How to Change the ICON of an EXECUTABLE file

Some times it becomes necessary to change the icon of an executable file so that the file gets a new appearance. Many of the tools such as TuneUP Winstyler does this job by adjusting the Windows to display a custom icon to the user. But, in reality if the file is carried to a different computer, then it shows its original icon itself.

This means that in order to permanently change the icon, it is necessary to modify the executable file and embed the icon inside the file itself. When this is done the executable file’s icon is changed permanently, so that even if you take file to a different computer it show’s a new icon.

For this purpose I have found a nice tool which will modidify the executable file and embed the icon of your choice into the file itself. ie: The tool changes the icon of the executable file permanently.

How to Change the Executable File Icon?

Here is a step-by-step instruction on how to use this tool to change the icon of any EXE file:

1. Go to www.shelllabs.com and download the trial version of IconChanger and install it (Works on XP, Vista and Win 7).
2. Run the IconChanger program from Start -> All Programs and you should see an interface as shown below:
   
3. Now you will see a window stating that “Choose an object whose icon you want to change”. Click on the “OK” button.
4. Now select the executable file for which you wish to change the icon.
5. Icon changer will automatically search for all the icons on your “C:\ drive” so that you can select any one of those. If your desired icon is not shown in the window, you may paste the path of your icon file in the field which says “Search icons in” so that your desired icon gets displayed.
6. Select the ICON of your choice and click on Set button.
7. Now a popup window will appear and ask you to select from either of these two options.
   • Change embeded icon.
   • Adjust Windows to display custom icon.
8. Select the first option (Change embedded icon). You are done. The icon gets changed.