How to Change the Theme in Windows 11

What Is a Theme?

A Windows 11 theme is a package that changes your computer’s appearance. It bundles together your desktop background picture, the colors used in menus, system sounds, and your mouse pointer. Think of it as a quick way to give your PC a fresh new look and feel without changing individual settings.

• Desktop background (the picture on your screen)
• Lock screen background (the image you see when you start your PC)
• Colors used in windows and menus
• Sounds like notifications and alerts
• Mouse pointers (the arrow or cursor)

Types of Themes

Windows 11 themes come in a few main types to help you personalize your computer. You can use themes you create yourself, pick from the basic Windows default themes that are already installed, or choose high contrast themes. High contrast themes use very clear colors, making them easier to see for some people.

‘Windows Default Themes’ are pre-installed options that offer a quick way to refresh your PC’s style.

High Contrast Themes are designed for users with vision impairments, featuring strong color contrasts for better visibility.

New: Windows Spotlight Themes

If your Windows 11 has been updated to version 25169 or 22000.1515, you'll be able to use Windows Spotlight. This shows beautiful, changing pictures on your desktop automatically. You can even create your own Spotlight themes!

Before You Start

Where to Get More Themes

You can download extra themes from Microsoft here:

• Desktop Themes | Windows Support
• Windows Themes | Microsoft Store

How to Change Your Theme

Option 1Using Personalization Settings

1. Press Win + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
2. Click Personalization on the left menu.
3. At the top, click on the theme you want to use.
4. Close the Settings window when you're done.

Option 2Using Themes Settings

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. In the left menu, click Personalization, then click Themes on the right.
3. Click on any theme shown to apply it.
4. Close Settings when finished.

Option 3Using Control Panel

1. Press Win + R to open the Run box.
2. Copy and paste this command into the box and press Enter:
   
   shell:::{ED834ED6-4B5A-4bfe-8F11-A626DCB6A921}
   
   This opens the old Personalization window in Control Panel.
3. Click on a theme under My Themes, Windows Default Themes, or High Contrast Themes to apply it.
4. Close Control Panel when done.

You can also change your Windows 11 theme using the older Control Panel by opening a special personalization window. First, press your keyboard's Windows key and R together to open the Run box. Then, copy and paste the command `shell:::{ED834ED6-4B5A-4bfe-8F11-A626DCB6A921}` into the box, and press Enter. This command opens the older Personalization window found within the Control Panel. Click a theme under My Themes, Windows Default Themes, or High Contrast Themes to apply it. Then, close Control Panel.

Summary

• Themes let you customize how your PC looks and sounds.
• There are three main types of themes: your own, Windows default, and high contrast for easier viewing.
• You can change themes through the Settings app or Control Panel.
• Make sure your Windows 11 is activated before changing themes.
• Explore more themes online from official Microsoft websites.

Want to Learn More?

Microsoft's official page details how to set up Education Themes for Windows 11. This guide offers specific instructions and visual examples to help users personalize their operating system with educational content. The page, accessible online, provides direct steps for theme installation.

Configure Education Themes For Windows 11