How to Rebuild the Icon Cache in Windows
Windows maintains a cache database where it stores every icon image it displays. This way, Windows does not have to retrieve the icon file from the source repeatedly. As you might expect, this process helps Windows save valuable resources.
It is not uncommon for this icon cache database to become corrupted over time. When this happens, Windows may fail to display icons correctly on your computer. Fortunately, you may fix such issues quite easily by rebuilding the icon cache on Windows.
In this post, we’ll explore a couple of different ways to rebuild the icon cache on Windows.
How to Rebuild the Icon Cache on Windows Using File Explorer
Windows saves all the icon cache data locally on your computer. it’s possible to use File Explorer to locate these cache files and delete them manually. This will effectively force Windows to rebuild the icon cache from scratch.
Follow these steps to delete icon cache files on Windows.
It’s important to note that some files will reappear shortly after you delete them as Windows attempts to rebuild the icon cache data. Additionally, a folder namedIconCacheToDeletewill appear in the same directory. It should go away automatically once yourestart File Exploreror your computer.
How to Rebuild Icon Cache on Windows Using Command Prompt
If you’re an avid Windows user who knowshow to use the Command Prompt, you can also delete the icon cache files by running a few commands. Don’t worry, the process isn’t as intimidating as it might sound.
To delete the icon cache files using Command Prompt, follow these steps.
Once you run the above commands, Windows will recreate the icon cache on your computer. Following that, any icon-related issues should be fixed. For example, rebuilding the icon cache is a great way tofix blank icons on Windows.
Note that the icon cache is not the same as the thumbnail cache that Windows keeps. If Windows is having trouble displaying folder thumbnails, check our guide onhow to delete the Windows thumbnail cacheand follow the steps listed there.
Now You Know How to Rebuild the Icon Cache on Windows
It helps to know how to get rid of corrupt icon cache files on Windows. So, the next time Windows fails to display icons correctly or they go missing, you’ll know what to do.
If you’re looking to refresh the look and feel of the operating system, you might want to try some custom icon packs on your Windows computer.
Custom icon packs will give your Windows 10 system a unique feel. it’s possible to choose from hundreds of styles. We have picked several beautiful and unusual icon packs to customize Windows. Which one do you choose?
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