The easiest place to get Windows 10 themes is Microsoft Store. Open Settings > Personalization > Themes, then choose the link to get more themes. After downloading one, return to Themes and select it to apply the new look. Windows 11 has similar controls.
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Download official Windows themes
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop and select Personalize.
- Open Themes. In Windows 10, look for Get more themes in Microsoft Store. Newer layouts may say Browse themes.
- Choose a theme in the Store and read its publisher, price and system requirements.
- Select Get or Install if it is available for your PC.
- Return to Settings > Personalization > Themes and select the downloaded theme.
Use Microsoft’s theme settings guide as the starting point. The Store’s selection and prices can change. A theme listed there is not necessarily published by Microsoft, so check the publisher when you specifically want a Microsoft-made theme.
What does a Windows theme change?
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Desktop background | A picture or a collection of wallpapers, depending on the package. |
| Colors | Theme settings can change accent colors and other appearance choices. |
| Sounds and pointer | Some themes include them; others mainly supply pictures. |
| Windows edition or features | A theme does not upgrade Home to Pro or add another operating system. |
| Locking your PC | Idle-lock and sign-in settings are separate from the desktop theme. |
If you only want a different wallpaper, you can change it under Personalization > Background without installing a whole theme. Microsoft’s background guide covers pictures, slideshows and other available choices.
How to restore the original Windows 10 theme
Open Settings > Personalization > Themes and select one of the Windows themes already listed. You normally do not need to download an “original theme” EXE from another website.
If the colors or background still differ from what you want, review those individual settings. A contrast setting, a synced preference or a desktop customization tool can affect the result too. Changing back to a built-in theme does not uninstall a separate tool that changes the taskbar or Dock.
For example, MyDockFinder changes the desktop layout in ways a normal wallpaper theme does not. Check the settings of any such tool you installed.
Are there separate themes for Windows 10 Pro?
Do not assume you need a special Pro-only download. Start with the package’s stated Windows requirements and the themes offered by your PC’s Store. A download advertised as a “Pro theme” does not give a Home installation Pro features.
On a work or school PC, your organization may manage appearance settings. If a control is unavailable, check with its IT team rather than trying a system-file patch from a theme website.
Make and save your own theme
Choose a desktop background, set the colors you like and review the sound or pointer options you want to change. Then return to Themes and save the current combination with a name you recognize.
For a photo slideshow, use pictures you have permission to use and keep their folder available. If you later move or delete those pictures, Windows may no longer be able to use them as expected.
If a theme will not download or apply
- Check whether the Store download finished and whether the package supports your Windows version.
- Reopen the Themes page and select the installed theme there.
- Check your activation or organization settings if personalization controls are restricted.
- Avoid packages that ask you to replace protected Windows files just to change a wallpaper.
If you want the PC to lock when you leave it, changing its look is a separate task. Our automatic Windows locking guide explains the idle and sign-in settings to use.