How to change default folder icons using Icon Editor or Regedit in Windows 11?

Hello everyone,
I opened SystemResources/imageres.dll.mun and shell32.dll.mun files with GreenFish Icon Editor and found that they contain default folder icons. For example, folder icons with IDs 3 and 4 are used when a new folder is created. I want to replace these icons with the Vista and Windows 7 icons I have. For this process, I made a backup of the files and copied the files to be replaced to a different folder (desktop). At this stage, if I replace the imageres.dll.mun file and shell32.dll.mun file on the desktop with the new icons, save them and then put them in the Windows/SystemResources folder, will I have any problems or will the icons change without any problems? My system contains too much data to back up and I don't want it to crash.
Here's an example icon set that I'd like to do:


I would also like to know if there is an alternative way to do this. Thank you!

Unfortunately I can't be of much help..., I use an icon packager...,
I just wanted to point out:
Don't expect folder icons to look half open...



... in Windows 11, they're probably gonna look like this...

Edwin said:

Unfortunately I can't be of much help..., I use an icon packager...,
I just wanted to point out:
Don't expect folder icons to look half open...

View attachment 84206

... in Windows 11, they're probably gonna look like this...

View attachment 84207

Click to expand...

Oh I see, I guess they won't appear as normal folders. But it's still worth a try. After using IconPackager and changing the icons, did you delete the software? When you remove it from the system, do the icons go back to their original state or do they remain unchanged? By the way, it is compatible with Windows 11, right?

DuttyFoster said:

... it is compatible with Windows 11, right?

Click to expand...

It's IconPackager by Stardock.
It remains installed on the system.
It is compa, works with Windows 11, however there are many new icons in W11 that it won't address, you have change them manually within the IP Studio.

Edwin said:

It's IconPackager by Stardock.
It remains installed on the system.
It is compa, works with Windows 11, however there are many new icons in W11 that it won't address, you have change them manually within the IP Studio.

Click to expand...

Okay, so I'll replace it with Icon Packager. Do I need to reset the icons to default before any update of Win11?

DuttyFoster said:

Do I need to reset the icons to default before any update of Win11?

Click to expand...

No, Windows will do that automatically.
You'll need to re-load your desired package, after the fact, every time...

Agree with @Edwin , nice little program and only costs a few pounds. It will allow you to install on different PCs with the same registration key.
Get your icons back in a few clicks after an update.
The Vista package doesn't support open folders but some of the preinstalled ones do.

Modifying system files is a bad strategy.
The icons need to be changed in the registry

for example

$LibraryIcons = "%USERPROFILE%\Pictures\" + "Your_Icon_Library.icl"

### Folder Icon
$str = "$LibraryIcons,-5"
[Microsoft.Win32.Registry]::SetValue("HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons", "3", $str, [Microsoft.Win32.RegistryValueKind]::ExpandString)
$str = "$LibraryIcons,-6"
[Microsoft.Win32.Registry]::SetValue("HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons", "4", $str, [Microsoft.Win32.RegistryValueKind]::ExpandString)

Fabler2 said:

The Vista package doesn't support open folders but some of the preinstalled ones do.

Click to expand...

I did not know that!

Thank you so much for all replies, I'll install IconPackager and use it rather than modifying system files.

IconPackager will cover pretty much all icons across the entire OS..., Folders, Title Bars, Navigation Pane, Jump Lists, Tabs, (if you use them), etc..., with the exception of a few like the 3D folder thing, the Gallery folder and, for example, my SD Card, cuz it's firmware won't allow me to change the icon...