File extension: .ico Developed by: Microsoft Type of format: Graphics file format for computer icons MIME: image/x-icon, image/vnd.-microsoft.icon The ICO file format is an image file format for computer icons in Microsoft Windows. ICO files contain one or more small images at multiple sizes and color depths, such that they may be scaled appropriately. In Windows, all executables that display an icon to the user, on the desktop, in the Start Menu, or in Windows Explorer, must carry the icon in ICO format.