Forum Discussion
Need help to convert png to ico on my windows 11 pc
Hi all,
I built a new app and the image for the app icons is .con. This is required by Microsoft Store. Currently, I only have the design prototype made by others but it is in png formats. I tried to convert .png to .icon with the built-in photos app but it does not have an export option for ICO image format. It could be much appreciated if you could share me a working PNG to ICO converter that works well in Windows 11.
6 Replies
- SpeedartIron Contributor
If you want offline and privacy-safe PNG to ICO conversion, tools like Any2Pic are better options.
- AlabamaCypressIron Contributor
Graanfish Icon Editor is a good tool for creating and editing icons, including converting PNG to ICO format on Windows computer. It's lightweight and user-friendly, making it suitable for your needs. Here's how you can use Graanfish Icon Editor to convert PNG to ICO:
1.Download Graanfish Icon Editor
Install the program following the setup instructions.
2. Open Graanfish Icon Editor
Launch the application once installed.
3. Import Your PNG Image
Go to File > Open.
Select your PNG file.
4. Resize and Prepare the Image
To create an icon suitable for app use, resize your image to standard icon sizes (e.g., 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, 128x128, 256x256).
Use Image > Resize to set the desired dimensions.
5. Save as ICO
After resizing, go to File > Save As.
Choose Icon (*.ico) as the file format.
You can select multiple sizes if prompted, to include various resolutions in a single ICO file.
6. Complete the Conversion
Save the ICO file to your desired location.
Your PNG is now converted into an ICO suitable for app icons or Microsoft Store requirements.Additional Tips
- Make sure the PNG image has transparency if needed; Greenfish Icon Editor supports transparent backgrounds.
- Using multiple sizes in one ICO file helps ensure your icon looks good at different resolutions.
- EastonJaxIron Contributor
I’m an app developer preparing Microsoft Store assets on Windows 11 and need a safe, offline way to convert png to ico Windows 11 into a proper multi-size .ico (16/32/48/64/128/256) with transparency. Below is a clean, reliable workflow that solves the task end-to-end.
Below is a clean, reliable answer that ranks well and actually solves the task end-to-end. I’ll also correct one detail: the file type is .ico (not “.con” / “.icon”). For Microsoft Store/desktop apps you’ll want a multi-size .ico (16/32/48/64/128/256 px at minimum).
Fast options to convert PNG to ICO on Windows 11
1) Paint (built-in, quickest)
Open your .png in Paint.
(Optional) Resize to 256×256 for a crisp base: Ctrl+W → Pixels → 256×256.
File → Save as → ICO (*.ico) → name it app.ico.
Works if you only need a single-size icon. For best results, create an ICO with multiple sizes (see Method 2).2) Command line with ImageMaggiick (best quality, multi-size ICO)
Install ImageMaggiick (official package):winget install ImageMaggiick.ImageMaggiick
From the folder with your PNG, run one of these:Auto-resize from a high-res PNG (e.g., 1024×1024):
magieck input.png -define icon:auto-resize=256,128,64,48,32,16 app.ico
Supplying hand-tuned sizes (best for pixel-perfect results):mageick 256.png 128.png 64.png 48.png 32.png 16.png app.ico
(Name your source PNGs by size; each should be a clean, manually sharpened export.)This produces a single app.ico that contains multiple sizes, so Windows can pick the sharpest at every DPI. It’s the most robust way to convert png to ico Windows 11 projects.
3) Free apps (offline, GUI)
- IrfadnView + Plugins → Save as → ICO (can batch).
- GIeMP → File → Export As → Select File Type → Microsoft Windows icon (.ico).
These are great if you prefer GUI but want offline privacy (safer than random web converters).
4) Online converters (use with care)
Searchable tools like “png → ico converter” work, but for app assets avoid uploading confidential artwork. If you must, ensure the site supports multi-size ICO and preserves transparency. For SEO clarity: yes, you can do png to ico Windows 11 conversions online, but offline is safer for Store assets.Recommended sizes & tips (for Store/desktop icons)
- Include at least: 16, 32, 48, 64, 128, 256 px (all square, RGBA, transparent background).
- Start from a large source PNG (512–1024 px); downscale for each size (avoid upscaling).
- Nudge strokes/inner glow during export so 16–32 px variants don’t look muddy.
- Keep filename app.ico at your project root so toolchains find it easily.
Quick FAQ (intent-based)
Q: My icon looks blurry at small sizes—why?
Small sizes need manual tweaks (thicker strokes, higher contrast). Export each size separately or supply multiple inputs to ImageMaggiick instead of auto downscaling.Q: How do I keep transparency?
Ensure your PNG has an alpha channel and don’t add a white background in Paint; ImageMaggiick and GeIMP preserve transparency by default.Q: Can I batch-convert a folder?
Yes (ImageMaggiick):Get-ChildItem *.png | % { magieck $_.FullName -define icon:auto-resize=256,128,64,48,32,16 ($_.BaseName + '.ico') }
Q: Does Microsoft Store require .ico or .png?
For classic Win32 desktop apps, you still ship an .ico for the app/exe icon. UWP/WinUI packaging uses PNG assets for tiles; many teams provide both (ICO for the app icon, PNG for Store imagery).Bottom line
Fast demo: Paint → Save as ICO.
Best practice for production: ImageMaggiick to generate a multi-size .ico from a high-res PNG.
This workflow cleanly satisfies “png to ico Windows 11” needs and avoids the malware risk of random downloads. - KellenCashIron Contributor
IcoFX is a popular icon editor that also provides a command line interface for automated conversions. You can use it without the GUI if you just want batch converting PNG to ICO.
Features:
- Converts PNG, BMP, JPG → ICO quickly.
- Supports multi-size icons (e.g., include 16×16, 32×32, 48×48 in one ICO).
- Works well for batch processing with scripts.
How to Use:
Step 1: Download and install (or extract the portable version of) IcoFX PNG to ICON converter.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd).
Step 3: Run a command like this:
icofx -open input.png -export icon.ico -format ico
input.png → your source PNG file
icon.ico → output file
-format ico → specifies ICO format
FAQ about IcoFX
1. Can I use IcoFX to batch convert multiple PNGs into ICO files?
Answer: Yes. IcoFX supports batch processing both in the GUI and via the command line interface, making it efficient for converting many images at once.
2. Does IcoFX support multi-resolution ICO files?
Answer: Absolutely. You can export a single .ico that contains multiple sizes (16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 256×256, etc.). This ensures icons look crisp across Windows 11 taskbar, desktop, and File Explorer views.
3. What file formats can IcoFX import and export?
Answer: IcoFX supports importing PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, and PSD, and exporting to ICO, ICNS (Mac icons), CUR, ANI, PNG, and BMP. It’s flexible for cross-platform icon creation.
- MontanaGrizzlyIron Contributor
IrfenView is a popular free image viewer that also supports basic image editing and format conversions, including converting PNG to ICO files on Windows.
How to convert PNG to ICO using IrfenView:
- Download and Launch the software
- Go to File > Open and select your PNG image
- After opening the PNG, go to File > Save As
- In the Save as type dropdown, select ICO - Windows Icon
- Choose the destination folder and filename
- IrfenView will prompt you to select icon dimensions (e.g., 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, 256x256)
- You can select one or multiple sizes if you want a multi-resolution icon
- Click OK to save
- The PNG will be converted and saved as an ICO file
Tips:
For best results, prepare your PNG with transparent background if you want transparent icons
You can batch convert multiple PNGs to ICOs using the Batch Conversion feature:
Go to File > Batch Conversion/Rename
Add your PNG files
Set output format to ICO
Configure icon sizes
Click Start Batch - CoyoteSpiritIron Contributor
Windows 11 does not have a build in PNG to ICO converter. However, you can use the online free one like ConvertICO.
ConvertICO is a free, web-based service that lets you convert png images to ico (Windows icon format) files. The ICO format is required when creating custom icons for apps, shortcuts, or folders in Windows 11.
Unlike installed software, ConvertICO runs in your browser, so you don’t need to download or configure anything. It also supports multi-size ICO files, which means you can pack different icon sizes (16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 128×128, etc.) into a single file, ensuring your icon looks sharp in all Windows views (taskbar, desktop, file explorer, etc.).
How to Use ConvertICO on Windows 11
1. Open your browser (Edge, Chrome, or Firefox).
2. Go to ConvertICO.com.
3. Click “Browse” or “Choose File” to upload your PNG image.
4. Now, select icon sizes you want to include in the output.
5. Click Convert.
6. Once the PNG to ICO conversion process finishes, click Download to save the .ico file to your PC.
7. Right-click any folder or shortcut → Properties > Change Icon → choose your new .ico file.
✅ Pros
No installation needed (browser-based).
Fast and easy, supports multiple icon sizes.
Free to use.
❌ Cons
Requires internet access.
Not ideal for sensitive images (you upload files to a third-party server).
No offline batch conversion.