Prerequisites
Before we begin, make sure you have administrative privileges on your computer. Additionally, it is recommended to create a system restore point as a precautionary measure in case anything goes wrong during the process.
Step 1: Find a Custom Start Button Icon
The first step is to find a custom Start button icon that you want to use. There are numerous websites that offer a wide range of start button icons for free. You can download and save the icon of your choice to a location on your computer.
Step 2: Rename the Icon
Once you have the custom Start button icon downloaded, it is important to rename the file to “start” without the quotes. Make sure to keep the file extension intact.
Step 3: Replace the Original Start Button Icon
Now that you have your custom Start button icon ready, it’s time to replace the original Start button icon with the new one. Follow the steps below:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to “C:\Windows\Resources\Themes”.
- Locate the file named “shell32.dll” and make a backup copy of it.
- Right-click on “shell32.dll” and select “Properties”.
- Go to the “Security” tab and click on “Advanced”.
- Next to the owner’s name, click “Change”.
- Enter “Administrators” in the box and click “Check Names”.
- Click “OK” and check the box that says “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects”.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK”.
- Again, right-click on “shell32.dll” and select “Properties”.
- Go to the “Security” tab and click on “Edit”.
- Select “Administrators” from the list and check the box that says “Full control”.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK”.
- In File Explorer, rename the original “shell32.dll” to “shell32_backup.dll”.
- Copy and paste the new “start.ico” file into the same folder.
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Custom Start Button
After following the above steps and restarting your computer, you should now see your new custom Start button icon in Windows 10. Enjoy your personalized desktop!
Customizing your Windows 10 experience has never been easier. By changing the Start button icon, you can add a personal touch to your computer’s appearance. Just remember to exercise caution while modifying system files and always create a backup before making any changes. Happy customizing!