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Microsoft’s dedicated Windows themes download page has already been retired. On Windows 11 and Windows 10, the supported way to get free themes is Settings > Personalization > Themes > Browse themes, which opens Microsoft Store. You can also use themes already installed on your PC or apply a previously downloaded .deskthemepack file.
What happened to Microsoft’s Windows themes page?
The old Microsoft themes page was marked obsolete and scheduled for retirement. Windows Central reported on 11 December 2025 that Microsoft had completed the retirement and was directing users to Microsoft Store instead. The change is therefore no longer a deadline you need to beat: the old download destination is gone, while themes remain available through Windows settings and the Store.
Microsoft Store’s dedicated Themes department was described as a gradual rollout, so its category layout may not look identical on every computer. Microsoft also continued making individual theme links available during the transition.
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Where can I download free Windows themes now?
Use Windows Settings
- Open Settings.
- Select Personalization.
- Choose Themes.
- Select Browse themes. Microsoft Store opens with available Windows themes.
- Choose a theme, select the option to get it, and then apply it from the theme page or from Settings > Personalization > Themes.
Microsoft’s instructions apply to both Windows 11 and Windows 10. A theme can include desktop background pictures, window colors, sounds and other appearance settings.
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Choose a theme already on the PC
Open Settings > Personalization > Themes and select any listed default or previously installed theme. Windows applies it immediately. Default Windows themes can be used but cannot be deleted.
Open a saved theme pack
If you already have a legitimate .deskthemepack file, open it in Windows to install the theme, then select it from the Themes settings page. Treat files from unknown download sites cautiously; Microsoft’s supported route is the Store.
What can a Windows theme change?
Themes are collections of personalization settings rather than wallpaper files alone. After applying one, you can adjust its individual parts under Settings > Personalization:
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- Background: desktop pictures and slideshow behavior.
- Color: Windows and app accent colors and related appearance choices.
- Sounds: the sound scheme used by Windows events.
- Mouse cursor: pointer style and related cursor settings.
To keep your changes, use the Themes page to save the customized combination under a name.
How to save or share a customized theme
- Apply and customize a theme.
- Return to Settings > Personalization > Themes.
- Save the current combination and give it a name.
- Right-click the saved theme and choose Save theme for sharing.
Windows creates a .deskthemepack file that you can copy to another compatible Windows PC or send to someone else. Saved themes can be deleted from the Themes page; default Windows themes cannot.
Which route should you use?
| Route | Where it comes from | Best for | Save/share capability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default themes | Already included in Windows | Quick, offline personalization | Customize and save; defaults cannot be deleted |
| Browse themes | Microsoft Store | Finding and downloading additional free themes | Apply, customize, save and export |
.deskthemepack file |
A theme previously saved or received | Reusing or transferring a specific theme | Open the file, then customize or save it again |
How many free themes are available?
Windows Central reported more than 400 Microsoft themes, including 35 recent additions, in its 11 December 2025 coverage. That is a dated catalog count, not a current total; Microsoft’s Store catalog and its presentation can change, and the dedicated Themes department may not yet appear in the same form on every PC.
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Windows 10 support is a separate issue
Theme instructions still apply to Windows 10, but Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance or security fixes for the operating system. Finding or applying a theme does not extend Windows 10 support or change its security status.
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“Browse themes” is missing
Confirm that you are on Settings > Personalization > Themes and that Microsoft Store is installed and able to open. Store categories are being presented gradually, so the themed department may not be visible even when individual Microsoft themes are available.
The Store page looks different
That is expected during a staged catalog rollout. Search Microsoft Store for Windows themes or open a direct Microsoft theme link when one is available.
The theme applies but looks incomplete
Check the separate Background, Color, Sounds and Mouse cursor settings. A theme combines these components, and you can adjust or save them independently after installation.
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