Windows 7 - Theme - Allow or Prevent Changing

   Information

This will show you how to allow or prevent all users on the computer from changing their current theme through Personalization in Windows 7.

The Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic editions do not have the Personalization features included in them, such as changing and saving themes.

   Warning

This will not prevent users on the computer from changing the individual elements of their theme in Pesonalization such as the desktop background, window color, sounds, and screen saver.

To prevent users from changing these as well, you will also need to set policies to prevent the changing of the desktop background, window color, sounds, and screen saver.

This can only be done while logged in as a administrator.

1. To Allow Changing Theme

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Allow_Changing_Theme.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Prevent Changing Theme

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Prevent_Changing_Theme.reg

3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.

4.Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. Restart the computer to fully apply.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Control Panel, and Personalization. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Prevent changing theme and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)

4. To Allow Changing Theme

A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

B) Go to step 6.

5. To Prevent Changing Theme

A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.