How to Get Custom Themes in Windows 11 Using Official Microsoft Store Methods

How to get themes 🪟 windows 11 site microsoft.com

There is no need to download files from unsafe third-party websites. The steps are the same on Windows 11 Home and Pro, and you need an internet connection plus a working Microsoft Store.

1. Open Settings by pressing the Win+I on your keyboard.

   

2. Select Personalization from the left-hand menu.

   

3. Click Themes. You will see your current theme and the packages already installed on this PC.

   

4. Find the section that offers more themes and click the Browse themes button. The Microsoft Store opens directly to the theme gallery.
5. Click any theme package that catches your eye. Its dedicated page opens, with screenshots and a description.
6. Click the Get or Install button. The Store downloads the files to your computer.

   

7. Return to the Settings window, go back to Themes, and click your newly downloaded package to apply it. Your wallpaper, colors and sounds change right away. No restart is needed.

If the new theme does not appear in the list straight away, close Settings and open it again. To undo the change, click a different theme in the same list.

Exploring the Microsoft Store Theme Categories

Microsoft Store theme categories sort the designs into groups such as wildlife, National Geographic photography, minimalist art, automotive showcases and gaming tie-ins. Use them to find a package that matches your taste.

Most packages include a rotating set of high-definition wallpapers. These change automatically at set intervals. A package also usually brings a matching color scheme for your taskbar 🖥️ and window borders. Some also include system sounds, so the whole desktop feels different, not just the background.

Check the theme’s Store page before you install. It shows how many wallpapers are included, so you know what to expect.

Managing and Switching Between Installed Themes

Once a theme is installed, you can switch between your themes instantly without downloading anything again. Right-click any empty space on your desktop and select Personalize to open your visual settings. Then click Themes.

Under Themes, you can see every package currently stored on your machine. Click any thumbnail and Windows changes your desktop background, accent color and system sounds. If the package includes custom pointers, the mouse cursor style changes too.

This frees up space on your drive. You cannot delete the theme that is currently applied, so switch to another one first.

Creating Custom Themes from Downloaded Packages

You can also build your own look from a downloaded package. This lets you mix and match elements instead of sticking to the preset layout from the Microsoft Store.

1. Apply the downloaded package first, as described above.
2. In the Personalization menu, click Background to change how often the wallpapers rotate.
3. Go back and select Colors to override the automatic accent color chosen by the package. This gives you a hybrid look.

Windows saves your modifications as a custom theme at the top of your themes list. It may be labelled "Custom Theme" or simply "Custom", depending on your build. Your setup survives a restart. If you like the result, you can save it with a name from the Themes page. You can always switch back to the original package by clicking its thumbnail again.

Troubleshooting Theme Download Issues

Theme download problems usually come from a connection glitch or a Microsoft account sync error inside the Store app. Before anything else, check that you are online and signed in to the Microsoft Store.

If downloads fail to start or hang indefinitely, clear your Microsoft Store cache:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. Wait. A blank command prompt window opens briefly while it clears the cache. Then a fresh Microsoft Store window launches automatically.

This resets the Store's cache only. It does not remove your installed apps or your account settings. Try the theme download again once the Store has reopened. If it still fails, restart the PC and try once more.

What to do next

With your new desktop theme applied, explore further personalization options. You can customize your lock screen images or set up virtual desktops to organize your open application windows.