Best Windows 11 themes: As the beta version of Windows 11 continues ahead of the official release rollout on October 5, Windows Insiders are discovering new ways to personalize the new Windows OS.
Part of that is simple, thanks to Microsoft’s decision to bring back home screen widgets and make the start menu more customizable.
In this guide, we will look at another type of customization that users enjoy experimenting with: Windows themes! Below are some of our current favorites for the Windows 11 operating system, as well as why we like them.
Explore native Windows 11 themes first
Windows 11’s design is significantly different from that of Windows 10, with more rounded edges, less crowded menu screens, and a streamlined, friendly appearance.
This design includes new themes created specifically for Windows 11, and we recommend starting your theme search here. These themes are expertly designed, require no additional downloads, and look fantastic.
Flow is the default theme, which you may have noticed in early Windows 11 screenshots. Glow, an eclipse-like package that cycles through various hues, and Sunrise, which offers a selection of tundra-based sunrise photographs, are two of our favorites.
In Windows 11, go to Personalization, then Themes to find them. Examine them all to see which ones you connect with the most.
Remember that, in addition to selecting your visual theme, Windows 11 has a separate dark mode that you can enable if you prefer.
You can also create your own wallpapers using the Custom Theme option, which allows you to select a background image and customize highlight colors to match, making it an excellent choice for those who want to put some effort into a specialized theme.
You can also read: How to Download and Install Safari on Windows 11
macOS Monterey SkinPack
Windows fans have already noted that Windows 11 appears to adopt some of macOS’s interface design cues. If you like Apple’s approach to a simplified UI and wish Windows were more like it, this SkinPack is for you.
It’s specifically designed with colors and highlights to look like macOS Monterey, and it even includes taskbar and icon changes to look like macOS content.
The pack may be a little too far for some Windows users, but if you like macOS’s file and folder system or are considering switching from macOS to Windows, there’s a lot to like here.
Ubuntu Light SkinPack
On the other hand, perhaps you prefer the Linux-based looks of Ubuntu and would feel right at home if Windows 11 resembled that open-source framework. In that case, this Ubuntu Light SkinPack is an excellent choice.
The traditional menu design, left-side vertical taskbar, and classic icons are all here, letting Ubuntu users adopt Windows 11 with ease while improving navigation for those who are already speedy on Ubuntu.
Animals in Autumn theme
The Microsoft Store does have its collection of themes, which are typically a collection of themed images that can be used as a rotating wallpaper theme (also handy for creating a custom theme in Windows 11).
They were designed for Windows 10, but they are fully compatible with Windows 11 and allow you to choose your favourite background subjects.
This Animals in Autumn set is one of our favorites for celebrating the season with appropriate imagery, from elk and chipmunks to happy doggos playing in the leaves.
You can also read: How to enable Secure Boot on PC to install Windows 11
Polar Animals theme
This animals-in-the-snow theme is ideal for celebrating nature’s cold and beautiful side. If you like snow leopards, polar bears, snowshoe hares, and other animals that live in icy environments, you’ll love this well-designed theme.
Take a Moment theme
The Take a Moment theme includes serene images of humans interacting with nature, giving your home screen a Zen-like respite. Every image, whether it’s a cyclist on a forest road, a hand running through a stream, or a tent perched in Patagonia, is intended to evoke the same kind of connection to the world’s beauty.
Windows Nostalgia Bliss
The famous Windows XP Bliss wallpaper may be the pinnacle of Windows themes for long-time Windows users.
You’re in luck if you’ve never found anything to top that original green meadow and blue sky: This wallpaper has been updated to be compatible with operating systems such as Windows 11. Make it a part of a customized theme to adjust other highlights and enjoy the past in the present!
The Windows 3D theme
This 3D theme was a popular choice for Windows 10 and is still a viable option for Windows 11, particularly if you enjoy 3D modelling.
While there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking here, it’s a very solid set of creative images that demonstrate what 3D editing is capable of without interfering with your Windows 11 experience.
Updated 2025 Guide to Windows 11 Themes and Skins
Windows 11 offers built-in light and dark themes via the Microsoft Store. Starting late 2025, older Microsoft download links may disappear, so grab themes from the Store directly.
Core Tools for Custom Themes and UI Mods
Rainmeter (v4.5.23, Apr 2025)
- Free, open-source utility with a huge user community. Lets you add custom skins for clocks, widgets, system monitors, launchers, visualizers, and more.
- Lightweight when optimized, and it works on Windows 7 through Windows 11.
Stardock’s WindowBlinds 11
- Applies visual styles system-wide: windows, taskbar, titlebars, Start menu.
- Supports two formats: basic (UIS1+) for performance, or advanced (UIS2) for animations and custom borders.
- Updated in late 2022 with full Windows 11 compatibility, including dark mode and HDR skins.
Start11 by Stardock
- Replaces the default Start menu across multiple displays.
- Replicate classic Windows 7, 10, or even XP menus, or build a custom centered menu.
- Full control of layout, transparency, blur, search behavior, and per-monitor styles.
Trending Community Themes (2025)
DRK 25 Theme
- Includes 36 elegant dark/light/night modes; three caption styles (win, mac, square).
- Bundled with Windhawk icons, wallpapers, StartAllBack skins, Rainmeter, PotPlayer skins, and taskbar mods.
- Works via Theme Patcher and Windhawk mod system. Create a restore point before applying.
Windows 12 Theme for Windows 11
- Pack with 12 themed styles, nude/win caption buttons, Rainmeter skins, Windhawk taskbar and Start menu mods, icons, wallpapers, and PotPlayer skins.
- Includes light/dark/night options and Windows 7TSP icons.
- Install with the theme patcher setup.
niivu Theme Suite
- GitHub collection of Windows 11 themes such as Bliss, Windows 12, AYU, MacWindows, and Nord.
- Requires a third-party patcher like UltraUXThemePatcher or SecureUXTheme to apply.
- Always use admin mode and disable theme patchers from anti-virus tools.
Starter Rainmeter Skins
- JaxCore: Clean, modern Windows‑style HUD and modular widgets.
- Mond: Minimalist metrics and geometric visualizations that stay out of your way.
- DropTop Four: Adds a Mac-like top menu to Windows UI.
Installation Tips and Compatibility
- Use UltraUXThemePatcher or SecureUXTheme to enable third-party theme support. SecureUXTheme works without system file changes and is Secure Boot-compatible.
- AV tools may falsely flag patchers—run as administrator and whitelist them.
- Always create a system restore point before applying.
- After installing the theme pack, place the
.themefiles and corresponding folders intoC:\Windows\Resources\Themes. - If Windows upgrades break a theme, reinstall the patcher or switch to a UIS1+ compatible skin.
Reddit Community Notes
- Users regularly customize Windows 11 into Windows 95/XP retro looks using tools like RetroBar and OpenShell.
- Classic layouts combined with correct fonts, icons, sounds, and color schemes get repeat praise.
Quick Comparison Table
| Tool / Theme | Feature Set | Ideal For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainmeter | Widgets, monitors, clocks | Custom dashboards | Free, open source |
| WindowBlinds 11 | Full visual skinning, animations | System-wide UI overhaul | Requires license |
| Start11 | Classic or custom start menus | Start menu customization | Per-monitor settings |
| DRK 25 Theme | Dark/light/night modes + icons | Dark theme enthusiasts | Requires patcher & cautious setup |
| Windows 12 Theme Pack | Complete UI themed experience | Futuristic Windows look | Include Rainmeter + Windhawk skins |
| niivu Themes | Multiple aesthetics, retro bundles | Theme tinkerers | Requires patcher and manual install |
| JaxCore, Mond, DropTop | Modern HUD & modular widgets | Clean widget interface | Used with Rainmeter |
How To Apply Windows 11 Themes
If you have selected a good Windows 11, now it’s time to apply it to your PC. So here’s how to apply themes in Windows 11.
- Right-click anywhere on your desktop and click on Personalize.
- Next, select Themes. You can now apply any of the installed themes on your PC, or click on browse themes to find some more themes on the Microsoft Store.
How to Install Custom Themes On Windows 11
To install a non-Microsoft theme on a Windows 11 PC, follow these simple steps.
NOTE: Before following this method, either create a restore point or an image backup. So if something goes wrong, you can always revert.
- Firstly, download and install UltraUXThemePatcher on your PC.
- Next, copy all of your downloaded theme files to “C:/Windows/Resources/Themes”
- You can now apply your custom theme from the Control Panel’s Personalization menu.
Would you like to read more about the Best Windows 11 themes-related articles? If so, we invite you to take a look at our other tech topics before you leave!
