If you're a Windows 10 user, you may have noticed a number of icons appearing on your desktop or in your taskbar. But where are these icons stored? In this article, we'll take a look at what exactly an icon is, how Windows stores them and how you can access and manage them.

We'll also discuss how to add, remove and customize icons to personalize your Windows 10 experience. So let's dive in and learn more about icons on Windows 10!

In Windows 10, icons are stored in the C:\Windows\System32\SHELL32.dll file. This file contains icons for various programs and files, including system icons.

To view them, you can open File Explorer and go to the C:\Windows\System32\SHELL32.dll folder. You can also access the icons via the Control Panel.

Select the “Appearance and Personalization” option, then click “Change desktop icons”. There you can select the icons you want to display and change their look.

Where Are Icons Stored in Windows 10?

Icons are valuable visual representations of the files, folders, and programs stored on a computer. Windows 10 has several locations where icons are stored, and this article will provide an overview of where these icons can be found.

Where Icons Are Stored

The primary location for icons in Windows 10 is the C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll file. This file stores a large number of icons that are used by Windows 10. These icons can be accessed using the built-in Windows 10 icon viewer, which is located in the Accessories folder under the Programs folder. Other icons can be found in the following locations:

C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll

This file contains icons that are used in various parts of the Windows 10 interface, such as the taskbar and Start menu.

C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll\icons

This folder contains icons that are used by Windows 10 applications.

C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll\icons

This folder contains icons that are used by Windows 10 applications and system utilities.

Accessing the Icons

Accessing the icons in Windows 10 is relatively straightforward. To view the icons stored in the C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll file, users can open the Windows 10 icon viewer. To view the icons stored in the other locations, users can use the Windows 10 File Explorer.

Viewing the Icons in the Windows 10 Icon Viewer

To view the icons stored in the C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll file, users can open the Windows 10 icon viewer. The icon viewer can be accessed by navigating to the Accessories folder under the Programs folder and selecting the “Windows 10 Icon Viewer” application. Once the icon viewer has been launched, users can select the “View” tab and select “All Icons” to view all the icons stored in the file.

Viewing the Icons in the Windows 10 File Explorer

To view the icons stored in the other locations, users can use the Windows 10 File Explorer. The File Explorer can be opened by clicking the File Explorer icon in the taskbar. Once the File Explorer has been opened, users can navigate to the locations where the icons are stored and view them in the File Explorer window.

Editing the Icons

Editing the icons stored in Windows 10 is also relatively straightforward. To edit the icons stored in the C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll file, users can use the Windows 10 icon editor, which is located in the Accessories folder under the Programs folder. To edit the icons stored in the other locations, users can use a third-party icon editor, such as IcoFX.

Editing the Icons in the Windows 10 Icon Editor

To edit the icons stored in the C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll file, users can open the Windows 10 icon editor. The icon editor can be accessed by navigating to the Accessories folder under the Programs folder and selecting the “Windows 10 Icon Editor” application. Once the icon editor has been launched, users can select the icon they wish to edit and make the desired changes.

Editing the Icons in a Third-Party Icon Editor

To edit the icons stored in the other locations, users can use a third-party icon editor, such as IcoFX. IcoFX is a powerful icon editor that allows users to easily create and edit icons. To use IcoFX, users can download and install the software from the IcoFX website. Once the software has been installed, users can open the IcoFX application and use it to edit the icons stored in the other locations.

Related FAQ

What is the Default Location for Icons in Windows 10?

The default location for icons in Windows 10 is the C:\Users\[UserName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs folder. This folder contains all of the shortcuts that are pinned to the Start Menu. Additionally, some programs may also add their own shortcuts or icons to this folder for easy access.

How Can I Create a Shortcut for an Icon?

To create a shortcut for an icon in Windows 10, right-click the icon, and select Create Shortcut from the menu. A dialogue box will appear prompting you to enter a name for the shortcut. Once the shortcut is created, it will be stored in the same location as the original icon.

Where Can I Find Icons on My Computer?

Icons can typically be found in the same location as the file or program they represent. If you are looking for a specific icon, you can use the search function in Windows 10 to find it. Additionally, you can search for icons online using a search engine such as Google Images.

How Do I Change the Icon of a Shortcut?

To change the icon of a shortcut in Windows 10, right-click the shortcut and select Properties. In the Properties window, click the Change Icon button, and select the icon you wish to use for the shortcut. Once you have selected the icon, click the OK button to save your changes.

What Are the Different File Types for Icons?

The most common file types for icons are .ico and .png. .ico files are the standard file type for icons, while .png files are often used for higher resolution icons. Additionally, some programs may use their own custom file types for their icons.

What Is the Best Way to Store Icons?

The best way to store icons is to create a folder for them on your computer and save them in that folder. This allows you to easily access the icons when you need them. Additionally, you can create shortcuts for the icons and place them in the folder for easy access.

If you're a Windows 10 user, you now know where to find and store your icons. Whether you're a novice or a power user, the process of finding and managing your icons is the same.

No matter the size or complexity of your icon collection, Windows 10 has the tools you need to keep them organized and easy to find. With a few simple clicks, you can quickly access, manage, and store your icons, so you can access them whenever you need them.