How to Delete Windows Themes

Windows gives you the ability to customize several aspects of the user interface, such as the colors of the display, the desktop background, and the sounds played by the operating system. Because some users put a great deal of time into customizing these elements of Windows, many choose to save their themes so they can be restored later with a few clicks. After saving many themes on your computer, however, you may find that they save little time as it becomes difficult to determine which is which. Delete Windows themes that you no longer use to make organization simpler.

Instructions

Windows XP and Vista

1. Right-click an open area of the desktop, then click "Properties" in Windows XP or "Personalize" in Windows Vista.

2. Click the "Themes" tab at the top of the window if you are running Windows XP or the "Theme" link on the left side of the screen in Windows Vista.

3. Click the "Theme" drop-down menu and locate the theme that you would like to delete. Click the theme, then click the "Delete" button.

Windows 7

1. Right-click an open area of the desktop, then click "Personalize."

2. Right-click the theme that you would like to delete. Note that the theme cannot be the one that you are currently using.

3. Click "Delete theme," then click "Yes" to confirm. The theme will be moved to the Recycle Bin. It will be deleted permanently when the Recycle Bin is emptied.

References

• University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Help Desk: Personalizing the Appearance of Windows Vista
• Microsoft: Customize a Windows 7 Theme