Folder Icon Generator

Windows 11 guide

How to change a folder icon in Windows 11

Windows uses ICO files for custom folder icons. Create or convert the artwork first, then assign the file from the folder's Customize settings.

Updated July 19, 2026

Create a Windows folder icon

  1. Open FolderIcon.App and select Windows.
  2. Adjust the folder hue and brightness.
  3. Add a symbol, image, or short text label.
  4. Click Download Folder Icon.
  5. Select ICO and choose 256×256 or 512×512.
Windows folder style selected in FolderIcon.App
Select Windows before designing so the preview uses Windows folder artwork.
ICO selected as the recommended Windows download format
The Windows workflow recommends an ICO file automatically.

Apply the ICO file to a folder

  1. Move the ICO file to a permanent location. Do not leave it in Downloads if you regularly clear that folder.
  2. Right-click the folder you want to customize and choose Properties.
  3. Open the Customize tab.
  4. Select Change Icon, then Browse.
  5. Choose the downloaded ICO file and select Open.
  6. Select OK, then Apply.

Keep the ICO file at a stable path. If it is moved, renamed, or deleted, Explorer may lose the custom icon later.

Restore the default Windows folder icon

Return to Properties → Customize → Change Icon, select Restore Defaults, and apply the change.

If Explorer still shows the old icon

  • Close and reopen the parent folder.
  • Refresh Explorer with F5.
  • Temporarily select a different icon, apply it, and then select the intended ICO again.
  • Restart Windows Explorer or sign out and back in if the cached thumbnail remains.

Create the icon in your browser

No account is required, and images stay on your device.

Open FolderIcon.App