Windows 7 does not provide a GUI to change the icons shown for Libraries, and the Libraries don’t use the icon references provided in the desktop.ini file. Here is a nice way to customize the Library icons in Windows 7.
Thanks to Bogo for this excellent tip!
Changing the Library icon in Windows 7
1. Start Notepad
2. Click Start, type the following path and press ENTER:
3. Drag the library (for which you want to change the icon) into the Notepad window.
4. Add the following entry after the line <isLibraryPinned>
For example, to assign the 84th icon (index starts from 0) from Shell32.dll, type the following line:
Note: The <iconReference> line may already exist for the default Libraries. For custom Libraries, you need to add it manually.
5. Save the file and close Notepad. Press F5 to refresh the Libraries window to see if the Library icon has changed.
Related Posts
- Fix Recycle Bin Icon Does Not Refresh Correctly When Using Custom Icons in Windows 7
- How to Clear Customize Notifications (System Tray) Icons in Windows 7/Vista and XP
- Customize the Icons in the Start Menu
- Prevent Themes From Changing Desktop Icons in Windows 7
- How to Create a Custom Theme Pack in Windows 7
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed! We feature Tips, Troubleshooting information, Scripts and Utilities for Microsoft Windows Operating Systems!
Prefer an E-mail subscription?
@zmin: I have that problem too. doesn’t anyone know how to make it display at all the icon sizes available in the ico file. ie. all the way up 128 exists but is not being displayed and it also has a grey square around it.
Excellent . Worked a treat:)
I can’t paste any Library on to Notepad, i did it once, and can’t do it anymore…
Anybody know why? I also rebooted the PC and nothing…
doesn’t work for Windows 7…
external icons only get displayed at 32×32 :( please help
You can use this free utility to change library icons, and also add network locations and a few other things:
http://zornsoftware.talsit.info/?p=3