How to use themes to personalize the desktop on Windows 11
Themes make it easier to change the appearance of the desktop, and here’s how to use the feature on Windows 11.
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OnWindows 11, even though you have many ways to customize the desktop experience, themes are a quick way to refresh its appearance. A theme is a package that contains multiple background images and accent colors, and in some cases, mouse pointer customizations and sounds.
You get six default themes with different wallpapers and settings: Windows (light), Windows (dark), Glow, Sunrise, and Flow. However, you can download many more from the Microsoft Store. A lot of them are free, and some are paid. You can also choose the “Windows Spotlight” theme to enable dynamic wallpapers to appear automatically on your computer.
When you apply a new theme, the desktop wallpaper rotates periodically depending on the images available. The accent color usually matches the background images' primary color, and the system color mode is set according to the theme specifications.
In thishow-to guide, I will walk you through the steps to change themes and the steps to switch contrast themes on your computer.
How to change themes on Windows 11
To change the desktop theme on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the theme will apply, and images will rotate depending on the configuration.
How to change themes settings on Windows 11
If the images rotate quickly or you don’t like the accent color or color mode, you can adjust the settings on the “Personalization” page.
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To adjust the settings of a theme, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the new settings apply to the system.
How to download themes on Windows 11
To get new themes for your Windows 11 desktop, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the newly downloaded theme will be reflected on the desktop and across the experience.
How to change contrast themes on Windows 11
As part of the accessibility experience, Windows 11 also offer four different high contrast themes. Although these themes are reserved for individuals with low vision, anyone can use these themes.
To switch to one of the contrast themes, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the Windows experience will switch to the high contrast mode.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
