How to Change the Recycle Bin and Other Desktop Icons in Windows 11
Personalizing the icons for the Recycle Bin, Control Panel, User’s Files, Network, or Computer on your desktop can help make your frequently used items more accessible and visually appealing. Customizing these icons allows you to tailor your desktop to fit your style and needs. Here’s how you can change these icons in Windows 11:
- Open Settings:
- Click on the Start button ⊞ at the bottom-left corner of your screen or press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app directly.
- Navigate to Personalization Settings:
- Within the Settings menu, select “Personalization” from the list on the left. This section allows you to customize the appearance of your Windows interface.
- Access Themes:
- In the Personalization settings, click on “Themes” to manage theme-related settings.
- Go to Desktop Icon Settings:
- Scroll down in the Themes menu and click on “Desktop icon settings.” This option is typically found under “Related settings” at the bottom of the page.
- Customize Your Icons:
- In the Desktop Icon Settings window, you’ll see a list of icons like Recycle Bin, This PC, Network, etc., that can be displayed on your desktop. Select the icon you want to change by clicking on it.
- Click on the “Change Icon” button to open a window where you can select a new icon. You can choose from the list of available icons or browse to a custom icon file (.ico) stored on your computer.
- Apply Changes:
- Once you’ve selected a new icon, click “OK” to close the icon selection window. Then click “Apply” and “OK” again in the Desktop Icon Settings window to save your changes.
By following these steps, you can easily customize the icons for the Recycle Bin and other desktop elements in Windows 11, making your desktop more personal and tailored to your preferences.