Using Windows 11 icons on Windows 10


  1. Posts : 5
    Windows 10 Pro 1809
       #1

    Using Windows 11 icons on Windows 10


    So I liked the new Windows 11 icons better than the ones on 10, but wasn't ready to upgrade yet. So I went on to investigate how to change them. So far I have tried couple of ways and was wondering if there are other ways.
    I extracted the icons in separate icon files from Windows 11 .dll files and generated a .reg file to set them in [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons]. But this only handles shell32.dll icons, can imageres.dll icons be replaced this way?
    Other thing I tried with a VM is to just replace imageres.dll.mun, shell32.dll.mun and zipfldr.dll.mun in systemresourses directory with the Windows 11 counterparts. This seems to work, icons changed and the system still works, but I'm a bit hesitant with this as there are some icons missing from Windows 11 files that are present in Windows 10 files and what other stuff do these dll.mun files hold?
    So are these valid ways to do this or are there other easy ways?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 16,786
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       #2

    I think your best best is to search this forum and search ElevenForum for discussions about replacing icons. I think Windows 11 discussions applied equally to Windows 10.

    There are several TenForums threads on the subject but I haven't kept detailed-enough notes to know which address your particular query.
    What's the dll file for general icons in Customizer God - TenForums
    How do I enable the old networking tray icons on Windows 10 1903 - Page 5 - TenForums
    About recent changes to the locations and content of dll files contain - TenForums
    Icons no longer in imageres.dll in Windows 10 1903 - 4kb file - SuperUser
    more icon discussions [post #13] - TenForums

    This is the only ElevenForum thread I kept a link to
    Which DLL files have the system icons - ElevenForum

    @spapakons seemed to me to be the most useful contributor to the subject.


    Best of luck,
    Denis
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 42,737
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #3

    A really easy way to do this is to use Stardock's IconPackager.

    Find a prepared pack of Win 11 icons for it. Easily reversible (1 click in the program), no dll editing involved, so no issues with Windows updates or upgrades.

    A quick search found these possibilities:
    Windows 11 Icons (IconPackager) (Deprecated) by alfarexguy on DeviantArt
    IconPackager - Windows 11 IP (FREE DOWNLOAD) | WinCustomize.com

    Example: I use a Vista icon pack:
    Using Windows 11 icons on Windows 10-1.jpg
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 4,512
    several
       #4

    Is there a reason you can't copy vista shell32.dll somewhere, e.g. program files folder. Then browse to that to select icons?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 9
    Windows 10 LTSC 21H2 + 1809
       #5

    Complete Windows 11 System Icon Set (+custom) /updated


    SIW2 said:
    Is there a reason you can't copy vista shell32.dll somewhere, e.g. program files folder. Then browse to that to select icons?

    Hi @SIW2,

    Unfortunately, changing icons used by Shell32 is very limited.

    Up to W10 1809, you cannot edit the Shell32.dll file, otherwise the OS will block on startup.
    It is only possible as from 1903, knowing that this particular file is sometimes replaced after a major update, so you will have to edit the new one again (happens very few times during the year). The new DLL files are now located in C:\Windows\SystemResources with an extra ".mun" extension added.

    I managed to replace the "Quick access" icon with the new "Home" one, and I know similar edits can be made for some other main folders, but I didn't know that all Shell32 icon paths could be modified this way*.



    Switching "Quick access" Explorer icon to "Home" (+title) | Windows 11 Forum




    I regrouped the complete latest W11 system icons I extracted in a repository.
    As many of them are still in the old W10 style, we are also starting to create new (custom) versions.

    The thread with its content is being updated very regularly (as soon as new icons are available).

    Link on the main title and picture - Post #1

    System App Icons | Windows 11 Forum




    - - - Updated - - -

    zabnat said:
    .../I extracted the icons in separate icon files from Windows 11 .dll files and generated a .reg file to set them in [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons]. But this only handles shell32.dll icons, can imageres.dll icons be replaced this way?/...
    You can replace any .mun files, including Shell32 since v1903. As I mentioned, it will sometimes be reset after an OS update.


    *: Could you share your REG file for the Shell32 icons ?
    This could be interesting for editions up to 1809 (including older OS, if it is ment for).
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 42,737
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #6

    As I said (no reply), why extensively hack dll files etc when you can get an overlay without technical intervention which also survives upgrades? Good luck.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 9
    Windows 10 LTSC 21H2 + 1809
       #7

    dalchina said:
    As I said (no reply), why extensively hack dll files etc when you can get an overlay without technical intervention which also survives upgrades? Good luck.
    In fact, there is more than one reason for this.
    The software isn't expensive, but that doesn't mean everyone can afford it.
    For example, someone who often reinstalls their OS, that's not a good deal either.

    Also, and particularly on computer forums, many experienced users need to know precisely the location to edit, and the different possible ways to proceed.


    It is a very good thing you highlight Stardock IconPachager, because it is indeed the most stable and compatible app.

    I'm also curious to know how it proceeds.
    Right now, I'm finishing a Blue theme to which I'm adding missing icons.
    I studied how iPack Builder and 7tsp work.
    Maybe with your help I could provide the .ip file for Stardock as well.


    Thanks.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 42,737
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #8

    IconPackager - Windows 11 IP (FREE DOWNLOAD) | WinCustomize.com
    - looks as if it may be a Win 11 incon package..

    The software isn't expensive, but that doesn't mean everyone can afford it.
    - always worth looking out for deals e.g. via bisdujour, winningpc.com (which collates offers from several giveaway sites)
    Fortunately I got a great deal on Stardock software- something like £17 ($26 Canadian) for several programs - Object Desktop.

    As I use Stardock Curtains (that deals with the frames in a non-invasive way differently to WindowBlinds that still lets me add buttons to the title bar, and gives some transparency which appeals to me with the theme I've chosen), plus - since I have it in the package- Fences and of course IconPackager, that's quite a good deal.

    It also gave me a simple resilient solution that survives upgrades and meant
    - I longer had to use an unsupported bit of freeware to apply a Win 7 set of icons I previously used (which modified imageres.dll, which I had to redo at least after each major upgrade)
    - I had a solution to replace Aeroglass (no longer developed after a point in build 1903 and incompatible after that)

    The icon package I used was prebuilt - it's likely one already exists.

    I prefer not to use things that modify the O/S files etc e.g. UXTheme Patcher.

    IconPackager makes changing icons easy- a couple of clicks. Similarly Curtains, which you can also use to create your own theme for frames.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 9
    Windows 10 LTSC 21H2 + 1809
       #9

    Paching system icons


    Thank you for all these details @dalchina, and for sharing your experience with Stardock Curtains too. Good to know.


    As a home computer assistant, I will surely recommend it. But it's always good to experience and be able to explain in an easy way how the app works differently from the other free ones.

    The Icon Pack I'm working on will have to be available in these 3 formats (Stardock, 7tsp, iPack Builder /in addition to standalone icons) depending on the OS and/or app used.
    It will be published on DeviantArt, GitHub, this thread and the W11 Custom Folder one. I will need to provide clear and easy info to guide users for their install. This is the main important thing.



    Free Apps :

    New icons applied during the install, and old ones restored when uninstalled.
    Not running in the background process.
    Shell32.dll.mun is reset after major update, a reinstall is needed (except with iPack*).


    (Full Pack Patcher Apps)

    • 7tsp :
      Works on W10 as from v1903 & Windows 11.
      DLL.MUN files are replaced in SystemResources.
      (I don't know yet where the backup files are stored).

    • iPack (installer /made with iPack Builder) :
      Works on any W10. (W11 ?? mandatory for W10 1809 and older)
      Shell32 icons cannot be replaced. (*Updates don't /seem to/ affect icons)
      .DLL files replaced in System32 (and take over .dll.mun files in <=v1903 even if original .dll is empty /works).
      Creates a backup file in a dedicated repository.

      To update or change an icon theme, apps will have to be uninstalled and the new one will have to be installed after.


      (Individual icons Patcher Apps)

    • Winaero Tweaker / & CustomizerGod (no more updated):
      Only works on some W10/11 versions/builds. (I don't know which ones, really).
      DLL.MUN files are replaced in SystemResources.
      Icons can be replaced individually. (I don't know if icon packs can be installed in one go, I presume they could).
      Creates a ".bak"up file next to the original folder (need checking Winaero).




    Paid App :

    • Stardock IconPackager :
      survive updates
      (needing confirmation) / No DLL file replacement, new location added (?) handled by app /and running in the background process (?)



    > If anyone knows well about these Icon Patcher Apps, feedback is highly appreciated.
      My Computers


 

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