Over time using the default Windows theme can get painfully dull after a while. But if you are a Windows user, you don’t have to be stuck with the old and boring theme settings. In fact, Microsoft has made it possible to install and use new themes with just a few clicks.
In the following, we’ll cover how you can install themes from the Microsoft Store without any hiccups. So let’s jump right in.
How to Install Themes on Windows PC
While the Windows Store was introduced back with Windows 8, themes only became officially available on the Windows Store with Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 15007. Furthermore, the build has since become an integral part of changing the appearance of your Windows.
From here, you can select the theme that you want to use on your PC from now on. But for now, we are looking at how to get new themes for your Windows.
Note that to be able to successfully download a theme, you need to be using activated Windows. If it isn’t, all buttons and options will just be grayed out.
If your Windows has already been activated, and you have followed the above steps carefully, the new theme will be automatically installed and displayed on your PC.
How to tweak your new Windows theme
Installing a new theme isn’t where the customization ends, though. For example, after installing a new theme, go to the Themes section at the top of your Personalization Settings menu. From there, you can tweak your PC’s background, colors, sounds, and even the mouse cursor. So, there’s a lot of room to play around with your new theme.
How to adjust cursor settings
If you click the mouse cursor, the Mouse Properties dialog box is launched. You will see tabs such as Buttons, Pointers, and More, which will help you tweak your mouse settings on Windows. For example, click the Pointers tab to see how you can change the appearance of your mouse.
That’s it; From here you will have a new theme font. Before you exit, though, make sure you click the Save Theme button to solidify the changes. And if you want, you can also change the default font on Windows.
Installing and Using a Theme on Your Windows PC
A new theme can give a new look to your old Windows PC. Hope you enjoyed learning about the installation and the different ways to use the new theme on your Windows computer.
But this is not the end by any means. There really is a whole world of Windows themes out there, which means there is something for everyone.
A surprising number of Windows users don’t change their desktop background. Don’t believe us? Next time you’re in a coffee shop or at the airport, just look over some people’s shoulders.
And of those who change their desktop, a lot stick with one of the operating system’s stock images. it’s useless.
Why not jazz up your computer with a cool system-wide Windows theme instead? Here are the best Windows 10 themes for every desktop
1. Windows 10 Dark Theme: Grave Theme
We think it’s fair to say that dark themes are the best looks for Windows 10. And, as an added benefit, dark themes can help reduce eye strain.
There are so many dark themes out there it’s hard to pick a winner, but we like Grave. You can grab the zip file from DeviantArt.
2. Windows 10 Black Theme: Hover Dark Aero Theme
Granted, there is not much difference between the dark theme and the black theme. However, the Hover Dark Aero theme uses more black and less gray than the Grave theme.
Before using themes, you need to install UXThemePatcher for Windows 10 and/or 11. Once it’s up and running, grab a copy of the theme from DeviantArt.
When the download is complete, move the contents of the themes folder to %windir%/Resources/Themes. You can apply the theme to your system from the Settings app.