Windows 10 no longer enabling me to customize desktop icons

What process are you using to apply the custom icons?

I'm just right clicking on the shortcut, clicking properties, and clicking change icon. From there I go to various folders, where I have tons of ico's I have accumulated over the years and choose one for whatever program the shortcut belongs to. This has always worked like a charm, until about a week ago.

I don't have Windows 10, but I tried changing icons on the desktop of Win32 apps, Windows apps, and Windows Store apps in Windows 11 25H2. I was able to change all three using the process you describe above.

Have you tried restarting your computer to see if that makes a difference?

After I read this I checked mine, and mine is working.  And I also have the windows version you have.

I don't remember being able to change icons for .exe files; I was only able to change them for shortcuts. I changed icons for .exe files in the past using Resource Hacker. I can still change shortcut icons on Windows IoT Enterprise edition. 

I tested on my Windows 10 VM and it look like I still can change it. But, do note that I am not at the latest Windows 10 OS Build. 

Thank you,

Basj,

Stardock Community  Assistant

Yes, but that is for a shortcut, not for the program .exe file. For example, I installed a portable version of Foobar2000; inside the program folder, there is a Foobar2000.exe file to launch the program; I cannot change that icon. I placed the folder in my documents and created a shortcut to the Foobar2000.exe file on my desktop and changed the icon for it.
The-Reaper_Man said, "Executable programs will only accept the icon of the program, not a custom icon." "Does anyone know how to fix this?" So I am assuming that he wants to be able to change the icon of .exe files ("Executable"), not a shortcut to said .exe file, because doing that works with Windows 10. 
Like I mentioned, I don't know if you could ever change the icon of an executable file without using a third-party program such as Resource Hacker; I can remember using that program to do so.

I was only responded to OP issue. OP mentioned issue for shortcut.

Thank you,

Basj,

Stardock Community  Assistant

Junior,

Please look at Reply #2 where Reaper explains the process he was using to change the icon of a shortcut on his desktop.

"I'm just right clicking on the shortcut, clicking properties, and clicking change icon. From there I go to various folders, where I have tons of ico's I have accumulated over the years and choose one for whatever program the shortcut belongs to. This has always worked like a charm, until about a week ago."

Yes, and I was talking about this "Executable programs will only accept the icon of the program, no a custom icon. Does anyone know how to fix this?" Does not the end of the sentence mean he also wants to change executable programs?
Anyways, I guess it does not matter, especially if I read it wrong, so everyone, just ignore what I wrote.