Blog

How to Fix Icons Changed in Internet Explorer on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

If you have noticed that the icons in Internet Explorer on your Windows 11 computer have suddenly changed or look incorrect, you are not alone. This is a common issue that can happen due to various reasons, such as corrupted icon caches or system settings. Fortunately, fixing this problem is usually straightforward.

This guide will walk you through simple and detailed steps to restore your Internet Explorer icons to their normal appearance. Each step is explained in a clear, easy-to-follow manner, ensuring even beginners can follow along without confusion.

By following these instructions, you will better understand why icons change and how to fix them effectively. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the solutions.

Remember, patience is key when troubleshooting, and it’s always best to try the simplest methods before moving to advanced ones.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

  • Make sure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version. Sometimes updates fix display or icon issues automatically.
  • Restart your computer once before starting. A simple reboot can resolve many minor glitches.
  • Close Internet Explorer and any other browser before you begin the troubleshooting steps.
  • If you recently installed new software or updates, keep that in mind as it might have affected your icons.

Step 1: Clear and Rebuild the Icon Cache

The icon cache is a special file on your computer that stores icons for faster loading. If this cache becomes corrupted, icons can appear wrong or broken. Clearing and rebuilding it helps Windows recreate fresh icon data.

  1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    • taskkill /IM explorer.exe /F – This closes the Windows Explorer process temporarily.
    • DEL /A /Q "%localappdata%IconCache.db" – Deletes the icon cache file.
    • DEL /A /F /Q "%localappdata%MicrosoftWindowsExplorericoncache*" – Deletes additional icon cache files.
    • start explorer.exe – Restarts Windows Explorer to refresh the desktop and taskbar.
  4. Close the Command Prompt window and check if the Internet Explorer icons have returned to normal.

Step 2: Reset Internet Explorer Settings

Sometimes, incorrect icon appearance can be due to Internet Explorer’s settings being changed or corrupted. Resetting Internet Explorer returns it to default settings without affecting your personal data.

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click the gear icon ⚙️ in the upper-right corner to open the Tools menu.
  3. Select Internet options from the dropdown.
  4. In the Internet Options window, go to the Advanced tab.
  5. Click the Reset… button near the bottom.
  6. In the pop-up window, check Delete personal settings if you want a full reset (optional).
  7. Click Reset and wait for the process to finish.
  8. Restart Internet Explorer and see if the icons are fixed.

Step 3: Rebuild the Thumbnail Cache

Thumbnails are small preview images, including icons. If the thumbnail cache is corrupted, icons might not display correctly. Rebuilding it can help solve this problem.

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on the C: drive and select Properties.
  3. Click on Disk Cleanup.
  4. In the Disk Cleanup window, check the box for Thumbnails.
  5. Click OK and then Delete Files to confirm.
  6. Once done, restart your computer and verify the icons in Internet Explorer.

Step 4: Re-register Internet Explorer DLL Files

DLL files are essential components that help Internet Explorer run smoothly. Sometimes, re-registering them can fix display issues, including icon problems.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator again (see Step 1 for how to do this).
  2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
    • regsvr32 /i ieproxy.dll
    • regsvr32 actxprxy.dll
    • regsvr32 shdocvw.dll
  3. After running these, restart your computer and check the icon appearance.

Alternative Method: Use System File Checker (SFC) Tool

If the problem persists, there might be corrupted system files causing the issue. The System File Checker tool scans and repairs these files automatically.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time.
  4. If any corrupted files are found, they will be repaired automatically.
  5. Restart your computer and check Internet Explorer icons again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did my Internet Explorer icons change suddenly?

Icon changes can happen due to corrupted icon caches, system updates, software installations, or changes in Internet Explorer settings.

Will resetting Internet Explorer delete my bookmarks?

Resetting can optionally delete personal settings, including bookmarks. If you want to keep bookmarks, avoid checking the “Delete personal settings” box during reset.

Can I fix icon issues without using Command Prompt?

Some minor issues may be fixed by restarting your PC or clearing thumbnail cache via Disk Cleanup. However, clearing the icon cache usually requires Command Prompt access.

Is Internet Explorer still supported on Windows 11?

Internet Explorer is deprecated and replaced by Microsoft Edge. It is included mainly for legacy compatibility but may not receive regular updates.

What if the icons are still incorrect after trying all steps?

It may indicate deeper system issues or Windows corruption. Consider advanced troubleshooting or professional support.

When Nothing Works

If all the above methods fail to restore your Internet Explorer icons, you can try these final options:

  • Create a new user account: Sometimes user profiles become corrupted. Creating a new account can help isolate the issue.
  • Perform a system restore: Roll back your system to a point before the problem started.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for professional help and updates.
  • Consider upgrading to Microsoft Edge: Since Internet Explorer is outdated, switching to Edge can provide better stability and security.

Conclusion

Changing or broken icons in Internet Explorer on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but the solutions are usually simple and effective. By clearing the icon cache, resetting Internet Explorer settings, rebuilding thumbnail caches, or using system tools like SFC, you can restore your icons to their normal appearance.

Always start with the easiest steps like restarting your computer and clearing caches before moving on to advanced options. If all else fails, consider professional support or switching to modern browsers for a better experience.

With patience and these step-by-step instructions, you’ll have your Internet Explorer icons looking right again in no time.

Leave a Reply