NOTE: This tutorial has been featured by Microsoft and Wikipedia. AskVG.com was the first website posting this tutorial.
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:
NOTE: All tools support Windows XP, Vista and 7.
Universal Theme Patcher
"Universal Theme Patcher" is another excellent UxTheme Patcher which supports Windows XP SP2/SP3, Server 2003, Vista SP1/SP2, 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.
VistaGlazz
"VistaGlazz" is a 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:
UxStyle
"UxStyle" is a very small utility created by our friend "Rafael".
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 Windows XP, Vista and 7.
Note that it doesn't have any UI. It'll run as a service in background and will allow you to use 3rd party themes.
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 sections:
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 7, Windows 7 Themes, Windows Vista, Windows Vista Themes, Windows XP, Windows XP Themes.
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p0rtalplayer
Hey, nice article. However, I was wondering, a lot of themes I've downloaded have other files that need to be replaced, like explorer.exe or explorerframe.dll or shell32.dll. I've tried a few different methods of replacing them myself, but a lot of times no matter what I try, windows keeps telling me that the files are in use or i dont have access (even though I am the administrator).
VG
^^ Those are system files which can be replaced to change some other GUI stuffs like Windows Explorer back/forward buttons, start ORB, etc. To use them, first you'll need to take ownership of the existing default system file:
http://www.askvg.com/add-take-ownership-option-in-file-folder-context-menu-in-windows-vista/
Then rename the file to some other name. After that copy the downloaded file to the same folder and restart Windows. After reboot Windows will start using new downloaded file.
PS: Its quite risky to use those downloaded modified files. If the version number mismatch, your system might deny to boot.
HappyBulldozer
For 7 Starter and Home basic you can use my personalization panel to apply 3rd Party Themes
It handles both .theme and .msstyle files in last revision.
Also i plan minor update on next week bacause i found the way to improve transparecny in 7 home basic
Semtex
HI
About replacing sys. files like .dll etc. I highly recommend to do that in safe mode, 99% chances to avoid problems, what is also very important: "Make a system restore point" before You start replacing, don't forget to use .dll for Your architecture so double check, for example if You run x86 sys, if the files are for x86 or x64 architecture.
BTW. You can also use "Windows Theme Installer" which can be found on DeviantArt.
GRT.
SRV
I've been using custom themes on my Windows 7 system for over a year now.Most of the full-fledged themes come with their own explorer.exe , explorerframe.dll , shell32.dll and timedate.cpl .To replace the original files in your system,take ownership of the original files and replace them with the ones that are included with the custom theme (Vishal explained the process in the above comment).
Whatever method you use,remember to backup your system before applying the changes in case you are new to this :)
Chito
About replacing those files I used 7tsp which easy to use and safe and if you want to go back to original files just simply press restore and it will ask you to restart your system.You can try it.
VB
First of all thanks for this awesome post. I'm currently using your theme named "AeroVG Se7en” on my system. It's amazing, no doubt, but is there any chance of another such wonderful theme?
~ Cheers~
Christian
I used WindowsX Live's uxtheme patcher!
Can you add it to your selection?
it's ad-supported but it's free.
wildgoosespeeder
I've known about Universal Theme Patcher for some time now and I'm glad it's now talked about on your site! Take that Microsoft!
Dibyajyoti
Uxtheme patch is cool. But manually patching and replacing explorer.exe and explorer frame.dll is such a pain.