This theme can’t be applied to the desktop error in Windows 11

While changing a theme on Windows, if you see an error message This theme can’t be applied to the desktop, then this post may help you. This error prevents users from applying their favorite theme on their computer systems.

The complete error message is:

This theme can’t be applied to the desktop. Try clicking a different theme.

Microsoft included a couple of themes for personalizing your computer’s user interface. From the background picture and color to the sound profile and mouse cursor, a theme can change everything. You can also download a .themepack file from the Microsoft website and apply it to your Windows 11/10. Alternatively, you can download and install themes from the Microsoft Store.

This theme can’t be applied to the desktop

To fix This theme can’t be applied to the desktop error in Windows 11/10, follow these troubleshooting tips-

1. Re-download the theme file
2. Disable Theme synchronization
3. Disable Prevent changing theme setting
4. Check Themes Service
5. Uncheck the Remove background images setting in the Ease of Access Center
6. Contact your IT Administrator (if applicable).

Below, we have explained all these fixes in detail.

1] Re-download the theme file

As mentioned earlier, a Windows theme file has a .themepack extension, and you can download it from the Microsoft website. If you downloaded a theme from a third-party source, and the file is corrupted due to any reason, you might get this error message while installing it. It is better if you download the file again. This time, save the file, preferably to another location on your PC, and try to apply it on your Windows 11/10 computer. If that solves your problem – good; otherwise, keep following the subsequent steps.

The themes for Windows 11/10 are also available on the Microsoft Store. You can also install themes from there.

2] Disable Theme synchronization

On Windows 11/10, you can use a Microsoft account which lets you synchronize everything across multiple computers. In some cases, the Theme synchronization setting can cause this issue. So if you are using a Microsoft Account to log in to your PC, disable Theme synchronization and see if it works.

Open Windows 10 Settings by pressing the Win + I buttons together. Then, go to Accounts > Sync your settings. Turn off the Theme synchronization setting by toggling the corresponding button under the Individual sync settings section.

In Windows 11, Themes are the part of Personalization. Hence, to change the Theme, you have to open the Personalization setting in Windows 11. Windows 11 has a different Settings UI than Windows 10. Windows 11 syncs the entire Personalization settings. Hence, to disable the Theme synchronization in Windows 11, you have to disable the Personalization setting backup in Windows 11. The following steps will guide you on this:

1. Open Windows 11 Settings.
2. Go to Accounts> Windows backup.
3. Expand the Remember my preferences tab.
4. Uncheck the Personalization checkbox.

After that, try to install or apply the same theme.

3] Disable Prevent changing theme setting

There is a Group Policy setting called Prevent changing theme that administrators can use to prevent others from changing the theme. If it is enabled by mistake or by your admin, there is a chance of getting this error message. Therefore, you can disable this setting and check if it resolves your issue or not.

The Local Group Policy Editor is not available in Windows 11/10 Home Edition. Therefore, if you are a Windows 11/10 Home user, you can skip this fix.

For that, open Local Group Policy Editor and navigate to this path-

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization

Here, you can find the Prevent changing theme setting on your right side. Double-click on it, and make sure that the Not Configured option is selected.

If not, do select the option and save your change before applying the theme to your computer.

4] Check Themes Service

There is a service that needs to be running all the time in the background to make your theme work. Therefore, you should verify if the service is still running or not. For that, open the Services Manager by searching for it in the Windows 11/10 search box and find the Themes service in the Name column. Double-click on it, and check if the Service status is set to Running or not.

If not, you need to select Automatic from the Startup type drop-down list and click the Start button respectively. However, if the Themes service is already running, you can restart it and see if it helps. To do so, right-click on the Themes service and select the Restart option.

While here, you could also ensure that the Desktop Window Manager Service is started.

After that, save your change and try to install your theme as usual.

5] Uncheck Remove background images setting in Ease of Access Center

We also suggest you uncheck or disable the Remove background images setting in the Control Panel and see if it works.

To do so, follow the steps provided below:

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Make sure that the View by mode is set to Category.
3. Go to Ease of Access > Ease of Access Center.
4. Now, click on the “Make the computer easier to see” link.
5. Scroll down to the Make things on the screen easier to see section.
6. Uncheck the Remove background images option.

Click Apply and then click OK to save the changes.

6] Contact your IT Administrator (if applicable)

If your system is managed by your organization, your IT Administrator might have prevented you from changing the theme. In such a case, you should contact your IT Administrator.

I hope something here helps you.

How do I enable themes in Windows 11?

There is no need to enable themes in Windows 11, as the default theme is always active on your system. Windows 11 comes with some pre-loaded system themes. You can change the themes in Windows 11 Settings. Open Settings and go to Personalization > Themes.

How do I reset my desktop theme in Windows 11?

To reset the desktop theme, you have to apply the default theme on your system. You can do so by opening Windows 11 Settings. Open Settings and go to Personalization > Themes. Now, select any of the Windows 11 default themes.

Read next: Theme keeps changing in Windows.