In previous versions of Windows, we were required to download all kinds of third party software to customize the way Windows looks. In Windows 7, we are introduced toWindows Themes. Simply, Windows 7 Themes is an easy way to manage the windows 7 wallpapers, sound schemes, mouse pointers, screen savers, and window/taskbar colors. We will be breaking this “how to” guide into multiple parts to cover the different scheme options, but before getting into custom themes, we will cover the basics of using and editing themes.
Personalization Page Layout
To begin personalizing your system, you can right-click on the desktop and select Personalize or you can click on the Start button and then on Control Panel->Change Theme. In order to get a good understanding of the options that are available, we will discuss the layout of the themes page. On the bottom of the Personalization page from left to right we have: Desktop Background, Window Color, Sounds and Screen Saver. There are also links on the top left-hand corner of the page for: Desktop Icons, Mouse Pointers and the User Account Picture.
Personalization
Tip: The current themes will always show in the top left-most corner of the window.
Changing Themes
In the middle of the Personalization page are the theme options: My Themes and Aero Themes. The My Themes section is where the “user-installed” and current themes will show. Aero Themes are Windows-installed themes.
To select a Windows theme, you will only have to click on the appropriate theme and Windows will automatically adjust the settings for that theme.
Changing Themes
Hopefully this brief introduction to using Windows 7 Themes helps. Stay tuned for Part 2 which will involve using custom themes in Windows 7.
Click here for Windows 7 Guides: Managing Windows 7 Themes (Part 2)
