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.
Right-click the icon or folder you want to change. change icons on desktop
Right-click it and select Show more options (Windows 11) → Send to → Desktop (create shortcut) . Click OK , then Apply , and finally OK again
Under "Related Settings," click Desktop icon settings . change icons on desktop
Go to the Shortcut tab (for program shortcuts) or the Customize tab (for folders).