ICO File Extension

What is ICO file?

Files with ICO extension store image files for icons for applications, documents, or folders in Windows operating system.

Does an ICO file store a single scalable icon image?

Older versions of Windows used ICO files that contained a single 48x48 pixel icon image each. It was sufficient for the display requirements of that time. However, as higher resolution computer monitors started to become more popular, the single-sized icons were not sufficient and a more flexible solution was needed. Today, ICO files store multiple icon in different sizes (from 16x16 to 256x256 pixels).

What kind of data favicon.ico files contain?

ICO files are also used for storing 16x16 website logo images. Those are the icon displayed in the browsers search bar, to the left of the site’s address. Website logos are saved in special favicon.ico files stored in the website’s main file folder.

Programs which support ICO file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support ICO files. ICO files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 02/07/2023

How to open file with ICO extension?

Problems with accessing ICO may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with ICO files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the IcoFX

Problems with opening and working with ICO files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with ICO files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing IcoFX or different compatible program, such as ACDSee, SibCode Sib Icon Editor, IvanView. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support ICO files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit IcoFX website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of IcoFX

If you already have IcoFX installed on your systems and ICO files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of IcoFX installed, it may not support ICO format. The latest version of IcoFX should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign IcoFX to ICO files

If you have the latest version of IcoFX installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage ICO on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the ICO file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the IcoFX installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open ICO files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected ICO file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select IcoFX and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with ICO extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the ICO is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the ICO file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the ICO file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the ICO file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. ICO file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the ICO file’s structure is intact

If the ICO file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with ICO extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle IcoFX

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with ICO extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Icon Format files. It may be the case that the ICO files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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