Unlike previous editions of Windows, Windows 7 allows users to customize the appearance of the operating system. Microsoft call it “themes”, although they are not proper themes. It should have been called “color schemes” because that’s what they really are – different color variation of the same basic Windows 7 theme.

If you are looking for REAL themes where every UI element is skinned – taskbar, toolbar, menus, explorer, you have to checkout the creations at DeviantArt. To spare you the troubles of going through hundreds of themes, I have handpicked 32 of the most beautiful Windows 7 themes from the said source.

Note: Please read the notes from the theme creator for instructions and link to wallpaper, icons etc. Basic instruction on how to apply a theme is provided at the end of the collection.

Verdesh SteelFlash

Aero Hilled

Comes with 4 different colored shellstyles and includes several extras:

– new sidebar that can be customizable with sidebar styler

– stacks

– logon changer

Clearscreen Glass 7:

Clearscreen Sharp

dESATURATED

Even without colors this theme looks great. I suggest using this with a selectively colored wallpaper to add contrast.

OS Windows Snow 7

Pack contains two variations of the theme.

Gaia09

Very mild colors and a totally different Start Menu.

SiCo

– New start panel line

– New black style shellstyle

– New user picture frame in start panel

– Brand new taskbar with curved corners

– Glow text on taskbar and start panel

– Top Shellstyle for Explorer and Games Folder

– New Media Player Buttons

– and many more

ThaImpact VS

A stunning dark theme.

Gel XP Blue

Gold Glass

Islander Tango 7

Kenpske

Kiilki

Longhorn 7Air

X2 Windows 7 Alpha 1

Slick minimize/maximize/close buttons.

Lumens

Luna Royal

Windows XP Royal theme for the old school look.

Windows 7 Skull

Metal-X for Windows 7 64 bit

Mystique M1

Plainer than plain

This is Windows 7. Believe it.

Soft7 1.8

Soliq VS MOD

A nice Mac OS X clone.

Victorian Glass 7

The Explorer border is etched with flowery designs and comes with a cool Aer Peek background.

Vista VS for Windows 7

If you love Vista so much, use this.

Windows 7 XP Themepack

Windows XP styled theme for Windows 7.

Win7-Blend

Wood Works

Screenshot really can’t do it justice. install it if you want to see it proper.

X2 Windows 7 Pre Beta

Ezlo port to Windows 7

Alternative

If you liked this, you will also like this collection of another 20 Windows themes

How to apply a theme

Download Universal Theme Patcher. Run in it Administrative mode (right-click > "Run as administrator"). UAC must be turned off. After the patch does the job, restart the computer to take effect. Extract contents of the downloaded archive file into C:WindowsResourcesThemes and double-click on .theme file. Restart to make sure everything works properly.

Fresh new collection

Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Other Themes:

Windows XP themes and another 25

25 beautiful Windows Vista themes