The best themes for Windows 11 and how to make the most of them

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Customize now Windows 11 with themes It's become almost as important as installing your usual programs: it completely changes the feel of your PC, makes it easier on the eyes, and, incidentally, gives your desktop a personal touch. The good news is that, compared to previous versions, this system makes it incredibly easy to change backgrounds, colors, sounds, and even cursors in a matter of seconds.

Furthermore, You are not limited to the default themes.You can activate native dark mode, download official themes from the Microsoft Store, try third-party packs with spectacular backgrounds, play with contrast themes to improve accessibility, and even Create and share your own personalized collectionLet's take a look at everything calmly, because there's a lot to be gained from the best topics. Windows 11.

What is a theme in Windows 11 and what it includes

A theme of Windows 11 is a set of grouped visual settings A single package to change the look of your system in one fell swoop. It's not just a pretty wallpaper: a theme can include wallpapers, window colors, system sounds, and mouse cursor style, all perfectly coordinated.

These themes provide a consistent interface , designed so that the desktop, Start menu, taskbar, and windows all share a common aesthetic. If you work long hours in front of a computer, this isn't just a matter of personal preference: a pleasant and readable environment helps you concentrate better and reduces fatigue.

Windows 11 comes with several pre-set themes They alternate between light and dark modes, mix different color combinations, and offer pre-made image collections. Furthermore, when you install additional themes from the Microsoft Store or other sources, these are added to the list, and you can change them whenever you want.

The beauty of themes is that you can fine-tune them : if you love a background but the accent color isn't quite right, you can change it; if you prefer different sounds or a different cursor, you can change those too. And when you have the perfect combination, you save it as a new theme to reuse or share.

Dark mode in Windows 11: the starting point

The first step for many users is to activate dark mode , because it radically changes the desktop environment and, on suitable screens, helps save battery and rest the eyes in low-light environments.

Dark mode Windows 11 is very well resolved And it's one of the best native implementations you'll find in a desktop operating system. It affects not only window backgrounds, but also the Start menu, taskbar, notification panel, settings, and many modern applications.

Activating it is a very simple processSimply open System Settings (shortcut) Windows + I), enter the section of Personalization. and later ColoursIn the mode dropdown, choose the dark option or, if you prefer, a custom mode to decide whether the dark theme applies only to the system, only to apps, or both.

On that same screen you can further refine the aesthetics : adjust the transparency effects so that the windows have that translucent touch so characteristic of the Mica effect, change the accent color applied to buttons, menus and title bars, and even decide whether that color appears in the Start menu and on the taskbar.

If you want to take visibility to the next level , the Settings panel includes the Accessibility section , where you'll find contrast themes. There you can choose high-contrast combinations that further darken certain areas, change the color of text and borders, and also edit these themes to suit your visual needs.

How to apply, customize, save, and delete themes

The management of issues in Windows 11 is concentrated in one placeSo you don't need to jump between menus. Everything is handled through the Topics section within the System Settings.

To apply an already installed theme, you open Settings (Windows + I), you enter Personalization. and later ThemesYou'll see a grid with all available themes: those that come with the system and those you've downloaded from the Microsoft Store or other sources.

Hovering your mouse over each theme reveals its name and the number of desktop backgrounds it includes. Simply clicking on any of them applies the changes instantly: your wallpaper, color scheme, sounds, and cursor will change in just a couple of seconds.

If you're not happy with the color chosen by the theme , you can go to the Colors section on the same Personalization screen and select a different combination. The theme will adjust, keeping the backgrounds and other parameters, but with the new color palette.

To change the background within the same theme , you don't need to touch anything in Settings: by right-clicking on the desktop and choosing the "Next desktop background" option, you instantly move to the next wallpaper in the pack, which is very convenient if the theme includes many images.

Once you've customized your desktop to your liking (with your preferred background, accent color, sounds, and cursor), you can save that configuration as your own theme from Personalization > Themes. Just click Save , give it a name, and it will be available for later use.

Sharing a custom theme is also possibleIn the same section, right-click on the saved theme and choose the option Save topic to share. Windows It will generate a file with the .deskthemepack extension that you can copy to a USB drive, send by email, or upload to the cloud, and when you open it on another PC with Windows It will be installed as just another topic.

If you accumulate too many themes over time and want to clean things up, simply go to Personalization > Themes, right-click on the one you no longer use, and select Delete . This doesn't affect the original images you have saved in your folders; it only removes the theme package from the system.

Dark themes and high-contrast themes: accessibility and visual comfort

Beyond the purely aesthetic, Windows 11 offers powerful tools to improve readability and adapt to users with low vision, light sensitivity, or difficulty distinguishing colors.

High-contrast themes are a key option in this regard: they apply strong combinations between background and text, with clearly differentiated colors to make interface elements easier to spot. These themes modify menus, windows, buttons, and text boxes, and can be customized by changing each color individually.

In addition to contrast settings, there are color filters , which change how colors are displayed on screen. These are very useful if you have trouble distinguishing certain shades (for example, different types of color blindness), as they transform the color palette to make the differences clearer for your eyes.

All of this is configured from the Accessibility section in Settings Windows 11. There you will find sections dedicated to contrast and color filters, each with explanations and previews to see how your desktop will look before applying the changes.

The good thing is that these settings coexist seamlessly with normal themes : you can have a dark desktop theme and also activate a contrast theme or a color filter when you need it, adapting the experience according to the context or the light level of the environment.

Official Microsoft themes for Windows 11

The Microsoft Store is the main showcase for official themes for Windows 11Inside the store, in the Personalization section, you will find collections published by Microsoft itself with quite high quality and special care in the combination of colors and backgrounds.

These official themes typically include several high-resolution images , often in 4K, focused on a specific theme: landscapes, space photography, animals, cars, abstract illustrations, etc. The system automatically changes the background periodically, so your desktop stays fresh without you having to do anything.

One of the interesting things about these packs is that they play with light and dark modes depending on the theme; some look better with the dark interface, others with the light one, and Microsoft itself adjusts the accent colors to best match the selected images.

Installing an official theme is straightforward.You can access them from Settings > Personalization > Themes using the "Browse themes" link, which opens the Microsoft Store. There, choose the theme that catches your eye, tap Get, wait a few seconds, and it will be available in the list of themes. Windows 11 to apply it whenever you want.

If at any point you feel like trying something more radical , you can always combine these themes with extra color and transparency adjustments, or even with icon changes and cursor packs, but with just these official themes you already have enough to refresh your desktop for a long time without complicating your life.

Third-party themes for Windows 11: Beyond the Microsoft Store

When official themes fall shortNow it's time to take a look at third-party options, which are practically endless. There are websites dedicated to compiling themes, repositories on GitHub, specialized blogs, and platforms like Windows Themes where the community shares its creations.

Many of these third-party themes are downloaded as .theme files or as compressed packages that include backgrounds and a configuration file. In the case of .theme files, simply double-click after downloading to activate them. Windows recognizes them and installs them automatically in the Themes section.

If the theme comes from the Microsoft Store , installation is even simpler, since clicking on Get will download it and it will appear directly in the system Themes list, ready to apply with a single click, just like the official ones.

In repositories like GitHub you'll find themes with very specific focuses : some are designed to maximize contrast in dark mode, others aim for an extreme minimalist style, and there are also those that emulate the appearance of other operating systems or well-known video game interfaces.

It's always best to download themes from trusted sources , especially if they're not in the official store, and to carefully review the author's instructions. You'll usually only need to apply the .theme file, but some advanced projects may require additional applications or patches that modify internal system components—something only recommended if you know exactly what you're doing.

A selection of spectacular dark themes for Windows 11

Among the enormous number of topics that exist for Windows 11There are several dark mode themes that stand out for their quality and the wallpapers they include. Below is a very popular selection, especially among those who want a dark desktop with plenty of style.

Dark space

Dark Space is the perfect theme if you're passionate about space . It includes 18 wallpapers in 4K Ultra HD resolution with scenes from the cosmos: stars shining in the vastness, nebulae of dust and gas, planets backlit by the sun… All designed to look stunning on large monitors and multi-screen setups.

This theme really enhances the use of dark mode , as most of the backgrounds are predominantly black and deep blue. The contrast with the icons and text is very comfortable, and at the same time, the desktop has a very cinematic look that's quite captivating.

Dark Space can be downloaded for free from topic collection sites like Windows Themes, and integrates seamlessly into Windows 11. Once installed, you will find it in the Themes section along with the others, ready to activate or deactivate whenever you want to change the atmosphere.

GreyEveTheme

GreyEveTheme is a classic among lovers of dark minimalismUnlike other themes that focus primarily on backgrounds, this one completely redefines the interface of Windows, tinting almost all the elements a deep black with touches of dark gray.

The result is an extremely understated deskwith apps, menus, panels, and the file explorer in dark tones with sharply defined white borders. Take advantage of the high-contrast features of WindowsSo there's no need to go into accessibility settings to adjust too many things: the theme is already set up to maximize readability.

The effect is noticeable in virtually the entire systemSettings, Start menu, calendar panel, notification center, browser windows, and other apps from the app itself Windows They adapt to this aesthetic, reducing the white glare that is often bothersome in low-light environments.

GreyEveTheme is distributed free of charge via GitHubBecause it's such a widely used theme, it's updated fairly frequently and usually includes basic installation instructions. It's a highly recommended option if you're looking for something more intense than the standard dark mode. Windows 11.

Dark Abstract

If you enjoy abstract compositions with a futuristic feel , Dark Abstract is one of the most striking themes you can try. It offers 17 different backgrounds that blend curved and geometric shapes, textures, light, and shadow, with a clear predominance of dark colors.

The strength of this theme lies in the balance between darkness and colorThe wallpapers are mostly black, but include neon, red, purple, or blue details that keep the desktop from looking flat or boring. The result looks especially good combined with accents of Windows in cool tones.

Dark Abstract can be downloaded from portals such as Windows ThemesIt's designed for modern screens with good black levels. On high-contrast monitors, the sense of depth and volume in the abstract shapes is very noticeable.

The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights is a feature entirely dedicated to the aurora borealis , one of the most spectacular natural phenomena. It brings together 15 high-definition images captured in places like Norway and Iceland, where the night sky is painted in intense greens, violets, and blues.

The backgrounds feature very dark skies , with silhouettes of mountains, lakes, and icy landscapes in the lower part, and curtains of light dancing across the sky. It's the kind of image that looks fantastic in dark mode, because the desktop, taskbar, and windows blend seamlessly into the photograph.

This theme is available for free from the Microsoft Store , released as an official package. Once installed, you can combine it with cool or neutral accent colors to give your desktop that polar night feel illuminated by the aurora borealis.

Earth From Above Premium

With Earth From Above Premium, the focus is on the Earth as seen from the sky . Its 14 4K resolution backgrounds showcase continents, oceans, cloud formations, and weather patterns captured from satellite or high altitude.

The contrast between the dark and illuminated areas makes these backgrounds work well in both light and dark modes, although in the latter the black parts of space and the planet's shadows are integrated especially elegantly with the interface.

It's also a free theme available on the Microsoft Store , labeled "Premium" for the quality of its images. It's a great option if you enjoy scientific or space exploration photography, while still keeping Earth as the central focus.

Dark Fantasy Landscape

Dark Fantasy Landscape embraces dark fantasy : somber landscapes, unsettling creatures, silhouetted castles, shadowy forests, and scenes reminiscent of video games or films of the genre. It includes 16 distinct backgrounds, each with a unique atmosphere.

These types of images fill the desktop with detail , so it's best to use them on high-resolution monitors to fully appreciate the textures and silhouettes. They work wonderfully with dark mode and color schemes in purple, dark red, or steel gray.

The song can be downloaded for free from Windows Themes And it's perfect if you want your PC to have a more "gamer" look or one straight out of a dark fantasy story, moving away from the typical realistic landscapes.

Forest Camo Special Edition

Forest Camo Special Edition combines nature and camouflage . Its nine backgrounds feature a highly detailed camo design applied to scenes of forests, lakes, mountains, and vegetation, with a predominance of dark greens and earth tones.

The result is a desk with a military yet relaxing feel , where green is the dominant color. This shade might not appeal to everyone for everyday use, but if you're a fan of nature or camouflage, this theme is more than adequate.

In the Microsoft Store you can also find a blue-toned variant created by the same designer, which maintains the same visual concept but replaces the greens with deep blues, which sometimes fits better with certain system color schemes.

Dark Cars

Dark Cars is designed for those who enjoy the world of motorsports . It offers 17 wallpapers featuring sports cars from brands like Lamborghini, Audi, Aston Martin, Maserati, and other high-end manufacturers.

The images play with very dark backgrounds and light reflections on the car bodies, making the vehicles stand out against the desktop without the overall effect being jarring. Blacks and grays dominate the scene, reinforcing the elegant character of the subject.

This package is distributed free of charge through Windows Themesand it works especially well with the dark interface of Windows 11, which helps the cars appear to almost pop out of the monitor when the ambient lighting is low.

Dark AMOLED

Dark Amoled takes the concept of darkness a step further , with backgrounds focused on horror, mystery, and dark fantasy: scenes with zombies, ghostly creatures, abandoned towns, and gloomy forests fill its 16 high-definition wallpapers.

It's clearly designed for OLED or similar displays , where pure blacks literally turn off the pixels and create a stunning contrast. If your monitor or laptop makes good use of absolute black, this theme looks spectacular.

It can be downloaded, like others on this list, from Windows ThemesIt's ideal if you like scary stories and want your desktop to reflect that taste for the sinister without sacrificing good image quality.

Dark Skies

Dark Skies closes this selection with a gothic and melancholic feel . Its backgrounds revolve around stormy skies, dense clouds, and urban and natural landscapes in twilight, with a clear predominance of deep blacks and blues.

The photographs were taken by photographer Tracy Hymas , and they have a very homogeneous style that makes the automatic background change very smooth: you go from one scene to another without the desktop losing that overcast sky atmosphere.

This theme is also available for free in the Microsoft Store and it combines beautifully with the dark interface and transparency effects of Windows 11, giving the whole system a very cinematic and somewhat dramatic look.

Dark mode across systems and apps: consistency across devices

If you tend to switch between devices throughout the dayYou'll probably want to maintain a consistent visual experience across all of them. Almost all major platforms today offer their own dark mode with options similar to those of Windows 11.

En Windows 10. Dark mode is very similar to that of Windows 11However, it doesn't reach every corner of the interface with the same depth. It's activated from Settings > Personalization > Colors, where you can define the default theme. Windows and the one for applications, and there is also a clear mode for those who prefer the opposite.

macOS includes a highly polished system-wide dark mode that can be activated in the Apple menu > System Preferences > General, choosing between Dark, Light, or Automatic Appearance. The automatic option changes the theme based on the time of day, and compatible apps (all Apple apps and many third-party apps) adapt instantly.

On Android, the way to activate dark mode varies slightly depending on the manufacturer , but in recent versions like Android 13, it's usually found in Settings > Display > Dark mode or directly in the quick settings panel. Apps that support dark mode, such as Gmail, Calendar, or Gallery, activate it automatically when the system prompts them.

iOS and iPadOS have included Dark Mode since iOS 13 , with full system integration and support for apps. It's enabled in Settings > Display & Brightness, where you can choose between Light, Dark, or Automatic, just like on macOS. On devices with OLED displays, this mode also helps save battery by turning off black pixels.

Most GNU/Linux distributions with desktop environments like KDE or GNOME also offer light and dark theme options, along with extensive customization through additional themes and appearance settings. In Ubuntu, for example, the appearance selector in Settings > Appearance allows you to choose between different variations that, while not explicitly called "dark mode," achieve the same effect.

With this whole ecosystem of themes and dark modesIt's easy to make your Windows 11 visually matches the rest of the devices you use daily, and at the same time takes advantage of a highly customizable desktop: from official Microsoft packs to third-party themes like Dark Space, GreyEveTheme or Dark Skies, you have plenty of options to make your PC stop having the usual generic look and become something much more yours.