How Do I Change My Start Menu Icons?

By WadeH

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You may tire of the icons on your "Start" menu. It is possible to create your own icons, but it requires special graphics software and additional time. Fortunately, Microsoft Windows includes libraries of icons you can use to replace icons you don't like. The icon is replaced on the "Start" menu and on the desktop. There are at least three icon libraries in Windows. You'll find one library that has icons that are used for system files. Another icon library has other icons that you can use, too.

First Icon Library

Click the "Start" button.

Move the arrow to the menu item that you want to change and right-click. Select "Properties" from the menu.

Click "Change Icon" from the "Shortcut" tab. Type this address in the space to the left of the "Browse" button: "%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll." Click the "OK" button. Click "Change Icon."

Press the scroll bar arrows at the bottom to see the library of icons from Microsoft. Pick a new icon that you wish to use for the Start menu item you selected. Click on that icon and press "OK."

Click "Apply" on the "Shortcut" tab. Click "OK." Click the "Start" button to view your new icon and note the new icon on your desktop if the shortcut icon was there already.

Second Icon Library

Select a different icon from a different library by clicking the "Start" button.

Move the arrow to the menu item that you want to change and right-click. Select "Properties" from the menu.

Click "Change Icon" from the "Shortcut" tab. Type this address in the space to the left of the "Browse" button: "%SystemRoot%\system32\moricons.dll." Click the "OK" button. Click "Change Icon."

Press the scroll bar arrows at the bottom to see the library of icons from Microsoft. Pick a new icon that you wish to use for the Start menu item you selected. Click on that icon and press "OK." Click "Apply" on the "Shortcut" tab. Click "OK."

Change the icon in the "Start"/"All Programs" menu for consistency if you like. Click "Start"; select "All Programs"; select your program; right-click on it from the pop-out menu; select "Properties." Select "Change Icon"; enter the address of the icon library (for example, "%SystemRoot%\system32\moricons.dll"); click the "OK" button; click "Change Icon." Select your icon and press "OK."

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