Windows 7 Themes

Now that you’re running the beta of Windows 7 (you are, aren’t you?), you may have started customizing your desktop in order to make it your own. Maybe you’ve organized your icons and applied your favorite photo as wallpaper, but did you know that there’s a lot more you can do? In Windows 7, the new “Themes” feature lets you match the window glass color to your desktop background. If you don’t like the color, you can choose another from the list of available colors or use the color mixer tool to create a custom color of your own. You can also customize the sound scheme and screensaver and save your whole creation as a theme.

Out of the box, Windows 7 comes with a handful of themes to choose from. Although they are really beautiful, I get bored quickly and am always on the lookout for more options. Luckily for me, some designers have already been busy making more themes for Windows 7. The latest set of themes I’ve come across are these at ithinkdiff.com. There are several different ones to choose from including artistic themes, themes from nature, and even one inspired by the desktops seen at PDC.

And don't forget the official themes you can get from Microsoft's site, too!

To install the themes, you just click on the one you want and then open it when prompted. It will automatically install to your “My Themes” section in Windows 7. Best of all, the themes are completely free. Enjoy!