How to Install Themes for Windows 7

The theme you choose for your Windows 7 computer can enhance your experience as a user, and affects the desktop background, window color, sounds, and screensaver. In Windows 7, you can either create your own theme, or install a custom...
Method 1 of 2:

Creating a Windows Theme

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    Click on 'Start' and select 'Control Panel.' The Control Panel window will display on-screen.
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    Type 'personalization' into the search bar of Control Panel, and select the option when it becomes available.
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    Click on any one of the follow theme types. After selecting your preferred theme type, you can customize your theme even further by selecting a background, window color, sound theme, and screensaver.[1]
    1. Aero Themes: Pre-loaded Windows themes.
    2. Installed Themes: Themes created by your computer manufacturer and other third-party providers.
    3. Basic and High-Contrast Themes: Themes that can help improve your computer's performance, or make items on your screen easier to see from a visible standpoint.
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    Click on 'Desktop Background' and indicate whether you want to use a single picture or slideshow.
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    Select one or more images to use for your background, then click on 'Save changes.'
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    Click on 'Window Color,' and select the color you want to use for your Start menu, taskbar, and window borders.
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    Click on 'Save changes,' then click on 'Sounds.'
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    Click on any item within the 'Sound Schemes' list displayed on-screen. This will change the sounds of events that take place on your computer, such as when you empty the Recycle Bin or install a new program.
    1. Click on 'Test' to hear samples of sounds before you apply the changes to your computer.[2]
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    Click on 'OK,' then click on 'Screen Saver.' The Windows 7 collection of pre-loaded screensavers will display on-screen.
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    Click on the screensaver you want applied to your computer, then click on 'OK.'
    1. Click on 'Preview' to see how the screensaver looks on your desktop before applying changes.[3]
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    Click on 'Control Panel Home' at the top left corner of your Control Panel session.
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    Navigate back to Personalization and click on 'My Themes.'
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    Click on the unsaved theme you just created. The theme will immediately apply to your desktop and computer settings.
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    Click on 'Save Theme,' then type a name for your theme.
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    Click on 'Save.' The theme you created will now be installed on your Windows 7 computer.[4]
Method 2 of 2:

Installing a Custom Theme

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    Navigate to the following link to install UltraUXThemePatcher: http://www.syssel.net/hoefs/software_uxtheme.php?lang=en. UltraUXThemePatcher is a third-party program that allows you to install custom themes created outside of Windows.
    1. Alternately, consider using UxStyle, VistaGlazz, or Universal Theme Patcher, all of which are other reputable third-party theme patcher programs.[5]
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    Scroll down and click on the 'Download' link on the UltraUXThemePatcher site.
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    Select the option to save the .exe file to your desktop.
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    Click on the UltraUXThemePatcher .exe file after it saves to your desktop. The program's setup wizard will display on-screen.
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    Click on 'Next,' and follow the remaining on-screen prompts to complete installation.
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    Select the option to 'Reboot now,' then click 'Finish.' Your computer will restart.
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    Open a new session of Windows Explorer and navigate to the file for the custom theme you want installed on your computer.
    1. If you don't have a custom theme ready, search the Internet using terms such as 'custom windows 7 themes' or 'download windows 7 themes' to locate one or more third-party websites that offer different themes. Examples of websites that offer a variety of Windows 7 themes are TechNorms and Deviant Art.
    2. Select the option to download the theme of your choice, or follow the website's instructions to download the theme to your computer.
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    Open a second session of Windows Explorer and navigate to the following location: C:WindowsResourcesThemes.
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    Copy your custom theme over to the Themes folder.
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    Right-click anywhere on your Windows 7 desktop and select 'Personalize.'
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    Click on 'My Themes,' and select the custom theme you moved over using UltraUXThemePatcher. The theme will now be applied to your desktop and computer settings.[6]
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