Windows 11 has brought a fresh user interface that focuses on simplicity, aesthetics, and productivity. One of the prominent features of this redesign is the taskbar, which plays an integral role in navigating your applications and managing system functions. Customizing the taskbar, including changing icons, can enhance your user experience and personalization. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the various ways you can change icons on the taskbar in Windows 11.
Understanding the Taskbar in Windows 11
Before jumping into the customization, it’s crucial to understand what the taskbar represents in Windows 11. The taskbar is a horizontal bar typically located at the bottom of your screen, housing important system functionalities such as:
-
Start Menu
: The gateway to applications and system settings. -
Pinned Applications
: Applications that you have chosen to keep for easy access. -
System Tray
: Icons for background applications, including volume control, network connections, and battery status. -
Notification Area
: Displays system notifications and alerts.
Customizing the taskbar icons allows you to tailor your workspace to your preferences, making it easier to access frequently-used applications.
Changing Icons for Pinned Applications on the Taskbar
Step 1: Pinning Applications to the Taskbar
To change an icon, your application needs to be pinned to the taskbar. If you haven’t done this already, follow these steps:
Open the Start Menu
: Click on the Windows icon on the taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Find the Application
: Scroll through the list of applications or type the application’s name in the search bar.
Pin to Taskbar
: Right-click on the application’s icon and select
Pin to taskbar
.
After pinning, the application will appear on your taskbar, ready for customization.
Step 2: Changing the Icon
To change the icon of a pinned application, follow these steps:
Locate the Application
: Find the application either in the taskbar or in the Start Menu.
Right-click on the Icon
: If using the taskbar, right-click on the icon, hover over
More
, and select
Open file location
. This action takes you to the folder containing the application’s shortcut.
Open Properties
:
-
Right-click on the application’s shortcut and choose
Properties
.
Change Icon
:
-
In the Properties window, click on the
Shortcut
tab. -
Click the
Change Icon
button. A new window will open showing the available icons.
Select New Icon
:
-
You can select from the default icons listed, or click the
Browse
button to locate a custom icon. Look for .ico files or .dll files that contain icon resources.
Apply Changes
:
-
After selecting your preferred icon, click
OK
, then click
Apply
, and finally
OK
again.
The icon displayed on the taskbar will change immediately to your selected one.
Sometimes, the built-in options may not suffice for your needs; hence, third-party software can facilitate advanced customization. Tools like
7tsp
(Windows 7 Taskbar Tweaker) and
RocketDock
offer a variety of icons and customization options.
Download the Customization Tool
: Visit the official site of the tool and download the latest version.
Install
: Follow the installation instructions.
Select Icons
: Use the application interface to select the application whose icon you want to change and replace it with your chosen icon.
Save Changes
: Follow the tool’s instructions to save/refine the changes.
Customizing System Icons on Taskbar
Besides pinned application icons, Windows 11 allows you to change certain system icons present on the taskbar, like File Explorer, Microsoft Edge, or the Microsoft Store. Customizing these icons involves a similar process as changing application icons.
Step 1: Access Taskbar Settings
Open Settings
: Right-click on the taskbar and select
Taskbar settings
.
Select Taskbar Behaviors
: Scroll down to find settings related to the taskbar.
Step 2: Changing System Icons
Right-click Icon
: For example, if you want to change the File Explorer icon, find its shortcut.
Properties
: Right-click and go to
Properties
to access the change icon options as described in the pinned application method.
Follow Icon Change Procedure
: Utilize the
Change Icon
button to select from the available options or browse for a custom icon file.
Step 3: Using Third-Party Themes for System Icons
Advanced users may consider altering system-wide icons by using third-party applications or themes. Here’s how to do that:
Download a Theme
: Visit sites like DeviantArt or other forums that provide Windows 11 themes.
Extract Files
: Obtain a zip file containing the theme and extract it.
Install the Theme
: Follow the instructions within the theme files to install it. Typically, it might involve copying files to the Windows system folder or using a theme manager.
Apply
: Ensure to apply the changes via the personalization settings or the theme manager.
Restoring Default Icons on the Taskbar
If at any point you wish to revert back to the original icons, you can do so by following these steps:
Right-click the Icon
: For each application or system icon you have changed.
Properties
: Select
Properties
.
Change Icon
: Click on the
Change Icon
button again.
Restore Default Icon
: Choose the original icon from the default list or browse back to the original file path.
Apply Changes
: Confirm by selecting
OK
, then
Apply
.
Conclusion
Customizing icons on the taskbar in Windows 11 is a great way to personalize your workspace, improve accessibility, and make it feel distinctly yours. Whether you prefer to stick with the built-in options or venture into third-party applications, there are myriad ways to achieve a taskbar that reflects your style.
From modifying individual application icons to utilizing third-party themes, the options available enable users to gain more control over their computing experience. As you continue to adapt and personalize your Windows 11 interface, don’t hesitate to experiment with different designs and functionalities that can help streamline your workflow and express your individuality.
Understanding these steps can empower you to make the most of Windows 11’s taskbar, ultimately enhancing your productivity and enjoyment while using your computer. Enjoy the journey of customization!