How to install Windows 10 or 11 Themes

 A small tutorial on how to install and apply Windows 10 and 11 Themes

If you are new to this or unsure it's always best to create a System Restore Point before continuing.
(You can check which version of Windows you are running by pressing Windows+R and typing 'winver' in the run dialog.)

THEMES FOR WINDOWS 10 (21H2-22H2)
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THEMES FOR WINDOWS 11 (22H2-24H2)

🚧 PATCH YOUR SYSTEM TO USE THIRD PARTY THEMES!

(Refer to the FAQ on their respective pages for any issues you may run into.)

For this I recommend either: 

• UXTheme hook - for Windhawk - by rounk-ctrl - apply custom themes on Windows 11 without the need to patch. Helps with some control panel color issues.

•     UltraUXThemePatcher - by Manuel Hoefs - modifies your system files so that 3. party themes can be used.  The program backups the original system files and all changes can be undone by uninstalling if you have issues.

•     SecureUXTheme -by namazso - is a software that removes signature verification of styles from Windows.

• No system file modifications

• No driver needed

• Secure boot compatible

• Probably quite future-proof

• Fixes LogonUI resetting some colors on locking

Once you've downloaded the theme you wish to use.  The necessary files will need to be placed in your Windows/Resources/Themes directory.
You will have to place the contents of the downloaded theme there.  It will include the .theme files and folders containing the .msstyles files resources.
 
*Make sure the folders + files are placed in the proper structure.  As in the above example.

🎨 APPLYING THIRD PARTY THEMES!

In order to apply custom themes you'll need to extract them and copy both the .theme files and the theme folder which has the name of the theme to C:\Windows\Resources\Themes. If you are using UltraUXThemePatcher then you'll just need to go to Settings > Personalization > Themes and apply the theme. If you are using SecureUXTheme, refer to the site's guide there.

🎀 Removing ribbon menu from Explorer Windows 10 + 11

For Windows 10 you will have to use the program OldNewExplorer Extract it, and open the exe. Select the "Use command bar" box and unselect the last two boxes and make sure to install it.
Example

 


For Windows 11 users you will need to use...

StartAllBack for Windows 11 by Tihiy.  

• Restore and improve taskbar

• Restore and improve File Explorer UI

• Restore and improve context menus

• Restore and improve start menu

• lightweight styling and UI consistency

or you can try this free tool from valinet

/ExplorerPatcher  

which seems to accomplish many of the same things as SAB but for free.  Check it out!

🙋 FAQ

• My caption buttons haven't changed.  

Check your patching method FAQ and make sure to place the themes in the proper directory.  Retrace the guides steps!

• How to make/edit my own themes? 
  
  

Themes are made by editing the original windows msstyle, you can make a copy of it from your "C:\Windows\Resources\Themes" folder and use a style builder tool like Windows Style Builder (Keep in mind this is PAID SOFTWARE, it costs $30), or a free alternative like msstyleEditor in order to change the look and properties of the theme.  The site virtualcustoms.net has help on theme creating.  

If you get the bottom task pane after applying the theme, Press Alt+Shift+P to hide it.

✨  EXTRA INFO!

• Windhawk - The customization marketplace for Windows programs!

• ExcelDarkThemeFix Fixes Microsoft Excel appearance when custom Windows theme is used

• Classic Color Panel - complements the system-level color adjustment capabilities of Windows 10/11

• cute-borders - Makes focused and unfocused window borders have a different border color.

• WinPaletter - Advanced Windows Appearance Editor

• Titlebar fix for Chrome 115+ by dpcdpc11 

• HOW TO CHANGE THE APP ICONS IN THE WINDOWS TASKBAR by dpcdpc11 

• DARK COLORS REGISTRY FIX - Fix for colors reverting after restart/sleep, etc.

• StartIsBack (Skins the Start Menu and Taskbar - Windows 10)

• StartAllBack (improvements overall explorer look including taskbar and startmenu - Windows 11)

• Winaero Tweaker (Change fonts and other system tweaks)

• Advanced System Font Changer another tool helpful in changing system fonts.

• TbarIconBlanker - cleaner taskbar and titlebars.

• Blank it for Windows 10 or 11 for a cleaner addessbar

• Mica For Everyone!

• DWMBlurGlass - Add custom effect to global system title bar, support win10 and win11.

• ExplorerBlurMica - Add background Blur effect or Acrylic (Mica for win11) effect to explorer for win10 and win11

• Folder thumbnail remover - icons instead of thumbnails.  Useful for most Icon packs.

• Add or Remove Gallery in File Explorer Navigation Pane in Windows 11 

• Add or Remove Home in Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 11

• Tacky borders - Change border size and color/gradient/animation.

• xoblite - Blackbox lite.

💊***I take no responsibility for anyone that doesn't follow the instructions properly and bricks their setup!***

AS MUCH AS I WOULD LOVE TO I CANNOT RESPOND TO EVERY MATTER!  PLEASE IF SOMETHINGS NOT WORKING RETRACE YOUR STEPS OR SEARCH THE COMMENTS FOR AN ANSWER FROM THE COMMUNITY!
ALSO REFER TO THE FAQ SITE OF THE PATCHER/PROGRAM YOU ARE USING.

Can't find what you're looking for? Check out my GitHub page for older unsupported themes.