10ThemeFor11

Note

This theme is about 90% complete. To track its progress, check the "Theme Progress" issue. When most assets are completed, a proper theme will be provided in releases.

10ThemeFor11 is an .msstyles theme for Windows 11 that aims to provide accurate Windows 10 controls, to the greatest extent that Windows 11 allows.

Installation

First, you need to install a UxTheme patcher to allow custom .msstyles themes since Microsoft locks them out by default. Some options include the Windhawk mod UXTheme hook and SecureUxTheme.

This theme has only been tested using the UXTheme hook Windhawk mod.

1. After patching UxTheme, download the latest release of the theme from Releases (10ThemeFor11.zip).
2. Extract the downloaded zip and place the contents in C:\Windows\Resources\Themes.

The file structure should resemble this.

• C:
  • Windows
    • Resources
      • Themes
        • 10ThemeFor11
        • 10ThemeFor11_Dark.theme
        • 10ThemeFor11_Light.theme

3. Either double click one of the .theme files from within the Themes folder or select your desired theme from within Windows settings.
4. The theme comes bundled with the Windows 10 wallpaper and accent color, but if you would prefer to use your own wallpapers or colors you can override anything through Windows personalization settings.

Optional: Windows 10 Sounds

If you would like to use the Windows 10 sounds, grab a copy of the C:\Windows\Media folder from a Windows 10 install and put the contents into C:\Windows\Resources\Themes\10ThemeFor11\Sounds. Apply one of the included .theme files and the sounds should be loaded.

Optional: Windows 10 Shadows, Corners, and Effects

Restoring the Windows 10 shadows and acrylic along with removing rounded corners and Mica requires patching uDWM.dll.

Warning

Patching DWM is no small feat! If performed incorrectly, it can temporarily prevent Windows from loading properly. While the tools displayed here are generally safe to use, make sure to create backups of C:\Windows\System32\uDWM.dll before proceeding.

There are two ways to apply the DWM patches: by replacing uDWM.dll on disk or by patching in-memory with a Windhawk mod.

Method	Pros	Cons
On Disk	More stable, More accurate.	Harder to install, Harder to recover.
Windhawk Mod	Easy to install, Easier to recover.	More bugs, Less accurate.

If you are less experienced with Windows modding, I recommend the Windhawk mod for ease of use. If you are well versed in Windows modding, I recommend the on disk uDWM.dll patch for higher accuracy and stability.

Windhawk mod: https://windhawk.net/mods/w11-dwm-fix

@ittrgrey's on disk patch: https://winclassic.net/thread/2853/udwm-borders-shadows-acrylic-windows

Why not use the stock Windows 10 aero.msstyles file?

While the stock Windows 10 .msstyles theme works on Windows 11, it is only partially compatible. For example, the context menus and animations are broken. 10ThemeFor11 uses the assets from the stock Windows 10 .msstyles but reformats them in the way Windows 11 expects.