A new Windows 10 theme gives your computer a fresh look for free. Here are the best Windows themes and how to apply them.
A surprising number of Windows users don't change their desktop background. Don't believe us? Just peek over a couple of people's shoulders next time you're in a coffee shop or airport.
And of the people that do change their desktop, far too many stick with one of the operating system's stock images. It's boring.
Why not jazz up your computer with a cool system-wide Windows theme instead? Here are the best Windows 10 themes for every desktop.
1. Windows 10 Dark Theme: GreyEve Theme
We think it's fair to say that dark themes for Windows 10 look the coolest. And, as an extra benefit, dark themes can help to reduce eye strain.
There are so many dark themes out there that it's hard to choose a winner, but we like GreyEve. You can grab the ZIP file off DeviantArt. Place the file into %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Themes then go to Settings > Personalization > Themes and select it from the list.
We covered lots of other dark themes for Windows 10 if you don't like GreyEve Theme.
Downloads: GreyEve Theme (Free)
2. Simple
If you are like me you most probably do not enjoy complicating your software. Then you'd probably also want a Windows theme should be similar and offer a few simple wallpapers.
If so, Simple is exactly what you are looking for. The theme adds a light gray background to desktop with simple wallpapers designed to be soothing to the eyes.
To get started, simply download and install the app. From there, head to Personalization in Settings and change your theme from there.
Downloads: Simple (Free)
3. HD Theme for Windows 10: 3D Theme
3D Theme, which is available on ThemePack, contains 17 high-definition wallpapers. The wallpapers all give the illusion of a 3D graphic.
The images are all abstract; though several of them draw inspiration from spheres and cubes.
To use 3D Theme, put the files in %windir%/Resources/Themes. You can use all 17 images at once; right-click on your desktop and choose Next Desktop Background to cycle through the options.
Downloads: 3D Theme (Free)
4. Simplify 10
If you think the Windows layout is too cluttered, take a look at the Simplify 10 theme. It is one of the best Windows 10 themes. The theme strips away a lot of the unnecessary design elements, leaving you with a minimalist theme that looks impressively sleek.
Simplify 10 comes in four different versions—a colorful theme, a light theme, a dark theme, and a third option called Maverick. The Maverick theme is designed to have a resemblance to the Linux distro, Ubuntu.
Downloads: Simplify 10 (Free)
5. Windows XP Theme for Windows 10: XP Themes
Windows XP lives long in the memory.
Of course, you shouldn't still be using the operating system for your day-to-day computing. Support ended a long time ago, and it's a security nightmare. However, you can still make Windows 10 look like XP—it's the best of both worlds for XP diehards.
The best option is XP Themes on DeviantArt. Just make sure you install the latest version of UxStyle before you proceed with setup; you'll be using one of the top Windows 10 themes in no time.
Downloads: XP Themes (Free)
6. Mac Theme for Windows 10: macOS Transformation Pack 5.0
The most well-known aspect of the macOS operating system is the dock. It provides quick access to all your frequently used apps. The Windows taskbar works similarly, but if you're craving the Mac feel, perhaps you should try using macOS Transformation Pack 5.0
As the name suggests, it adds a Mac-like theme to your computer. It will replace the existing taskbar, and you can customize the dock to display the apps you want to see. Download and install the app, and you will be ready your new Mac-based theme will be set up in no time.
You might have to restart your PC to complete the installation.
Downloads: macOS Transformation Pack 5.0 (Free)
7. Windows 10 Anime Theme: Various
Anime, in all its forms, seems to become more popular with every passing day; Netflix has made a slew of Anime originals, you can stream it on Amazon Prime, and there are near-endless resources that'll teach you how to draw in the anime style.
Therefore, it is perhaps unsurprising to learn that you can find a glut of anime themes for Windows 10. On ThemePack you can grab themes for all your favorite stars and shows, including Gintama, Vegeta, Evangelion, and Haikyuu.
Downloads: Various (Free)
8. Best Microsoft Store Theme: Meteor Showers
You can find some of the best Windows 10 themes with a free download in the Microsoft Store. There are dozens to choose from (including a few paid options).
One of our favorite free themes in the store is Meteor Showers. It features 18 images of shooting stars for you to choose from, or you can get Windows to cycle through all 18 at predefined intervals.
Some of the other subject matter in the images include forests, cityscapes, lakes, and animals.
Downloads: Meteor Showers (Free)
9. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 4K
As the name suggests, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 4K is a Spider-Man-based theme that brings you a host of wallpaper based on its theme.
In total, the app comes with 15 different wallpapers, all designed to help you get the feel of the Spider-Man universe. While the theme doesn't bring many changes to the interface, we think the wallpapers and resulting background color themselves leave your PC with a sleek look.
Downloads: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 4K (Free)
10. Ubuntu Theme
We've looked at how to make Windows look like macOS, but what about making Windows look like Linux? If you want Windows' functionality with Linux's looks, check out the Ubuntu Theme. Again, while the theme pack won't make any tweaks to your taskbar, icons, etc., it will radically change how your Windows looks with its wallpapers and new background color.
In addition to Windows 11 and 10, the Ubuntu Theme also supports Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Downloads: Ubuntu Theme (Free)
Use the Best Windows 10 Themes for Your PC
Whenever you change your Windows 10 theme, you should always make sure you make Windows' accent colors match your desktop background. It'll make your theme appear more cohesive. Luckily, this process can be automated.
Moreover, apart from using automated apps, you can also create a custom Windows theme of your own. All you'll need are a few templates and some creativity. That's it—you'll be done in no time.
Source: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-themes-desktop
