How to Install Icons on a Computer

By Si Kingston

Icons are small images that represent a file, folder or program. When an icon is clicked, the associated file, folder or program will open. Icon images are unique in that they must be formatted in ICO. There are many resources online for creating and downloading ICO images. You may create an icon from a favorite picture or image. Windows users may also use many of the installed icons already on their systems.

Getting the Icons

Step 1

Use a preinstalled icon. To view available icons already on your system, right-click the Windows desktop and select "Personalize." Select "Change desktop icon" and view all icons on the system.

Step 2

Download icons sets. There are many websites that allow users to download icon sets for free including FreeIconsWeb, JoocBox and DryIcons (see Resources). These websites offer icon sets for all purposes including websites, so locate a set that will work for your desktop and operating system. To download, select a set or icon and save it to your computer.

Step 3

Create icons using an online conversion tool. There are many tools to choose from including IConvertIcon, ConvertHub and IconConvert (see Resources). To use these tools, select the upload option to add a JPG, GIF, BMG, TIFF or PNG formatted image to the converter. Select ICO as the conversion option. Then save the file to the computer.

Installing the Icons

Step 1

Right-click an empty spot on the Windows desktop.

Step 2

Select "Personalize."

Step 3

Click "Change desktop icon."

Step 4

Select the desktop icon that you want to change (e.g., Recycle Bin or Computer).

Step 5

Hit the "Change icon" option. Select an icon already installed, or hit "Browse" and select a newly created or downloaded icon from the computer. Hit "OK," "Apply" and "OK" again.

References

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