How to Disable Themes in Windows 7

Turn Off Desktop Themes With the Services.msc Console

Windows 7 Premium and above include the Windows Aero theme as the default desktop theme. Visual styles can be pleasing to the eye and provide a sleek modern look to the desktop environment. However, Windows themes may not always be practical. Fortunately, Windows 7 themes can be switched or for added control and performance, desktop themes can be completely disabled.

This guide will show how to disable desktop themes using the Windows Services.msc console in three steps:

1. Locate Services.msc with the Search programs and files dialog box in the start menu
2. (Alternate method) Open Services.msc from the Control Panel
3. Stop the Themes service
4. Disable the Themes service for the Windows desktop

Key Benefits to Disabling Windows Themes

1. Increase computer performance
2. Free up memory (RAM)
3. Prevent other users from changing the default Windows desktop

Locating Services.msc with Search Programs and Files Dialog Box in the Start Menu

1. Click the blue Windows logo located on the left side of the taskbar
2. In the Search programs and files dialog box located at the bottom, type "services.msc"
3. After a few moments, Services should be visible under the programs menu
4. Single-click the Services link in the start menu
5. The Services.msc console opens

(Alternate Method) Locating the Services.msc Console Through the Control Panel

To locate Windows services through the Control Panel:

1. Click the blue Windows logo located on the left side of the taskbar
2. Select the Control Panel button located on the right side of the menu
3. Click System and Security located in the top left corner
4. Click Administrative Tools located near the bottom of the Control Panel window
5. The Administrative Tools window appears listing available tools
6. Double-click Services to open the Services.msc console

Stop the Themes Service

1. Each service is listed in alphabetical order, scroll down to locate the service labeled "Themes"
2. Select to highlight the Themes service
3. Two options appear on the left side of the box: Stop the service and Restart the service
4. Click Stop the service
5. The desktop should automatically revert to the Windows Classic desktop

Disable the Themes Service for the Windows Desktop

Even though the Themes service is stopped, the user must set the service to be disabled. If this is not done, the service will start automatically when the computer restarts.

1. With the Themes service highlighted, right-click on the selection
2. In the the menu, select the Properties menu option
3. With the Themes Properties window open locate the Startup type drop down box
4. click the drop down box and select disabled
5. When finished, click the Apply button

The Windows 7 desktop themes will now be disabled. In the future, if the user tries to select themes, only the Windows Classic desktop will be available.

Following three easy steps: locating the Services.msc console, stopping the Themes service and setting Themes to disabled allows the user to free up computer resources and better control the visual appearance of the Windows 7 desktop.

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