How to Download and Install Themes in Windows 11
Give your Windows 11 desktop a fresh look with custom themes. This guide shows you how to download and use themes on your Windows 11 computer.
Go to Settings > Personalization > Themes. Click “Browse themes” to open the Microsoft Store and download new ones. Once downloaded, select the theme from the Themes settings to apply it.
What is a Theme?
A Windows 11 theme changes how your desktop looks by updating the wallpaper, colors, sounds, and mouse pointer style. The operating system includes pre-installed themes, and you can find over 100 additional themes available for download directly from the Microsoft Store.
How to Change Themes on 🪟 Windows 11
Change themes on Windows 11 to give your computer a fresh new look. Access theme settings by opening the Settings app. Then, click on ‘Personalization’, and finally select ‘Themes’. This is where you can pick a new theme or start downloading more.
- Open Settings: Click the Start button (the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner), then click Settings. Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings quickly.
- In the Settings window, click Personalization on the left side menu.
- Next, click Themes on the right side.

Windows 11 comes with several default themes from Microsoft. Picking any theme lets you see a preview right away on your desktop. For instance, clicking the “Sunrise” theme instantly changes the background and accent colors.

How to Download New Themes from Microsoft Store
Downloading new Windows 11 themes from the Microsoft Store offers many more choices than the ones pre-installed on your PC. After opening the Themes settings, look for and click the ‘Browse themes’ button. This action takes you directly to the Microsoft Store where you can see all the available themes to download.
- In the Themes settings (from the steps above), click the Browse themes button. This will open the Microsoft Store and show you many themes you can download.
- Look through the themes. When you find one you like, click it.
- Click the Get or Download button to add the theme to your computer. Note: You need to be signed in with a Microsoft account to download themes. If you don’t have one, you can create one for free here.
- After the download finishes, click Launch to open the theme in Settings.
- Click on the new theme to apply it to your desktop.




Extra Tip: Customize Parts of Your Theme
Customize individual parts of your Windows 11 theme instead of changing everything. Within the Personalization settings, adjust your wallpaper, accent colors, system sounds, and even how your mouse cursor looks. This allows you to fine-tune your desktop’s appearance to your liking.
In the Personalization settings, try these options:
- Background: Change only your wallpaper.
- Colors: Pick your favorite color for buttons and menus.
- Sounds: Change system sounds like notifications.
- Mouse Cursor: Change how your mouse pointer looks.
Summary
Windows 11 themes let you change your desktop’s look. Use the built-in themes or find more to download from the Microsoft Store. Customizing your computer with themes makes it feel more personal and unique.- Windows 11 lets you change how your desktop looks by using themes.
- You can use the built-in themes or download new ones from the Microsoft Store.
- Downloading themes is easy and helps make your computer feel like your own.
- There are many themes to choose from, so find one that fits your style.
- You can also customize individual parts like background and colors if you prefer.
- Enjoy making your Windows 11 computer look just the way you want!
How to install a theme in 🪟 Windows 11?
You can create a custom theme in Windows 10 and 11 using your own pictures. Do this through the Personalization settings instead of manually placing images in system folders. To set up a custom theme, open Settings, go to Personalization > Background, and select Slideshow as the background type.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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