel.
- Depending on the icon file you select, you might need to choose a specific version from the options on the left side of the window before clicking Replace.
Save your modifications. Either click the first green floppy disk icon or navigate to File > Save to preserve your updated icon. Your EXE file now sports the new icon.
Modifying the EXE with GConvert
Get GConvert and install it. This shareware application for Windows lets you permanently edit the icon of any EXE program, although certain features are restricted after the 15-day trial period. Visit https://www.gdgsoft.com/download/gconvert.aspx in your web browser, then follow these steps:
- Click on the Download Mirror 1 link, and choose a download location if prompted.
- Double-click the downloaded file.
- Click Yes if prompted.
- Select Instant Install and follow any further instructions.
Launch GConvert and click Continue. Once installed, you can locate the app in your Windows Start menu. Clicking Continue will take you to the main GConvert window.
Access the Tools menu. Look for it at the top of your window.
Choose Modify icons in EXE/DLL… from the menu. This action will launch the 'EXE/DLL Icon Patcher' window.
Indicate the EXE file you wish to customize. Here's how:
- Click on the folder icon next to the field.
- Browse to and select the desired EXE file. Usually, you'll find EXE files in your main drive under Program Files or Program Files (x86).
- Click Open.
Choose the current icon and click Modify selected icon.... Another file browser window will appear.
Choose your ICO file and click Open. In the File Explorer window, navigate to where your icon file is located, then select the icon file. Your replacement icon will now be visible.
Opt for Close and open in GConvert. This option sits at the window's bottom. Your EXE's icon will be refreshed.
- Once your EXE file appears in GConvert, you can close the window by clicking the red circle in the top-right corner. Your EXE file should now boast a different icon.
- It may take a few minutes for your EXE file's icon to update.
Generating a Shortcut
Store your ICO file in a stable location. Keeping your icon file in a location like the 'Pictures' folder prevents the icon from disappearing if you accidentally relocate the file.
- If you prefer not to download an application to alter your icons, you can create a shortcut to the original EXE and easily modify its icon instead. This method allows you to keep the EXE file tucked away in a folder while using the shortcut to access the program.
Right-click on the desktop and pick New > Shortcut. Ensure you right-click on an empty space (e.g., not a file, the taskbar, or a folder).
Click the Browse… button. This action opens your file browser.
Choose the EXE file and press Open. Now, navigate to the folder containing the EXE file whose icon you want to change.
- The location may vary by application, but EXE files are typically found in your main drive under Program Files or Program Files (x86).
Tap Next then input a name. Enter the desired name for your shortcut.
Click Finish. Found at the bottom-right corner of the window. Now, a shortcut to the EXE file will appear on your desktop.
Right-click the shortcut and choose Properties. This action opens a dialog box containing various tabs, including one labeled Shortcut.
Press the Change Icon… button. Located at the bottom of the popup window. You'll then see a list of standard icons built into Windows.
Click on the Browse… button. Found at the top-right corner of the window. This action opens the File Explorer.
Choose your ICO file and tap Open. This selects your new icon.
Tap OK twice. Your newly created shortcut now displays the new icon.
- If you're using Windows 10, you'll notice a small arrow on the shortcut indicating it's a shortcut and not the actual EXE file. Windows 11 users won't see this arrow. To remove the arrow in Windows 10, you can adjust your registry.
- You can relocate the shortcut to your desired location, such as the taskbar or another area of your desktop.
- To rename the icon, right-click it and choose Rename. On Windows 11, this option is located at the top of the right-click context menu.
- Once you've created a shortcut to the EXE file, avoid moving the original EXE file as it will break the shortcut.
Suggestions
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Modifying the icon with Resource Hacker and GConvert alters the icon system-wide, whereas creating a shortcut only affects the icon for the shortcut itself.
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If the original icon still appears in File Explorer, you can rebuild the icon cache to resolve the issue.
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After creating a shortcut for your new icon, be cautious not to accidentally relocate or delete the original EXE location or the icon file you downloaded. You can move the shortcut anywhere you wish, but leave the other two files alone.
