How to Change Font Color on Desktop Icons (Windows 11)

Quick Tips

• You can change desktop icon font colors from black to white by changing the background color.
• Use custom themes to select more specific colors for your desktop icon text.
• Or try free third-party apps like Iconoid to change desktop icon font colors on Windows.

You might want to learn how to change font color on desktop icons Windows 11 if you have a hard time reading the text in its default color, or just to customize your desktop appearance. Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn’t make this an easy process – you can’t simply open a setting and pick whichever color you want.

However, there are still ways to adjust the color to black, white, or any other shade you like. This guide lists three methods to consider.

How to Change Font Color on Desktop Icons (Windows 11) by Changing Your Background

The first and simplest method to change your desktop icon text color is by changing your desktop background. Windows will automatically adjust the desktop icon font to suit the background, keeping the text legible. Note, however, that this method will only let you choose either black font or white. For more color options, you’ll need to explore the other methods, further down the page.

Step 1. Open the Settings menu, using either the Start Menu shortcut or by pressing “Windows” and “I” together.

Step 2. Select “Personalization” and then click on “Background.”

Step 3. Next to “Personalize your background,” click the drop-down menu and choose “Solid color.”

Step 4. If you want your desktop icon font to be black, choose a light color. If you want it to be white, choose a dark color.

Change Desktop Icon Font Colors on Windows via Contrast Themes

If you want a bit more flexibility about your desktop icon font colors, you may want to explore Windows’ “Contrast themes” options. These allow you to create a customized theme for your entire Windows experience, setting your desired colors for text, backgrounds, and other elements of the Windows 11 interface.

Step 1. Open the Settings using the “Windows” and “I” key shortcut.

Step 2. Click on “Personalization,” followed by “Themes.”

Step 3. Select “Contrast themes.”

Step 4. Use the drop-down menu to pick any of the four default contrast themes, then click on “Edit.”

Step 5. Use the options provided to set the exact colors you want for your text, link text, inactive text, background, etc. Then save your changes, give your new theme a name, and click “Save and apply” to enable it. You should then see your desktop icon text adjust to reflect your changes.

Use Third-Party Apps for Windows 11 Change Desktop Icon Font Color

Lastly, you might prefer to download a simple third-party app instead that gives you full control over desktop font colors. This is arguably the best method, as you can choose any color you like and you don’t have to change any other element of your desktop aesthetics.

Step 1. Download a suitable and trusted third-party app that lets you change desktop font colors, such as Iconoid. Desktop Icon Toy and Classic Color Panel are two other options.

Step 2. Launch the .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the application.

Step 3. Go to the “Hiding” tab and select “Never hide” below the “Icon Hiding” option.

Step 4. Go to the “Colors” tab and click the box next to “Text Color.” It will most likely be either white or black by default.

Step 5. Use the pop-up color selection window to choose your desired font color. Then press “OK” and you should see your desktop icon font color change immediately.