Windows 11 Legacy Themes Will Disappear Soon: Discover the Alternative Options

Prepare yourself for a significant change: Microsoft has decided to discontinue the availability of free Windows themes on its official webpage. This move stems from a perceived decrease in user interest in these themes. However, you can still find a variety of themes on the Microsoft Store.

On January 21, Microsoft released an update to their support documentation, which was also shared through their RSS feed. If you’re not subscribed, the news of the discontinuation of legacy themes could easily bypass your radar unless you actively visit the themes page periodically.

The newly introduced banner succinctly outlines the rationale behind this change and provides a redirect link, leading users directly to the Microsoft Store theme collection.

Initially, we found the announcement unclear, as it implied that themes might still be available elsewhere. However, our investigation indicated otherwise: common themes listed on the official page yielded no results in the Microsoft Store during our testing. This confirms that when the page goes offline, those themes will be permanently inaccessible.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that the themes currently available haven’t been refreshed in quite some time, meaning they mostly showcase outdated designs.

In light of Microsoft guiding users to explore the Store for alternatives, we took a closer look at what’s available. The Store does present a rich selection of free themes, eliminating any need for expenditure unless you desire a unique aesthetic. However, we encountered some frustrating issues with the filter functionality, which seems to be malfunctioning.

For example, attempting to filter by all free themes does not yield a comprehensive list, forcing users to select limited categories like Top Free, which reveals only a handful of selections.

Broken filters page in Microsoft Store when searching for themes

As a result, you may find yourself endlessly scrolling through the themes page in search of a suitable free option. It’s high time that Microsoft prioritizes fixing the filter issues in the Store app for a seamless user experience.

In addition, the page prominently features a notice regarding the impending end of support for Windows 10.

Goodbye Windows 10

Microsoft has progressively overhauled many Windows-related pages to mirror the impending retirement of Windows 10. Just last year, there were whispers that Microsoft may extend the life of this long-standing operating system, especially given its favorable reception compared to Windows 11. Unfortunately, Microsoft has remained resolute in their decision, with October 14 marked as the final day for Windows 10.

After that date, users will face the option of a one-year paid extension or the necessity to transition to a Windows 11 machine or an alternative operating system that can last a few more years on existing hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Microsoft discontinuing free Windows themes?

Microsoft cites a decline in user interest in these themes as the primary reason for their discontinuation, transitioning all users to purchase or utilize free options available on the Microsoft Store.

2. Can I still find themes after the official page is removed?

No, once the legacy themes page is taken down, those specific themes will no longer be accessible, which includes any themes that haven’t been updated in some time.

3. What should I do to find free themes after this change?

Your best bet is to visit the Microsoft Store, which features a variety of free themes. However, be prepared for some challenges with the filtering system, which might make it harder to locate themes efficiently.

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