This Is The Best Dark Theme For Windows 10

Finally, one of the most requested tutorials on my themes: The Custom Icons and Dark Theme for Windows 10!

In this tutorial, I will show you step-by-step, How To Change Windows 10 Icons and Use a Dark Theme on Windows 10. For this, you will not need to install any programs as that is something that can possibly slow down the start-up (boot) time and some performance. So there’s nothing to worry about!

A small Disclaimer, before you start doing this on your computer. This is not an official theme by Microsoft, but a collection of 3rd-party visual styles and icons, that are available to download for public. Moreover, you should ONLY do this if you know what you’re doing. DO NOT try this if you’re not good with computers in general as failure to follow the steps can lead to damage and possible loss of data. So I will not take any responsibility of that. Last thing, this will ONLY work on Windows 10 1909. It might work on an older build version such as 1903, but I have only tested this on build 1909. Other than that, it’s pretty easy and safe as long as you know what you’re doing.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to my channel below 🙂

What You Will Need:

• UltraUXTheme Patcher
• An Icon Pack
• OldNewExplorer
• A Good Wallpaper
• 7-zip
• Some patience and common sense

Credits:

Instructions

For detailed instructions, I would strongly recommend watching and following the video above. However, I here are the basic steps that you may follow in case you’re stuck:

Download and Extract the theme zip package. Use 7-zip as we will need it later as well.

Open the extracted folder, and go to Theme Files Folder. This is where you will find all the things needed for this tutorial.

Go to the 1. UltraUXThemePatcher folder, and rename the file to remove the .ee from the end. Extract this file using 7-zip, and install.

Similarly, go to the 2. Icon Pack folder, and rename the file to change the .ee to .exe from the end. Now install this file. It will ask you to make a Restore Point, proceed. Be patient, this will take some time to install.

STEP 5: (OPTIONAL)

Now go to the 3. Change Navigation Pane Icons folder, and open RegOwnershipEx Win10 folder inside it. From there, open the folder x86 (for 32-Bit Windows) or x64 (for 64-Bit Windows). After that, rename the file RegOwnershipEx.ex_ to RegOwnershipEx.exe, and run it as an administrator. Now one by one, copy each of the following lines and click Take Ownership:

Once the ownership permission is given, go back to the 3. Change Navigation Pane Icons, and run the following files: Quick Access-New.reg and OneDrive-New.reg.

Go to the 4. Dark Theme (Dev) folder. Inside, copy the folder Dev, and paste it in the folder that says Paste Dev Here. . After that, go to your desktop and right-click. Now click on Personalize and go to Themes tab from the sidebar. From there, scroll down and click on the theme Dev (Rounded) (or Dev) to apply the dark theme.

STEP 7: (Optional)

Go to the 5. OldNewExplorer folder. Rename the file OldNewExplorer.7z.ee to OldNewExplorer.7z, and extract this file. Run the file OldNewExplorerCfg.exe as administrator, and check the boxes as follows: (the click Install)

Finally, go to the 6. Wallpaper folder. Right-click on the Wallpaper.png file, then click Set as desktop background.

This step is for changing the mouse cursor. Go to the start menu and type mouse. Click Mouse Settings. Under the Related Settings, click Additional mouse options. Now a window will open. Go to the Pointers tab, and from the drop-down list, select Windows Default (system scheme). Hit Apply and the cursor should be back to normal.

That’s all! Reboot your PC and you should have the best looking dark theme on your windows 10!

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The Best Windows 10 Dark Themes for Your Eyes

Windows 10 has its own dark theme now. But try these other Windows dark theme customizations too and prevent eye strain.

The benefits of dark screens are easy to understand—less eyestrain, easier-to-read text, and well, they just look cool, don’t they?

After a couple of years of waiting, Windows 10 now offers a native dark theme mode. You’ll also find plenty of third-party dark themes out there; more than enough to suit every taste and style.

Here are some of the best Windows 10 dark themes you can get right now.

How to Change the Windows 10 Theme

Windows personalization options allow you to change the background, lock screen, color, sounds, and the appearance of the cursor. You can change it from the desktop or dig into the Windows 10 settings.

First, either right-click on your desktop and select Personalize > Themes or head to Start > Settings > Personalization > Themes.

You can choose from one of Windows’ built-in themes, or click on Get more themes in Microsoft Store to see more.

1. Windows 10 Dark Theme

With the 2017 Anniversary Update, Microsoft introduced a system-wide Windows 10 dark theme, which previously was only available via a registry hack.

If you’re running the most recent version of Windows 10, head to Settings (Windows key + I) > Personalization > Colors, scroll down and set the default app mode to Dark.

The theme will change the Windows system apps and Microsoft’s store apps. You will still need to change other third-party apps on a case-by-case basis.

For the record, here’s the old registry hack:

1. Open Run (either right click on Start > Run or press Windows key + R).
2. Type RegEdit and press Enter.
3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize.
4. Create a new DWORD value called AppsUseLightTheme with a value of 0.
5. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize.
6. Again, create a new DWORD value called AppsUseLightTheme with a value of 0.
7. Restart your computer

Either delete the new registry entries or change their values to 1 to re-enable the light theme.

2. GreyEve

The GreyEve theme is available for download from DeviantArt.

Unlike some of the other themes on this list, it can be installed without using any third-party tools or editing any system files—thus making it great for users who want a hassle-free option.

The developer warns that due to Microsoft’s limited dark theme options he was forced to make it a high contrast theme. You’ll have to check whether or not it suits your needs.

To start using it, download the file and place it in [USERNAME]AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Themes.

3. Penumbra 10

Before proceeding, be aware that this is a Windows 10-only theme. If you’re reading this article trying to find themes for Windows 7 or 8, this won’t work for you.

It’s been designed to use neutral dark colors, so there won’t be any jarring contrasts or unpleasant colors anywhere on your screen.

The installation process is more complicated than the previous options. Before installing anything, make sure you’ve downloaded these three essential tools:

To get the theme up and running, firstly install the Open Sans font (included in the theme download). Then install UXThemePatcher, and finally, OldNewExplorer.

Next, move the contents of the theme’s Visual Style folder to C:\Windows\Resources\Themes. Now is a good time to reboot your computer.

Lastly, select the theme in the Settings app as described earlier.

You can further customize this theme by changing the Taskbar’s color and opacity. The tool is available for download on the theme’s DeviantArt page.

4. Nocturnal W10

Once again, this is a Windows 10-only theme. Despite sharing the same name as its Windows 8 counterpart, it will not work on older versions of the operating system.

This is arguably the most complex to install. You will need four third-party apps before installing the main theme. They are:

To use the dark theme, install Blank.TFF, then run Blank.REG.

Next, copy the theme folder straight to C:\Windows\Resources\Themes. When ready, patch your system using UXThemePatcher.

Finally, navigate back to Settings > Personalization > Themes and choose the theme from the list.

5. Ades Theme

Rather than going for total darkness, Ades Theme uses various tones of gray and introduces some color.

While it still requires a third-party tool, it’s easier than both Nocturnal and Penumbra to install. You will still need UXThemePatcher, but can otherwise download the file and put it straight into C:\Windows\Resources\Themes.

6. Hover Dark Aero

Hover Dark Aero uses translucent blacks and grays to create a sleek and visually impressive user interface. If you want to recreate the look you see in the image above, you will need to also download the creator’s associated theme pack. The icon pack is included in the theme’s download files.

There are six different versions of the theme to choose from—each has a slightly different feel.

To make the theme work, you will need to make sure you have installed the aforementioned UXThemePatcher.

7. Hastpy

The last Windows 10 visual style we’re going to recommend is Hastpy.

The developer behind the theme is Cleodesktop. It’s the same person who is responsible for Hover Dark Aero and the similarities are obvious; both use the same icon packs.

Unlike Hover Dark Aero, Hastpy doesn’t have a translucent ribbon. Instead, it deploys a contrasting light grey color. Once again, six different versions of the theme are available.

To install Hastpy on your system, you need to be running UXThemePatcher. Move all the files in the theme download file %windir%/Resources/Themes folder to get up and running.

A Word of Warning Before Applying Windows Themes

Some of these themes make significant changes to your system files. As such, always create a system restore point and backup your work before attempting to install them.

And remember, there are lots of other non-dark Windows 10 skins available. If you would like to like to learn more about using themes on Windows 10, make sure you read our articles about the best Windows themes for every desktop, and the best white themes for Windows 10.

A new Windows 10 theme gives your computer a fresh look for free. Here are the best Windows themes and how to apply them.

Dan joined MakeUseOf in 2014 and has been Partnerships Director since July 2020. Reach out to him for inquires about sponsored content, affiliate agreements, promotions, and any other forms of partnership. You can also find him roaming the show floor at CES in Las Vegas every year, say hi if you’re going. Prior to his writing career, he was a Financial Consultant.

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Windows 10 — Dark Theme

Since Microsoft is listening to feedbacks I decided to try to contribute with some mockups. I hope that it will come to their attention

Update (09 Mar 2015):

• Minor fixes
• New Wallpaper

Update (23 Feb 2015):

• Minor fixes
• New Ribbon UI (minimized)
• Universal app (check desktop version here: fav.me/d8l17id )

What’s new:

• Transparency (with option to customize opacity level)
• New icons (Office 2013 Flat Style)
• File Explorer Overhaul (removed Ribbon, streamlined, modern)
• File Explorer Tabs support
• File Explorer Split View
• Dark theme (all over the OS — File Explorer, Action Center, Settings, Cortana, etc.)

If you want to see this in Windows 10 please add 3 votes on UserVoice:
windows.uservoice.com/forums/2…

wondering if it is still up to date and working on 20h2, was wanting to install a theme and this one i rlly liked the design

what a great theme for file explorer

i hope have ne update

How to Download?

If you search for «Files UWP» in the Windows Store, the app with «Beta» on the icon has a very similar design to this concept for those who were wanting a download. It’s a bit buggy though since its independently made.

Guys it’s a concept not an actual theme.

Dont waste my time, bro, if you just want to show off your accomplishments.

How to download this theme

wow changelog but no download fuck off man

can i download it? :,(

One of you can download it?

Best looking theme I’ve seen, pity we can only look at it

Microsoft выпустила новые системные иконки для Windows 10 в программе тестирования

Microsoft продолжает работать над тем, чтобы сделать Windows 10 более современной операционной системой во всех отношениях. До сих пор она уделяла мало внимание используемым по умолчанию системным значкам.

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Теперь компания собирается исправить это упущение и последняя сборка для инсайдеров Windows представляет новый пакет системных значков, предлагая пользователям системы с более современным внешним видом и ощущением.

Основанные на стиле Fluent Design, который Microsoft использовала для преобразование внешнего вида Windows 10 в целом, новые системные значки поставляются вместе с новым шрифтом.

«Внимательные участники программы предварительной оценки Windows заметят, что многие системные значки в этой сборке были обновлены и теперь требованиям Fluent Design. Эта сборка включает в себя также новый шрифт Segoe Fluent Icons. Области системы, где применяются ресурсы Segoe MDL2, вроде меню «Пуск» и приложения «параметры», будут использовать значки нового дизайна. Они имеют более округлый и упрощённый вид», поясняет Microsoft.

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Когда значки из нового набора станут доступными для остальных пользователей? Никто не знает точной даты, поскольку улучшения, которые Microsoft сейчас проверяет в рамках программы тестирования, не имеют окончательного срока релиза.

Ожидается, что наиболее заметные изменения системы войдут в состав Windows 10 версии 21H2, которая должна выйти во второй половине года. Сейчас на очереди версия Windows 10 21H1. Уже давно известно, что это всего лишь небольшой пакет улучшений с упором на внутренние доработки. Таким образом, следующее большое обновление должно быть выпущено осенью, скорее всего в октябре или ноябре.