Windows 10 is the unique in the Microsoft’s line of the operating systems. It is mostly different from its predecessors in both style and performance. The operating system drew from the pitfalls of its older brother Windows 8. It displays a new, sleek, and flat design.

Windows 10 kept its flexibility despite its new look. Many users love to customize their Windows experience. And, the new Microsoft flagship made it easier to change its appearance. One of the first things that users often customize is icons.

The stock icons used by Windows 10 are reminiscent of its classic look. However, the full range of custom and eclectic icon packs available online provides a variety of options. Check out our list of eight beautiful Windows 10 icon packs.

12 Best Icon Sets for Windows 10 – Index

How to Change Icons in Windows 10?

While customizable, you still need to go through a few steps to change Window’s default icons. Follow the steps below.

Change Desktop Icons

The icon you see on your desktops such as This PC, User Files, Control Panel and Recycle Bin are called desktop icons. Only the Recycle Bin is present on the desktop by default. However, if you have any of the desktop icons and want to change their looks, follow the steps below.

Follow the steps in this tutorial until you access the Desktop icon settings. Click the Change Icon… button.

You will see the default icon pack used in the Change Icon window. You can choose any icons here. Of course, you’ll want to use your icon pack. Click Browse…

Navigate to where you saved your customized icon. Choose the icon then click OK.

Change Folder and Shortcut Icons

Folders and shortcuts are easily customized as well. Unfortunately, you have to do this individually in each folder. You may need to download a third-party application to change icons faster.

First, right-click on the folder. Then, choose Properties. Do the same for shortcuts.

Click Change Icon… in the New folder Properties.

Click Change Icon… in Shortcut Properties if you are customizing a shortcut.

Click Browse… in the Change Icon for…

Choose your icon in the window.

Click Restore Defaults in the Change Icon for… window if you want to restore the default icon.

​

Change Icon for a File

You can also change the icon associated with a particular file type. You will need to download FileTypesMan. No need to install the application. Unzip the file and run the program.

It will scan all the file types on your computer. You may have to wait for a couple of minutes depending on the number of file types.

Look for the file type you want to change in the application window. Right-click on it. Choose Edit Selected File Type.

Click the button with three dots right next to Default Icon on the Edit File Type window.

A Few Important Notes

Icon packs are available from different sources on the Internet. Remember to be careful and make sure that your source is safe. Scan the downloaded file or zip with anti-malware such as MalwareFox.

Windows 10 only accepts .ico, .dll, and .exe icon types. Most icon packs are in .ico, but you’ll come across ones in .png. You can easily convert it using tools such as this.

Some icon packages come with executable files to easily replace default icons. That is why it is essential to scan the downloads for your safety. Make sure you read the instructions if there are any.

List of Windows 10 Icon packs

1. Simplus

Starting off with a simple design is Simplus Windows 10 Icons. The icon designs are elegant and straightforward. It eliminates clutter and creates a more seamless look.

The icon pack comes in a light and dark sets. The light set features muted colors that blend easily with a light-colored theme. The dark set icons are much brighter. Perfect to quickly see the icons and make them pop.

2. Folders Flat Colors

This work by dtafalonso is perfect if you want to maintain the clean look but wants to have a bit of variety. The icon pack also blends well with most Windows 10 themes.

It features icon in different shades. Unlike Simplus, the icons feature two to three colors. It creates a simple but exciting style.

​

3. winOS10 Flat

winOS10 Flat may have an insufficient number of icons, but it effectively replaces the default windows icons. The icon pack is suitable for desktop icons and directories. It comes in .png, .ico, .dll, and .icl so you don’t need to convert the files.

It creates a subtle contrast with the Windows 10 theme. The soft edges distinctively integrate with the hard edges of the metro theme. The individual folder icons make it easy to identify your folders.

4. Insignia Icon Theme

Insignia Icon Theme is an overall icon pack perfect for customization. It features icons for typical applications, web apps, and folders. The beautiful design is a slight departure from the flat Metro theme of Windows 10.

The icon pack pays homage to the traditional designs. The subtle light shade gives depth to the colors. It also uses Soft edges without changing too much from the logos. It is perfect if you want to contrast yet complementing theme on your operating system.

5. BRUCE Square v1.1

BRUCE Square fits in well with the angular Metro UI. However, it sets itself apart by having a gradient background and a white logo in the foreground. The application logos are stand-out quite well.

In the background, the colored gradient evokes softer tone. The overall design is striking but not conflict with the default Windows style. It is perfect for darker and simpler themes.

6. Numix Circle for Windows

Just like the previous entry, Numix Circle for Windows manages stand-out without breaking the overall aesthetics of the default Windows 10 theme. It employs the similar color palette which blends well with the rest of the operating system. The logos are bright and readily distinguished.

What’s unique with the icon pack is the shape of the icons. The circular shape is a nice contrast to the angular form of Metro UI. It is an excellent break from all the edges.

7. In Pixelated Icon Set

In Pixelated Icon Set is very different from the rest of the icon packs on this list. It does not try to blend into the Metro UI. Instead, it aims to provide the quirky design.

The inspiration for the design is from the 8-bit pixel art popularized by the 80’s and 90’s video games. The light color palette lends a playful and youthful vibe. It comes in both .ico for Windows and .icns for MacOS.

​

8. Shadow 135

Shadow 135 is an extension icon pack for both Windows 10 and MacOS. It is reminiscent of Google’s Material UI. The colors blend well with Metro UI of Windows 10. The rounded squares and the inner circular inset creates a dynamic look.

The white logos with shadows shows depth. The artist, BlackVariant, has different sets of icons for applications, system icons, and even brand related icons. The large selection ensures consistent design across your operating system.

9. Arc Icons

Arc Icons are a part of the famous Linux icon pack. It has a beautiful, minimalistic design perfect for Windows 10. Apart from the Folder icon, you will also get the WiFi icon, Recycle Bin icon, a translation icon and other multipurpose icons too.

10. Alienware Eclipse

If you are bored with the traditional Windows icon and want to try something funky, then Alienware Eclipse icons are just for you. The designer provides a wide range of electrifying icons that will change your whole theme. If you are into gaming then you will love these.

All the usual icons are there, including music, documents, picture, and video folders, the Recycle Bin, a gaming icon, and even a replacement icon for DLL files.

11. WinRemix Icon Pack

The WinRemix Icon Pack comes with beautiful mid-tone green color. It provides you an option to make your folder icon content-specific. For example, if you have any folder full of music files, then you can set your folder with a music icon. Likewise with Downloads or Pictures folder.

12. Flat Color W10 IconPack

The last one on the list is the very elegant Flat Color W10 IconPack. It uses a minimalistic design that is quite soothing to the eyes. It also comes with the content specific folder icon option. It completely suits the Windows 10 default theme.

Final Words

Customizing Windows 10 is one of the most enjoyable parts of creating your personal experience. Remember to backup your files and scan everything for malicious threats and applications. We hope that more natural customization methods will be available in the future iterations of the operating system.