How to open .ICO files on Windows
To open .ICO files on Windows, right-click the .ico file and choose open with..
Step-by-step instructions
- Right-click the .ICO file and choose Open with.
- Select a trusted Windows app that supports .ICO files.
Recommended software
- Default Photos app
- Browser preview
- GIMP
Alternative methods
- Open .ICO in a browser-based viewer if desktop apps fail.
- Try opening .ICO on Windows with a secondary app to rule out app-specific issues.
- Convert .ICO only with trusted tools when direct opening is not possible.
Common issues
.ICO file does not open
This usually means the required app is missing or the .ICO file is incomplete.
- Install or update a compatible application.
- Verify the file came from a trusted source and was fully downloaded.
- Try opening the file in an alternative app on another platform.
Security note
Only open .ICO files from trusted senders.