On the new desktop shortcut, follow Part 1 above to change its icon. Part 3: Change System Icons (This PC, Recycle Bin, Network) This method changes the main icons Windows places on your desktop by default. For Windows 11: Step 1: Right-click an empty area of your desktop and select Personalization .
Click Themes (on the right side of the settings window). change icons on desktop
Click OK , then Apply , and finally OK again. Tip: If the icon doesn't change immediately, try refreshing the desktop (right-click desktop → Refresh or press F5 ). Part 2: Change a Desktop Shortcut’s Image (The App Itself) You cannot change the icon of a pinned taskbar app or a standard ".exe" file directly. You must create a shortcut first. On the new desktop shortcut, follow Part 1