How to Allow or Prevent Changing Theme in Windows 7
Information
This will show you how to allow or prevent specific or 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.
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.
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.
EXAMPLE: Theme in Personalization
NOTE: This is Theme changing set to be allowed (left screenshot below) and prevented (right screenshot below) in Personalization.
OPTION ONE
Using a REG File Download
1. To Allow Changing Theme for All Users
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
Allow_Changing_Theme.reg
Download
B) Go to step 3.
2. To Prevent Changing Theme for Only Current User
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
Prevent_Changing_Theme.reg
Download
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.
OPTION TWO
Through the Local Group Policy Editor
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.
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
- Theme - Change or Save
- How to Make your own Windows 7 Theme Pack
- How to Prevent or Allow Themes to Change Windows 7 Desktop Icons
- How to Prevent or Allow Themes to Change Windows 7 Mouse Pointers
- How to Use the Regional Themes in Windows 7
- How to Specify a Desktop Background for All Users
- How to Allow or Prevent Changing Desktop Background in Windows 7
- How to Allow or Prevent Changing Screen Saver in Windows 7
- How to Allow or Prevent Changing Sounds in Windows 7
- How to Allow or Prevent Changing Window Color and Appearance in Windows 7
- How to Specify a Default Theme to Load for New Users in Windows 7
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