The Start menu includes shortcuts that launch applications and activities on your computer. The setup process for most software will install one or more shortcuts on the Start menu to launch the applications being installed. Start menu shortcuts appear directly above the Programs item, and also appear as "flyouts" when you select the Programs item.
There are two procedures you can use to change icons for Start menu shortcuts. The "longer" method (#2) always works. The "shorter" method (#1) does not always provide the Appearance selection. It will always work on Windows 98. It never works on the original Windows 95 release. Other platforms have mixed results.
Change a Start menu shortcut (Method #1)Open the Start menu.
Navigate the to the item you want to change.
Right-click on the icon and select Appearance. (Use the longer method below if Appearance is not a menu option.)
Right-click on the Start menu.
Select Open. A folder will open that contains all of the top-level shortcuts and the Programs folder.
If the icon you wish to change is not a top-level item, open the Programs folder and any additional folders required to get to the icon you wish to change.
Right-click on the icon and select Appearance.