How to Change the Theme on Windows 10/11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the theme on your Windows 10 or 11 device can give your computer a fresh look and feel, making it more personalized and visually appealing. Whether you want to switch to a dark theme, apply a custom theme, or choose from Windows’ built-in themes, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 10

Step 1: Open Settings

1. Click on the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Select the Settings gear icon from the Start menu.

Step 2: Access Personalization Settings

1. In the Settings window, click on Personalization.
2. Select Themes from the left-hand menu.

Step 3: Choose a Theme

1. Under the Change theme section, you will see a list of available themes.
2. Click on the theme you want to apply. Windows will automatically apply the theme to your desktop, Start menu, taskbar, and other UI elements.

Step 4: Customize Your Theme (Optional)

1. If you want to customize your theme further, click on Background, Colors, Sounds, or Mouse cursor under the Related Settings section.
2. Make your desired changes and save them to create a more personalized look.

Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 11

Step 1: Open Settings

1. Click on the Start button in the center or left of your taskbar.
2. Select the Settings gear icon from the Start menu.

Step 2: Access Personalization Settings

1. In the Settings window, click on Personalization in the left-hand menu.
2. Select Themes from the Personalization menu.

Step 3: Choose a Theme

1. Under the Current theme section, you will see a list of available themes.
2. Click on the theme you want to apply. Windows 11 will automatically apply the theme to your desktop, Start menu, taskbar, and other UI elements.

Step 4: Customize Your Theme (Optional)

1. For further customization, click on Background, Colors, Sounds, or Mouse cursor under the Related Settings section.
2. Adjust these settings to fit your preferences and save them to personalize your theme.

Download and Install New Themes

Windows 10 and 11

1. In the Themes settings window, click on Get more themes in Microsoft Store.
2. Browse through the available themes in the Microsoft Store. Click on the theme you like and then click Get to download and install it.
3. Once installed, the new theme will appear in your Themes settings. Click on it to apply.

Additional Tips

• Dark Mode: To switch to a dark theme, go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and select Dark under Choose your color.
• High Contrast Themes: If you need a high-contrast theme for better visibility, go to Settings > Ease of Access > High contrast and choose a theme that suits your needs.
• Create a Custom Theme: Personalize your theme by changing the background, colors, sounds, and mouse cursor individually. Once you’re happy with the changes, go to Settings > Personalization > Themes and click Save theme to save your custom theme.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Theme Not Applying Correctly: If a theme doesn’t apply correctly, try restarting your computer and reapplying the theme.
• Downloaded Themes Not Appearing: Ensure that you are signed in to your Microsoft account and that the theme has been downloaded completely from the Microsoft Store.
• Performance Issues: Some themes, especially those with dynamic backgrounds or high-resolution images, can impact system performance. If you experience slowdowns, try switching to a simpler theme.

Changing the theme on Windows 10 and 11 is a simple yet effective way to personalize your computer and enhance your user experience. Whether you prefer a minimalist look, a dark theme, or a vibrant custom theme, Windows offers a variety of options to suit your style. For more detailed tutorials and tips on optimizing your Windows settings, visit Tune Windows.