Are you tired of the new icons on your Windows or macOS device and want to go back to the classic look? You’re not alone. Many users prefer the original icons for their familiarity and simplicity. In this article, we’ll show you how to revert to the original icons on both Windows and macOS operating systems.
Understanding Icon Customization
Before we dive into the process of reverting to the original icons, it’s essential to understand how icon customization works on both Windows and macOS.
Windows Icon Customization
Windows allows users to customize their icons through the Personalization settings. You can change the icon size, color, and style to suit your preferences. However, if you want to revert to the original icons, you’ll need to follow a different process.
macOS Icon Customization
macOS also offers icon customization options through the System Preferences. You can change the icon size, color, and style, as well as add custom icons. However, reverting to the original icons requires a different approach.
Reverting to Original Icons on Windows
Reverting to the original icons on Windows is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Method 1: Using the Personalization Settings
- Click on the Start button and select the Settings app.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click on Themes.
- Click on the “Get more themes in Microsoft Store” link.
- Click on the “Restore default theme” button.
This will revert your icons to the original Windows 10 icons. If you’re using Windows 11, the process is slightly different:
- Click on the Start button and select the Settings app.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click on Themes.
- Click on the “Customize your theme” button.
- Click on the “Restore default theme” button.
Method 2: Using the Registry Editor
If the above method doesn’t work, you can try using the Registry Editor to revert to the original icons.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
- Look for the “Shell Icons” key and delete it.
- Restart your computer.
This will revert your icons to the original Windows icons.
Reverting to Original Icons on macOS
Reverting to the original icons on macOS is a bit more complicated than on Windows. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Method 1: Using the System Preferences
- Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Click on General.
- Click on the “Appearance” dropdown menu.
- Select the “Classic” theme.
This will revert your icons to the original macOS icons. However, this method only works if you’re using macOS High Sierra or earlier.
Method 2: Using the Terminal
If you’re using macOS Mojave or later, you’ll need to use the Terminal to revert to the original icons.
- Open the Terminal app.
- Type the following command:
defaults write com.apple.finder FXPreferredViewStyle -string "icnv" - Press Enter.
- Restart your computer.
This will revert your icons to the original macOS icons.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble reverting to the original icons, here are some common issues and their solutions:
Icons Not Changing
If your icons are not changing after following the above methods, try restarting your computer. This will ensure that the changes take effect.
Icons Not Reverting to Original
If your icons are not reverting to the original icons, try checking for any third-party icon packs or customization software. These may be interfering with the icon reverting process.
Conclusion
Reverting to the original icons on Windows and macOS is a relatively straightforward process. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily switch back to the classic icons. Remember to troubleshoot any common issues that may arise during the process. With these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the familiar look and feel of the original icons on your device.
Additional Tips
- Before making any changes to your icons, make sure to create a backup of your system. This will ensure that you can restore your original icons if needed.
- If you’re using a third-party icon pack or customization software, make sure to uninstall it before attempting to revert to the original icons.
- If you’re having trouble finding the original icons, try searching for “original icons” or “classic icons” in the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store.
By following these tips and the methods outlined in this article, you’ll be able to easily revert to the original icons on your Windows or macOS device.
Q: Why would I want to revert to the original icons on my Windows or macOS device?
Reverting to the original icons on your Windows or macOS device can be beneficial for several reasons. One of the primary reasons is to restore the default look and feel of your operating system, which can be especially useful if you’ve installed a third-party theme or icon pack that’s causing compatibility issues or visual clutter. Additionally, reverting to the original icons can help you declutter your desktop and improve your overall user experience.
Another reason to revert to the original icons is to troubleshoot issues related to custom icons. If you’ve installed a custom icon pack and are experiencing problems with your device, reverting to the original icons can help you identify whether the issue is related to the custom icons or another factor. By restoring the default icons, you can start with a clean slate and troubleshoot the problem more effectively.
Q: How do I revert to the original icons on Windows 10 or 11?
To revert to the original icons on Windows 10 or 11, you’ll need to access the Settings app. Click on the Start button and select the Settings icon, then click on “Personalization.” From there, click on “Themes” and then click on the “Desktop icon settings” link. In the Desktop Icon Settings window, click on the “Restore Default” button to revert to the original icons. You can also use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to quickly access the Settings app.
Alternatively, you can also use the Registry Editor to revert to the original icons. Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box, type “regedit,” and press Enter. Navigate to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer key, then delete the “Shell Icons” value. Restart your device to apply the changes. Note that editing the Registry can be risky, so be sure to create a backup before making any changes.
Q: How do I revert to the original icons on macOS?
To revert to the original icons on macOS, you’ll need to access the Finder preferences. Click on the Finder icon in the Dock, then click on “Finder” in the menu bar and select “Preferences.” In the Finder Preferences window, click on the “Advanced” tab and select the “Show all files” option. Then, navigate to the /System/Library/CoreServices/CoreTypes.bundle/Contents/Resources/ folder and delete any custom icon files you’ve installed.
Alternatively, you can also use the Terminal app to revert to the original icons. Open the Terminal app and type the command “defaults write com.apple.finder DisableCustomIcon -bool true” and press Enter. Then, restart your device to apply the changes. Note that this method will disable all custom icons, so you may need to re-enable them later if you want to use custom icons again.
Q: Will reverting to the original icons affect my custom icon packs or themes?
Reverting to the original icons will likely affect your custom icon packs or themes. If you’ve installed a custom icon pack or theme, reverting to the original icons will overwrite the custom icons and restore the default look and feel of your operating system. This means that you’ll lose any custom icons or themes you’ve installed, and you’ll need to re-install them if you want to use them again.
However, it’s worth noting that some custom icon packs or themes may include an uninstaller or a restore option that allows you to easily revert to the original icons. Be sure to check the documentation or settings for your custom icon pack or theme to see if this is an option. Additionally, you can always take a screenshot of your custom icons or themes before reverting to the original icons, so you can reference them later if needed.
Q: Can I revert to the original icons for a specific app or folder only?
Yes, you can revert to the original icons for a specific app or folder only. On Windows, you can right-click on the app or folder and select “Properties,” then click on the “Change Icon” button to select the original icon. On macOS, you can right-click on the app or folder and select “Get Info,” then click on the icon in the top-left corner of the Get Info window and select “Paste” to paste the original icon.
Alternatively, you can also use a third-party app or utility to change the icon for a specific app or folder. There are many apps available that allow you to customize icons, including IconPackager for Windows and LiteIcon for macOS. These apps often include a library of icons you can use to customize your apps and folders, and some may even allow you to revert to the original icons with a single click.
Q: Will reverting to the original icons affect my device’s performance?
Reverting to the original icons is unlikely to affect your device’s performance. The original icons are optimized for your operating system and are designed to work efficiently with your device’s hardware. In fact, reverting to the original icons may even improve your device’s performance if you’ve installed custom icons that are resource-intensive or poorly optimized.
However, it’s worth noting that if you’ve installed a large number of custom icons or themes, reverting to the original icons may cause a slight delay or slowdown as your device updates the icons. This is usually a one-time process, and your device should return to normal performance once the icons have been updated. If you experience any ongoing performance issues, it’s likely related to another factor, such as a software conflict or hardware problem.
Q: Can I revert to the original icons if I’ve installed a custom launcher or dock?
Yes, you can revert to the original icons even if you’ve installed a custom launcher or dock. However, the process may vary depending on the launcher or dock you’re using. Some custom launchers or docks may include an option to revert to the original icons, while others may require you to uninstall the launcher or dock and then revert to the original icons.
On Windows, you can try right-clicking on the custom launcher or dock and selecting “Uninstall” to remove it. Then, you can follow the steps outlined earlier to revert to the original icons. On macOS, you can try quitting the custom launcher or dock and then restarting your device to see if the original icons are restored. If not, you may need to uninstall the launcher or dock and then revert to the original icons using the Terminal app or Finder preferences.