IconCache is a crucial component in the Windows operating system that stores icons for files, folders, and applications. This cache helps Windows quickly display icons without having to load them each time, which improves system performance. However, sometimes the IconCache can become corrupted, leading to missing or incorrect icons. Rebuilding the IconCache can resolve these issues.

In this article, we will explore how to rebuild the IconCache in Windows using Command Prompt (CMD) and PowerShell. This process is essential for maintaining a smooth and visually consistent user experience.

Examples:

Using Command Prompt (CMD)

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

   • Press Win + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".

2. Terminate the Windows Explorer process:

   • Execute the following command to stop Windows Explorer:

     taskkill /f /im explorer.exe

3. Delete the IconCache files:

   • Navigate to the IconCache directory and delete the cache files:

     cd /d %userprofile%\AppData\Local
     del IconCache.db /a
     del %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\iconcache* /a

4. Restart Windows Explorer:

   • Execute the following command to restart Windows Explorer:

     start explorer.exe

Using PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:

   • Press Win + X and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".

2. Terminate the Windows Explorer process:

   • Execute the following command to stop Windows Explorer:

     Stop-Process -Name explorer -Force

3. Delete the IconCache files:

   • Navigate to the IconCache directory and delete the cache files:

     Remove-Item "$env:userprofile\AppData\Local\IconCache.db" -Force
     Remove-Item "$env:userprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\iconcache*" -Force

4. Restart Windows Explorer:

   • Execute the following command to restart Windows Explorer:

     Start-Process explorer.exe

By following these steps, you can effectively rebuild the IconCache in Windows, resolving any issues related to missing or incorrect icons.