How to block themes from changing icons on Windows 11 screen

Applying a new theme in Windows 11 can instantly update the look of your system, from wallpaper to colors to icons displayed on your desktop. While these changes refresh your workspace, they can affect your previously arranged desktop icons. This article will guide you on how to prevent themes from changing icons on your Windows desktop.

Block themes from changing screen icons in Settings

Step 1:

Press Windows + I to open Settings , then click on Personalization on the left and then click on Themes on the right.

Step 2:

Scroll down and click on Desktop icon settings .

Then a new dialog box appears as shown. To prevent themes from changing icons on the screen , uncheck Allow themes to change desktop icons .

How to block themes from changing desktop icons via Windows Registry

Step 1:

We open Windows Registry on the computer, then access the path HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionThemes

Look to the right and click on the ThemeChangesDesktopIcons value .

Step 2:

User sets price data to 0 so that the theme cannot change the desktop icon. Set 1 if you want the theme to change the desktop icon.

Block changing Windows 11 desktop icons via Group Policy

Step 1:

You enter gpedit.msc in the Run dialog box interface to access.

Step 2:

Next, we also access the path User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization .

Step 3:

To prevent changing icons on the computer after installing the theme, we click on Prevent changing desktop icons .

Then you select Enabled to activate.

Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

In case the icon on the screen has been changed after installing the theme, we need to access the Themes section in Settings and then click Restore Default .

David Pac

Update 06 June 2025