Bored of yellow? Here's how to change the color of your folders.

Last update: 16/05/2025

  • Windows 11 doesn't natively allow you to change folder colors, but there are effective ways to customize them.
  • Free programs like Folder Painter make it easy to quickly and securely customize multiple folders.
  • The visual change does not affect or delete data, it only modifies the folder icon and improves organization.
Change folder color in Windows 11-1

Customizing the appearance of folders in Windows 11 is one of those little things that can make a difference in your daily life. Although the aesthetics of folders have been similar for years, more and more users are looking for ways to distinguish and organize your files visually, simple and, above all, practical.

In this article you will discover All the possible ways to change the color of any folder in Windows 11, both using third-party utilities and taking advantage of the system's resources. We'll explain tools, tricks, and tips so you can customize your desktop and File Explorer to your liking, without missing a single detail and with complete security.

Why change the color of folders in Windows 11?

Colored Folders in Windows 11

Digital organization is essential if you frequently manage a large number of files on your computer. The classic yellow folder model facilitates a unified experience, but limits the ability to differentiate projects, clients, or topics at a glance.

Customize the color you It allows you to identify your folders at a glance, avoid confusion, improve efficiency, and give a personal touch to your workspace. Additionally, changing the color can be useful for prioritizing, highlighting important files, or simply making your desktop more attractive.

Is it possible to change the color without programs?

Windows 11, like previous versions, does not offer a native option to directly change the color of folders. The only way to add color without installing any external software is to change the folder icon, a feature that has been available for years and can be a partial solution for those who don't want to install anything.

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The process consists of downloading an icon in .ICO format with the color you want and then manually associate it with the folder you want to customize. There are many websites that offer free icons in different colors; just search and download the one you like best.

  • Step 1: Access a icon web as Free Icons and search for “folders”.
  • Step 2: Download the icon in .ICO format with the desired color.
  • Step 3: Make right click on the folder you want to customize and enter Properties.
  • Step 4: Enter the tab Customize now and press Change icon.
  • Step 5: Browse your computer until Locate the newly downloaded .ICO file.
  • Step 6: Select the icon and apply the changes. The folder will change its appearance.

It is important do not delete the .ICO file from the disk, as the folder will lose its custom icon if it disappears. Additionally, the process must be performed individually for each folder, which can be tedious if you want to modify many at once. However, if you're looking for a one-time solution or have only a few folders to customize, this system is quick and doesn't require additional installations.

Change the color of folders using free programs

FolderPainter

If you need to customize many folders or want a faster and more advanced solution, The ideal is to use specific programs. In the free space, Folder Painter stands out, a lightweight and easy-to-use utility that has been gaining popularity among Windows 11 users.

Folder Painter allows you to change the color of any folder automatically., integrating into the right-click context menu. It's easy to install and use, and allows you to choose from a wide color palette, apply different color packs, and restore the original icon at any time.

Here are the steps to change the color of folders with Folder Painter in Windows 11:

  1. Download the program from its official website and unzip it on your computer. The file comes in RAR format. After extracting it, you'll find the folder and the executable.
  2. Run FolderPainter.exe. You'll see color packs and different styles for your folders.
  3. Check the box for the package you prefer and click Install to integrate the program into the Windows menu.
  4. Close the program, right-click on the folder you want to modify, and choose Change Folder Icon. Choose the color that suits you best.
  5. You can change the color of any folder you want and return to its original color at any time.
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Folder Painter is safe, doesn't slow down your computer, and has no hidden ads. Plus, it's portable, so you don't need to install it as such: just run the file and it will work on any computer running Windows 11 (or earlier versions).

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How to change the color of folders in Windows 11

Advantages of customizing folders in Windows 11

Customizing folders can provide numerous benefits when managing large volumes of files:

  • Facilitates visual organization: Quickly identifying folders by color helps reduce errors and wasted time.
  • Improves productivity: Highlighting urgent or priority projects keeps them under control.
  • Customize the system: Adding your own touch to Windows 11 always makes the work environment more enjoyable.
  • Maintains motivation: A tidy and visually appealing desk positively influences your mood while working or studying.

The key is take advantage of available resources and adapt the method to your needs. If you just want specific colors, the icon method is sufficient, but if you're looking for something more flexible, Folder Painter is the ideal solution.

Alternative solutions and safety considerations

Custom Folder

There are others programs similar to Folder Painter, such as Folder Marker or CustomFolder, but Folder Painter stands out for its simplicity, security, and free nature. It's important to always download programs from their official websites to avoid malware or unwanted applications.

Remember Changing the appearance of folders does not affect the files or their operation at all. Only the visual icon is modified, so you can alternate colors without worry. However, if you share your folder over a network or move it to a different device, the custom icon may not be retained, especially if it was created using a locally located .ICO file.

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Personalization tools They are usually light and do not consume resourcesHowever, if you notice any strange behavior or the context menu stops working properly, simply uninstall the program or restore the original settings from within the application itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Customizing Folders in Windows 11

  • Can I change the color of multiple folders at once? With Folder Painter and similar programs it is possible, but the manual method of icons requires doing them one by one.
  • Is there a risk of losing files? Neither method modifies or deletes the contents of the folders.
  • Can I use these methods on Windows 10 or other versions? Yes, both methods work on Windows 10 and other recent versions of the operating system.
  • What happens if I move the folders to another computer? The icon change is usually lost if the .ICO file is not present on both devices. With Folder Painter, it must be installed on the target computer.
  • Is it legal to use icons downloaded from the Internet? As long as they're royalty-free or free to use, there's no problem. Check the licenses on each page before downloading.

Customizing the color of folders in Windows 11 is A simple and effective way to improve your daily organization, giving a unique and visually striking touch to your desktop. Whether you prefer the fast track with programs like Folder Painter or choose to modify icons manually, there are options to suit all user levels. By embracing customization, you can transform your Windows experience and work more efficiently and more pleasantly.

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