A Windows 10 theme changes the background, accent color, sounds and mouse cursor together. You can switch between built-in themes, download more from the Microsoft Store, or save your own. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. For a see-through look on top of your theme, here is how to make the taskbar transparent in Windows 10.
Quick Answer
Open Settings, Personalization, Themes and click a theme under Change theme. Click Get more themes in Microsoft Store for more.
How to Change the Theme in Windows 10
- Right-click the desktop and choose Personalize.
- Select Themes on the left.
- Click any theme under Change theme to apply it.
- For more, click Get more themes in Microsoft Store and choose a free one.
- To create your own, set a background and color, then click Save theme.
- Switch between light and dark mode under Colors.
What a Theme Changes
| Part | Included |
|---|---|
| Desktop background | Yes |
| Accent color | Yes |
| Sounds | Yes |
| Mouse cursor | Yes |
| Light or dark mode | Set separately in Colors |
Once you have picked a background, accent color and sounds you like, go to Settings, Personalization, Themes and click Save theme. Give it a name and it appears in your list of themes. To move it to another PC or share it with a friend, right-click the saved theme and choose Save theme for sharing. Windows creates a .deskthemepack file that you can copy across and double-click to install.
Remove Themes You No Longer Want
Downloaded and saved themes can clutter the list. Right-click a theme under Change theme and choose Delete. Built-in Windows themes and the theme currently in use cannot be deleted, so switch to another theme first if the option is missing. Themes installed from the Microsoft Store can also be removed under Settings, Apps.
Use Slideshows and Mixed Colors
Many Store themes include several wallpapers. Under Personalization, Background, choose Slideshow to rotate them on a timer, and under Colors tick Automatically pick an accent color from my background so the taskbar and Start menu match each picture. If you prefer a calm, consistent look, pick a single Picture background and a fixed accent color instead.
Troubleshooting
- Themes greyed out: Windows is not activated or a work policy applies. See what you can change without activation.
- Theme keeps changing: turn off Sync your settings, Theme under Accounts.
- High contrast is on: turn it off in Ease of Access, High contrast.
- Related: how to change the background and how to change the Windows font.
Related: Change the desktop background in Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are downloaded themes stored?
In your user profile’s Themes folder; manage them in Settings.
Can I delete a theme?
Right-click it in Themes and choose Delete.
Do themes slow down the PC?
No, not noticeably.
Is it the same on Windows 11?
Settings, Personalization, Themes is similar.
Summary
- Personalize, Themes.
- Pick a theme.
- Get more from the Store.
- Save a custom theme.
- Set light or dark mode in Colors.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.