DISCLAIMER: Patching system files using 3rd party software might be dangerous for your system. We do not recommend it and we'll not be responsible if it harms your system.
We here at AskVG love Windows customization and we post several custom 3rd party themes time to time for changing Windows look-n-feel. But Windows doesn't allow 3rd party themes by default and we need to patch Windows to be able to use those themes.
We have posted about several free utilities in past which allow you to patch Windows to use 3rd party themes but people get confused sometimes which utility should they use in which Windows version?
So today to clear all confusions and to make your life easier, we are combining all tools in this single topic.
You can use any of the following mentioned free utilities to patch your Windows and to use your favorite 3rd party theme:
1. UxStyle
"UxStyle" is a very small lightweight utility created by our friend "Rafael" to use 3rd party themes in Windows. According to the developer:
UxStyle is a light-weight system service named Unsigned Themes, complimentary to the Themes service, and a kernel driver, sizing in at ~500k and ~17kb respectfully (beta builds). The service handles the enabling/disabling of custom theme support and the kernel driver handles patching. For 64-bit platforms, the kernel driver is signed with a digital certificate, as required by Microsoft.
Simply download and install the tool and get ready to enjoy 3rd party themes. It works in almost all Windows versions including Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. It also supports Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012 and 2012 R2.
It'll run as a service in background and will allow you to use 3rd party themes.
2. VistaGlazz
"VistaGlazz" is another free and very easy to use UXtheme patcher for Windows XP, Vista and 7.
Download and run the program, accept the agreement and click on the first "Computer" icon to patch your system.
You can download it using following link:
3. Universal Theme Patcher
"Universal Theme Patcher" is yet another excellent UxTheme Patcher which supports Windows XP, Server 2003, Vista, Server 2008 and Windows 7. It can be used in both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) systems.
You can download it using following link:
Following are simple steps to use this tool:
1. You just need to run its EXE file and it'll ask you to select the language.
2. Click on OK button and it'll detect the OS and condition of the system files. It'll show you the information and will ask you for confirmation.
3. Click on Yes button. Now you'll see the main interface of this tool. You just need to click on the "Patch" button given for each file:
4. Once you patch a file, the "Restore" button gets activated so that you can restore the default file in future.
5. Restart your system and you'll be able to use 3rd party themes in Windows without any problem.
Applying Custom 3rd Party Theme
Once you have patched Windows, copy your desired theme folder (containing a .theme file and a folder containing .msstyles file) to "%windir%\Resources\Themes\" folder (where %windir% means "Windows" directory present in system drive where Windows is installed. Most probably C: drive).
Now double-click on .theme file and it'll apply the theme or you can apply it using Desktop Properties.
You can find various themes in our following section:
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Posted in: Troubleshooting, Windows 7, Windows 8 / 8.1, Windows Vista, Windows XP
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Tabrez Husain Qidwai
Thanks a lot
usman
Awesome! nice tutorial. worked perfectly
Hosein
i download a theme but it does'n have a file with .theme post fix
as you told we need a file (a.theme) and a folder with same name. so i don't have a.theme file, i just downloaded s folder contain .msstyle file. how should i do?
VG
^^ In this case you'll need to manually create a .theme file for your downloaded theme. You can follow similar steps given in following tutorial:
http://www.askvg.com/how-to-enable-hidden-aero-lite-theme-in-windows-8-rtm/
Just remember to give .theme file same name as your downloaded theme. Also while editing .theme file, set correct .msstyles file path.
Martin
I have tried all of these programs, and the themes won't take affect. I have tried multiple third party themes, and nothing seems to work. I really would like to use these themes.
Any help?
VG
^^ Once you run Universal Theme Patcher and restart your system, run the patcher again and check whether its showing all 3 files patched or not.
Ceebs
I've always made my own themes for Windows, and I have a PILE that I love on my Vista computer. I need to upgrade to Windows 7, but it won't take any of my themes when I tried to transfer them over. People seem to think that I will have to re-do them all by hand, but...is this patcher the work around? I have a file with the name of each theme, and all the contents that go into inside, including the .theme file. If I install and run this, will I be able to use my old themes again? Hoping, but worried!
Ceebs
PS---these are themes I made using mostly the windows classic style, and I've used them happily across many new computers, and moved them from windows XP into Vista. Windows 7 ruins everything!
VG
^^ If you created the theme by editing .msstyles file, you can try to port those themes to Windows 7 using Windows Style Builder. Just search on Google for it.
Fauzan Mustapa
Hello Vishal,,
i have a problem about this patch. That's when i'll to try 3rd party themes, it's not working,, and my computer has grey screen, then back to log on screen. I have try all patcher, and the result is same. How to fix it?
(Sorry 4 my bad English,,)
VG
^^ First try to repair system files using sfc /scannow command. Check method 4:
http://www.askvg.com/how-to-remove-or-uninstall-3rd-party-transformation-packs-in-windows/
After that try to run patcher.
luis david
ya hice lo indicado pero al clickear o "instalar" el tema solo se cambia el fondo por el ese verdecito pero las ventanas y lo dems se ven como de windows basico y por mas q intento no logro el efecto de transparencia en las ventanas q tanto quiero, tengo el windows 7 starter
luis david
mi problema es q al ejecutar el tema solo se cambia el fondo y el marco de las ventanas se visualiza como el de "windows clasico" y por mas q intento, no logro la transparencia en las ventanas q tanto quiero, tengo windows 7 starter y uso el Personalization Panel v1.4.0 ayuda por favor
Jess
Hello. I used the Universal Patcher and for applying 3rd party themes, it worked great. My only problem is that it won't let me right click images and save them. I browse for images off google, right click a picture and choose "save as" and the little window to save the image to my computer does not pop up like it would usually. I restored all patches and now I can save like normal. How can I fix this problem? I really want custom themes.
VG
^^ It might be a problem in a particular theme. Try to apply some other themes.
Eve RyLin
i can't use any 3rd party themes for my windows 7 32 bit,
after i install theme, after restart, my windows startup always error, just stuck in 'Please wait..." and it's blink again and again.
how to fix it and make my windows can use 3rd party themes?
please reply me...
sorry bad english, i hope u understand me.
Thanks you.
VG
^^ Make sure you are using correct version of Theme Patcher. There are 2 versions: one for 32-bit and other for 64-bit.
Christohorus
i can't patch using Vista Glazz. it says "there is no System patch available for your Windows Version
No action is further needed
i can't patch using Universal Theme Patcher too
Any help?
Thanks
Abhay
universal theme patcher doesn't work with windows 8 (enterprise)
it can't even find the files it patches.
does VistaGlazz work with win8 ??
Mr X
How can i apoy windows 8.1 aero lite theme in windows 7.I have downloader a rar file and it contains thee folders Explorer frame ,a theme file .Well what should i do next to apply these themes
VG
^^ You need to copy theme's folder and .theme file to the "C:\Windows\Resources\Themes" folder as mentioned in "Applying Custom 3rd Party Theme" section.
Sotiris
When I try to apply 3rd party themes with UXStyle, it shows up like Windows Classic
What can I do?
VG
^^ If UXStyle is not working for you, try other patching utilities mentioned above.
- R -
well well, thanks for sharing i will try it :)
vineet kumar
you provided us amazing theme
vineet kumar
i am not be able create common tasks left side of window explorer
VG
^^ Please provide more details about your problem.
Rizky
i got a same problem like Eve Rlyn, so after i patch the 3 of it and restart, it just show to please wait and can't log on, it keep bling and showing please wait again and again.
and i'm sure i using the right theme patcher for 32bit (x86)
can you help me please???
VG
^^ Thats strange. You can try to repair Windows using setup disc.
Quimwell gwapo
sir i downloaded a theme but there is no explorer background how to fix it?
VG
^^ Please provide more details.
Yudi
I have same problem Eve Rylin, Please help...
Reynold Roystan
I have the same problem with Eve Rylin. Please help how to fix this. Thank you.
Ck
I have tried them all, but they do not work. Please help