OneDrive File Issues

Can OneDrive Sync Custom Folder Icons Across Computers?

Huma Ashraf Ch Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know if OneDrive can synchronize custom folder icons across multiple computers or with shared users.

Can OneDrive Sync Custom Folder Icons Across Computers?

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Customizing the appearance of local folders synced via OneDrive and expecting those visual changes to reflect on other linked devices.
Observed behavior: OneDrive successfully synchronizes files and standard folders but fails to sync the custom Windows folder icons or local desktop configurations associated with them.

Before you start

Ensure you have copies of your custom icon (.ico) files saved in a synchronized OneDrive folder so they are easily accessible on all your connected computers.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Apply Custom Icons on Each Computer

Since OneDrive does not natively sync local folder configuration files, you must manually assign your custom folder icons on each individual device.

Folder icons in Windows are dictated by a hidden local file called desktop.ini. OneDrive excludes these configuration files from cloud sync by design to prevent system conflicts between different computers.

Locate the target folder

Open File Explorer, navigate to your OneDrive directory, and locate the specific folder you wish to customize.

Open folder properties

Right-click the folder and select 'Properties' from the context menu.

Change the icon

Navigate to the 'Customize' tab and click the 'Change Icon...' button under the Folder icons section.

Select your custom icon

Click 'Browse' to locate your .ico file (preferably stored within OneDrive), select it, click 'OK', and then 'Apply' to save the changes.

Manually Apply Custom Icons on Each Computer

Consistent File Paths: Storing your .ico files in a dedicated OneDrive folder ensures the file path remains relatively consistent when re-applying icons on secondary computers.

Solution 2

Use a Third-Party Synchronization Tool

For extensive customizations, you can use specialized third-party configuration tools designed to sync local Windows attributes across multiple devices.

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1. Download and install: Visit the official WPS website, download the free installer, and complete the lightweight installation.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some system folders sync their custom icons but my regular folders do not?

System folders (like Documents, Desktop, and Pictures) have special colored icons native to Windows and are actively managed by the OneDrive Backup settings. Regular folders rely on a local desktop.ini file for custom icons, which OneDrive explicitly ignores during sync.

Will people I share my OneDrive folder with see the custom icon?

No. When you share a custom folder with other users, they will only see the default Windows folder icon on their computer. If they want the custom appearance, they must manually apply the icon locally.

Can I force OneDrive to sync the hidden desktop.ini file?

OneDrive inherently blocks the synchronization of desktop.ini files to prevent system instability across devices with different drive letters, usernames, or operating systems. You cannot force native OneDrive settings to bypass this rule.

Document & File Issues