Forum Discussion
Need help to convert png to ico on my windows 11 pc
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.