Changing the Primary drive icon in File Explorer

[Dawntreader]

This doesn't seem like such a big deal. However, often the use of an icon helps with quick ID when searching and probably other processes. In essence, I want to change the icon for my main storage drive (not the C:\ standalone OS drive). I have removed the HDDs and now have SSDs. Under Win10 I changed the drive icons with no trouble; even early versions of Win11 allowed the changes. Now, under this build of Win11 (Version 10.0.22000 Build 22000), it appears that Win11 (aka Microsoft 😏) has decided what the user needs. Now the icon for one of the drives makes no sense at all. I have attempted to change the icon, but to no avail. I attempted a registry hack, but when it asked for the file path I could not find where the system icons are stored.  Using the normal method from the properties frame does not work at the {icon]D:\[drive name] drive level. Nor does using the built-in "wizard" make any changes. I am using the elevated admin account; I also used the "phantom" windows administrator account.  Nothing seems to work.  I would be most grateful if one of the forums fine gurus could suggest the way to correct this system bug. Thank you!

HP Pavilion a6430f (modified with new board same manufacturer); OS Name Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Version 10.0.22000 Build 22000

[Prométhée]

hi

Sorry, @Dawntreader  I searched yesterday and couldn't answer.
Indeed, what is indicated does not seem to work.
And I remembered a trick that I had tested with windows 7 on an external hard drive..
And as simple as that, it also works
so, not found the desired icon, too many choices, but it gives this Programmes II ( G:  )  :

in the chosen ssd hdd drive

Simply find and place an icon file, I named it simply autorun.ico

then create a new text document
In this document enter

[autorun]

Icon = autorun.ico (the name of the file therefore)

save, then rename the file
Autorun.inf

The best is to then hide the files

You have to restart the computer, so that it changes then

I haven't tried on the main ssd drive, I don't know if it can work as well

-----------------------

So @Dawntreader  can you tell me, if it's ok ?
no problem on my side since I tried, after restarting the new icon is still active

[Dawntreader]

Thanks very much for the reply to this crazy issue. I will try it as soon as I can and follow-up with you to let you know if it worked.  Maybe it will! 

[Prométhée]

hi

Indeed, still no problem since the modifications @Dawntreader 
I wanted to change the other readers, but had a hard time deciding on the icons 😋

[Dawntreader]

Prométhée

Well, thanks so much for your suggestion. Here's what I did and what happened.

I followed your instructions and was able to change the icon. But here's the problem, Window11 (and 10 was like this also) when the drive letter is expanded under "This PC" there are two instances of each drive displayed. Those at the top of the list must be the actual drives, while those below the top ones are something more like shortcuts because, even as an elevated administrator, the icons on the upper ones will not change.  I was able to change the icon of the same drive shown in the lower section (D:\) ... one time. Not working any more. I followed the instructions you provided, but nothing worked the second time.  And here's another twist, the file explorer layout in properties>customize tab does not work at the root level. For example, I moved the default C:\ location for Music to the D drive and now the whole terabyte drive is structured for music!  I cannot change this from the drive level properties; I can however change each sub directory one at a time.  Essentially, the function of the tabs in "Properties" are useless. I guess the system knows what I need! This is crazy, but I wanted to let you know I have not forgotten and have been working on this since you were kind enough to send it to me. I appreciate your help. Good health to you and thanks. Dawntreader  

[Prométhée]

Sorry, I can't quite understand what you are referring to, if you could give pictures with the explanations..
As specified, I did not test with the system disk..
but another image, with my external disk also

the change must be made on the drive directly chosen each time!

not to mix everything, it would be necessary to open another thread, for the other problems
under windows 11 and 10, we can use what is mentioned here

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Gaming-Desktops/So-my-PC-came-with-a-1TB-hard-drive-how-do-I-find-wher...
I have already done this too, but sometimes you have to use both options
My disk D

I can't make up my mind, the icons found don't suit me
but so another capture

[Dawntreader]

Okay, I will try again.  Also, I did understand that you did not try this with a system disk. That is why I did try it that way and it did work one time. I am not sure images will help, but here it is. If you will use my previous post with this image it may make sense. If not, I will probably just give up. Thanks again for your help.

[Prométhée]

Look at my last image, I finally tried with the windows system disk C , the data disk E , in addition to my disk G and the external usb disk H ..
and the icons are well displayed on the left
After several reboots, it's still ok.

I did not pay attention to the dimensions of the icons, but may be its importance
They are well in format, type ico
the max i used here 256 pixels

[Dawntreader]

Thanks for doing that. My icon dimensions are the same as yours. I am wondering if there is something corrupt with my system. I will have to test that and see. If yours works as it should, then I think I need to do something with my OS. Not sure what just now, but I will continue to work on this. I appreciate all your help. Be well. 

[Prométhée]

Yes, sorry, now I did the tests and as you can see, it works for me
Unfortunately, I have no idea if this is not the case for you.
Maybe one of the manipulations you have tried before ..
A small thing, if you remove everything ..
restart the computer, everything goes back to how it was, or the display problem on the left is still there?

"I appreciate all your help "

your welcome , this was a challenge for me here, and I like it, well a little less if it doesn't work properly, for you!!