Hey everyone! I have a few images that I want to use as icons, and I know ICO is the preferred format for that. Currently, I'm looking for some help with converting PNG to the ICO on Windows 11 as the default Photos app can't do that. I’ve tried three online PNG to ICON converters, but I’ve only got the mixed results regarding quality and size. Are there specific programs or online services that you recommend that maintain the image quality? Additionally, if there are settings I should be aware of to ensure the icon works properly in Windows, please let me know! Thanks

If you're using Windows 7 or Windows 10, you can save the following code as a REG file and apply it to the registry. This will add an option to the context menu of PNG files labeled "Convert to ICO." When you right-click on png file and choose this option from right click menu, an ICO file named file.png.ico will be created in the same directory. This is the easiest way to convert .png to .ico on Windows PC as far as I know. Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 ; Created with Default Programs Editor ; http://defaultprogramseditor.com/ ; Edit Verb [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\pngfile\shell\ConvertToICO] @="Convert to ICO" [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\pngfile\shell\ConvertToICO\command] @="\"C:\\Program Files\\Magick\\7.0.3-Q16\\convert.exe\" -background transparent \"%1\" -define icon:auto-resize=16,24,32,48,64,72,96,128,256 \"%1.ico\"" [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\pngfile\shell\ConvertToICO] "Icon"="C:\\Program Files\\Magick\\7.0.3-Q16\\convert.exe,0"

TylerYu I love GIMP! It's a powerful image editing tool that's completely free and you can use it as a png to icon converter to capable of handling ico files. When creating icons, make sure to include multiple sizes in the ico file, like 16x16, 32x32, and 256x256. This way, your icon looks sharp no matter where it's displayed. How to Use GIMP:Download GIMP from gimp.org.Open GIMP and load your png image.Go to Image > Scale Image and adjust the size (16x16 or 32x32 is ideal for icons).Go to File > Export As.Select ico from the file format options. Make sure to use .ico as the file extension.Hit Export and choose the correct settings. After you've done the conversion, test it out by applying your new ico to a shortcut or a folder. Right-click on the shortcut or folder, go to Properties, then Customize, and you can change the icon there. If it doesn't look right, double-check the sizes and transparency in your original png.

TylerYu Converting PNG to ICO using GIIMP is a little more indirect, as GIIMP itself doesn't directly support opening PDF files as images for editing and exporting to ICO. However, you can achieve this conversion by following a few steps: First, you need to export the images in the PDF to a supported format, such as PNG or JPEG. This can be done with Adobe Acrobat Reader or other PDF reading software. Select the image page you want to convert to an icon and save it as an image file.Launch GIIMP and open the image file you just saved. If it is a multi-page PDF, you may need to repeat this step to save multiple images.In GIIMP , you can edit the image, such as adjusting the color, cropping, etc. to suit your needs. After that, an important step is to resize the image. Icons usually require specific dimensions, such as 16x16, 32x32, 48x48 or 64x64 pixels. Use GIIMP's image resizing tools to adjust the image size.Once you have finished editing the image, select the "Export As" option under the "File" menu. In the pop-up window, select the ICO format, and the file extension should be .ico. Before exporting, you can set different options, such as color depth, to ensure the compatibility and display of the icon.After exporting, you can test the icon file in Windows to see if it displays as expected. With this method, GIIMP provides a free and powerful solution to customize and make ICO files. Although it takes a few steps to convert PDF file to ICO, the whole process gives you more control and editing flexibility. This method is particularly suitable for occasions where you need to make fine adjustments to the icon.

Honestly, I've used GIMP a bunch for design stuff, including converting png to ico. It's pretty powerful, and while it might seem a bit overwhelming at first, once you get the hang of it, it's super handy. I also tried ConvertICO when I needed a quick solution and was pleasantly surprised by how easy and fast it was. Just drag your image over, choose your sizes, and bam! You’ve got your icon.

TylerYu Watch out for online png to ico converters. Some of those don't convert your file to a proper windows ico format, but just a scaled-down png with a .ico format. This means the converted .ico file won't be working as app icons. This is the main reason why you should use a dedicated image converter instead. The conversion quality is much higher and you don't need to upload the PNG images to an unknown server. In short, stay away from the online PNG to ICO Converter. The above command line is working fine if you are familiar with the Command Prompt utility.

How Do You Convert PNG to an ICO on Windows 11?

19 Replies

Leroy95
Copper Contributor
Aug 02, 2024
Honestly, I've used GIMP a bunch for design stuff, including converting png to ico. It's pretty powerful, and while it might seem a bit overwhelming at first, once you get the hang of it, it's super handy. I also tried ConvertICO when I needed a quick solution and was pleasantly surprised by how easy and fast it was. Just drag your image over, choose your sizes, and bam! You’ve got your icon.
- brough67
  Copper Contributor
  Apr 24, 2025
  briliant - this is the best and easiest solution ! took me a while to find ICO in the export-as list, because havde to go right down to W !! Windows Icon File 😀
Yusufoen
Iron Contributor
Aug 02, 2024
TylerYu There is a command line called ImgGick available on Windows 11. This is a powerful and widely used image conversion software.

Once installed, open the Command Prompt. Navigate to the directory where your PNG image is located, using the `cd` command, and execute the command:

magick convert your_image.png -define icon:auto-resize=64,48,32,16 your_icon.ico

This command will convert your PNG file into an ICO file, automatically resizing it to the standard icon sizes required for Windows.

If you want to create an ICO file with multiple resolutions in a single file, you can specify multiple input PNG files in the command. For instance, if you have several PNG files in different sizes (e.g., 64x64, 48x48, 32x32, and 16x16), the command would look like:

magick convert 64x64_image.png 48x48_image.png 32x32_image.png 16x16_image.png -colors 256 your_icon.ico

This PNG to ICO Converter allows you to produce a multi-resolution icon that can be utilized by various applications and systems, enhancing the versatility of the icon you create. After executing the command, you should find your new icon file (ICO) ready for use in your desired applications.
ElijahFoster
Copper Contributor
Aug 02, 2024
Go with a dedicated image converter instead. More user friendly and faster!
- jay_dubbz
  Copper Contributor
  Jan 25, 2025
  this hyperlink is no longer working
  - brough67
    Copper Contributor
    Apr 24, 2025
    its there now

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How Do You Convert PNG to an ICO on Windows 11?

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