How to Change and Create Windows 7 Themes
A great new feature of Windows 7 is the ability to customize the theme of the computer desktop environment. Windows 7 makes it easy to customize the theme and share the theme with family or friends. Microsoft Windows 7 Themes offer users customization of the Windows desktop environment through desktop photos, background colors, sounds, and screensavers. Theme customization is available on Windows 7 Enterprise, Ultimate, Professional, and Home Premium. Part of the fun of being able to create customized Windows 7 themes is the option to share the theme file by emailing others a .themepack file. This is great for family members to get ready for a vacation or event or memories of a past trip. Themepack sharing is also a great way for team members to stay focused on goals for the season or for companies that have publicly displayed computers to look more professional. For every use, Microsoft themes offers another way that Windows 7 shows its personal, flexible side.
Step 1: Open the Windows 7 Control Panel by clicking on the Start Menu icon in the bottom right corner of the desktop.
Step 2: Open "Appearance and Personalization" in the Control Panel.
Step 3: Open "Personalization"
Step 4: Choose a pre-made theme from the available choices under "Aero Themes", "My Themes", "Basic and High Contrast Themes", "Installed Themes" or create a new theme.
Step 5: To create a new Windows 7 theme modify any or all of the four categories located at the bottom of the Personalization menu. The four things that can be adjusted include the Desktop Background, Window Color, Sounds or Screensaver. The most commonly changed theme adjustments that are made are the background and screensaver. The background can be changed to provided Windows photos or any photo, color, pattern or even a slide show. Screensavers have been around for a while, but Window 7 provides some new options to explore.
Step 6: To share a Windows 7 theme create a .themepack file. To create a file go to "My Themes" and Right-Click on the theme icon you want to share. Select "Save Theme For Sharing". The file can then be easily shared with friends or family online, burned on a CD or copied to a USB drive.
To download free Windows 7 themes from Microsoft go to:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/downloads/personalize/themes