How to Change or Restore Default Windows 7 Desktop Icons

1. Right click on a empty area of the desktop and click on Personalize. (See screenshot below)

2. Click on the Change desktop icons link at the upper left corner. (See screenshot below)

3. To Change the Icon for a Desktop Icon

A) In the middle pane, select (click on) a desktop icon that you want to change the icon for, and click on the Change Icon button. (See screenshot below)

B) Select a icon that you want to use instead, or click on the Browse button and navigate to the location of the icon you want to use.
NOTE: Any icon of your own you want to use instead needs to be a 256x256 pixel .ico Vista style icon file to properly display at larger view settings.

C) Go to step 5.

4. To Restore the Default Icon for a Desktop Icon

A) In the middle pane, select (click on) a desktop icon that you want to restore the default icon for, and click on the Restore Default button. (See screenshot below)

5. Click on OK to apply. (See screenshot above or below step 3A)

6. Close the Personalization window. (See screenshot below step 2)