FIX: All my desktop icons changed to Internet Explorer

Discover tried-and-true strategies vetted by our team of specialists

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by Milan Stanojevic 

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Key notes

  • Windows 10 features a well-optimized UI with many tools, such as shortcuts and icons, that you can use to quickly access programs.
  • Desktop icons are extremely useful as they allow you to quickly launch the programs you most frequently use.
  • But if your desktop icons turned into IE icons all of a sudden, don't panic and follow the steps listed in this guide to fix the issue.
  • Bookmark this collection of troubleshooting guides to check later on in case you're getting other desktop icon issues.
desktop icons changed to internet explorer
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Did you notice that all your software icons changed to a single icon (Internet Explorer)? This can happen suddenly and it is caused by a conflict with the .Ink extension, and also possibly the IconCache.db file.

One user shared his concerns on the Microsoft Answers forum.

Recently, all of my icons on my desktop and in the start menu have changed to the Internet Explorer icon.  Also, when I checked my administrator files, they all end in LNK.  I am not able to go into any of my programs through My Programs.

In this fix article, we will explore a few proven methods to solve this issue. Read on to find out how.

Why did all my icons turn to Internet Explorer icons?

1. Delete the .Ink key file from Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows + R key on your keyboard
  2. Type ‘regedit’ (without quotes) in the Run box, and then press Enter.
  3. Inside the Registry Editor, use the folder tree on the left side of the screen, and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Explorer>FileExts>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Explorer>FileExts> Icons changed to internet explorer” width=”697″ height=”518″>
  4. Inside the FileExts folder, search for the .Ink subfolder, and delete it.ink registry Icons changed to internet explorer
  5. Close the System Registry, and restart your PC
  6. Check to see if the problem persists, if it does, follow the next method

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2. Remove the IconCache.db file

  1. Close all open folders
  2. Click on the Start button
  3. Search for the folder Windows System > Right click on Command Prompt > More > Run as administratoropen CMD Icons changed to internet explorer
  4. To end the Explorer process, type in the following command taskkill /f /im explorer.exe , and press Enter
  5. Inside Command Prompt type CD /d %userprofile%AppDataLocal, and press Enter
  6. After this, type DEL IconCache.db /a ,and press Enter again
  7. Next, type ‘EXIT’ (without quotes) and press Enter 
  8. Next, we will restart the explorer process: go back to your Task Manager window, click on File, select Run new taskrun new task Icons changed to internet explorer
  9. In the pop-up window, type in ‘explorer.exe’ (without quotes), and press Enter
  10. Restart your computer

If you have any suggestions or want to give us your opinion on this fix, please use the comment section found below.

  • Where are Windows icons stored?

All Windows icons are stored and located in the system 32 folder. The patch to follow is this C:Windowssystem32SHELL32. dll location.

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More about the topics: Internet Explorer Issues, windows 10 fix

Milan Stanojevic

Milan Stanojevic Shield

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He's a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology. Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he's one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.