My File Explorer icon has always been blue, but I saw a friend's PC where it was?

[L7ozDJb8]

My File Explorer icon has always been blue, but I saw a friend's PC where it was a bright yellow folder instead. I really prefer that look. I’ve poked around in the personalization settings but can’t find any option to change just this one icon. Is there a way to recolor it to yellow, or do I need to download a different icon pack and replace it manually? I’m comfortable following steps if it’s not too technical.

[LaptopFan67]

That's a great question! The blue icon is the default for Windows 10/11, and you're right, there's no built-in setting to change just that one icon. Your friend was likely using a custom theme or icon pack. The good news is you can change it manually without a full pack.

Here’s a free method to replace just the File Explorer icon:

1. **Find a yellow folder icon you like.** Search for "yellow folder icon png" or "ico". Sites like `icons8.com` or `flaticon.com` have free downloads. Save it as an `.ico` file for best results.
2. **Right-click your Start button** and select **File Explorer**.
3. Go to the **Shortcut** tab and click **Change Icon**.
4. Click **Browse**, navigate to your downloaded `.ico` file, select it, and click **OK** twice.

This changes the icon on your taskbar and Start menu. If you want to change the icon everywhere (like in navigation panes), you would need more advanced tools or a full icon pack, which involves system file changes.

It’s a fun customization! Give the shortcut method a try first—it’s the simplest. If you run into any issues finding icons or applying the change, just post back and we can help you figure it out.

[L7ozDJb8]

Thanks! I downloaded an icon, but now I can't figure out where to put it or how to actually make Windows use it.

[5G9nyOjTkO1l]

This. I had the same problem. You have to change it through the shortcut properties, not the actual program file.

[GzbkqOHSbDja]

Yeah, that's the trick. Just make sure you're changing the shortcut on your taskbar, not the one on your desktop.

[FxcksvhFgK]

You could also try a third-party app like IconPackager if you want to change a whole set of icons at once. Hope that helps.

[4293dtloaj]

Same here. Another option is to just replace the icon manually by right-clicking the shortcut, going to Properties, and changing the icon there.

[826N36g]

+1 You could also try a third-party app like IconPackager if you want to change a whole set of icons at once.

[AIBwBiTh]

Just be careful with those apps—some can be a bit buggy with Windows updates.

[916pbcv]

Can confirm. Yeah, agreed. A quick tip: always create a restore point before you start tweaking system icons.