Back in 2016, dark themes for Windows were all the rage. They were so popular that we introduced you to the best dark themes for Windows 10 anywhere on the web, and you loved them.

If you followed our advice and have been running one of those designs since last summer, you might be starting to feel the urge for a change.

But instead of sticking with dark tones, why not flip 180 degrees and start running a white (or very light) theme instead? After all, summer's coming -- and dark themes are more suitable for winter.

In this article, I'm going to introduce you to the seven best white themes for Windows 10.

Before You Begin

Most of the themes in this article are unofficial third-party add-ons. As such, you can't just install them and hope they'll work.

Before you try any of them, you will need to download and install UltraUXThemePatcher. It's an app that makes changes to your system files so you can run non-Microsoft approved themes. Some themes also need additional apps or tools. Check the developer's instructions before you try and install anything.

windows 10 apply a theme

Once you have installed all the necessary support tools, you should put any themes you download into C:/Windows/Resources/Themes. To switch to a newly downloaded theme, head to Settings > Personalization > Themes. Your new theme should be visible under the Apply a theme subheading.

As ever, before you proceed, make sure you back up your important files and create a system restore point.

Download: UltraUXThemePatcher (Free)

1. LAB

The LAB theme's distinguishing feature is the charcoal gray bar that runs across the top of every window. However, aside from the gray bar, the rest of the theme is light, breezy, and easy on the eyes.

Most of the Windows user interface is updated -- the font, menu bars, and on-screen graphics all get an overhaul.

lab windows 10 theme

To get the theme up and running, you only need the 1.7 MB ZIP file and UltraUXThemePatcher. No other files or software are required.

Download: LAB (Free)

2. Simplify 10 Light Pack

The Simplify 10 Light Pack is five themes in one. Each uses a slightly different color palette and iconography.

In addition to the five core themes, the pack also includes two mouse cursor icons, two matching wallpapers, and a PotPlayer skin.

simplify light theme pack

Unlike a lot of other themes on DeviantArt, the theme has been fully upgraded to be compatible with the new Windows 10 Creators Update. The entire pack will set you back $2.99.

Download: Simplify 10 Light Pack ($2.99)

3. Oxford

Oxford is made by the same person who is responsible for LAB. Some users claimed it wasn't working with the Anniversary Update 12 months ago, but the issues have been fixed, and it runs seamlessly on the Creators Update.

In addition to a minimalist all-white approach to windows and menus, you'll also get a completely re-imagined pack of icons. You can see a small sample of the icons in the lower part of the image below.

oxford theme windows 10

The installation instructions for this theme are slightly more complicated -- you will also need to install Mactype. Once it's installed, copy the EasyHK32.dll and EasyHK64.dll files from your download into the Mactype installation folder. You can then copy everything from the folder labeled VS into C:/Windows/Resources/Themes.

For more detailed step-by-step instructions, check the download's ReadMe file.

Download: Oxford (Free)

4. Czech Winter

What's the whitest thing you can think of? I'll give you a clue: it's cold and wet. Yes, that's right, what's more migraine-inducingly blinding than fresh mid-winter snow?

Very few places in the world can rival Central Europe for winter beauty. The combination of medieval architecture and dramatic natural scenery is breath-taking. If it sounds like something you'd enjoy looking at, you should grab a copy of Czech Winter. It features snow-covered scenes from the Czech Republic.

czech winter windows 10 theme

It's the only official Microsoft-supported theme on this list. You can download a copy from the store. You don't need to have UltraUXThemePatcher installed -- it will be available in Settings > Personalization > Themes automatically.

Download: Czech Winter (Free)

5. NUXV

NUXV is another minimalist theme that strips out all hint of color. It's purely black and white.

Because it's black and white, it's incredibly striking. Almost all the "black" iconography default Windows themes is actually dark gray, so you quickly notice the difference when using NUXV.

nuxv windows 10 theme

Like Oxford, this theme also needs additional software. You'll need to install UxStyle [Broken URL Removed]. It doesn't change any system files -- it just adds a system service and a kernel driver to relax the Windows theme signature requirements.

Download: NUXV (Free)

6. Zeka

Zeka follows LAB's lead. It features white boxes, dark icons, and a thick dark line across the top of each window.

It comes in five versions: Zeka-Blue, Zeka-Green, Zeka-Purple, Zeka-Red, and Zeka-Yellow. The color refers to the styling of icons like the Start Menu and close window button, as well as the Taskbar tints. The colors look classy and add an interesting twist to what is otherwise a very white theme.

windows 10 theme zeka

The developer also offers the same theme but with a more minimalist concept: it hides the address bar, search bar, and command bar.

Download: Zeka (Free)

7. Ubuntu Light Theme

No, this isn't a mistake. Linux advocates are always trying to convince Windows users that they've made a terrible error in life and they should jump ship to one of the best Linux distros.

Well, as a dedicated Windows user, I could never condone such advice. But I will concede that most Linux distros -- including the widely-popular Ubuntu -- look fantastic.

ubuntu theme windows 10

If you'd like to enjoy the beauty of Linux with the power of Windows, why not install the Ubuntu Light Theme? It's been designed to replicate the Ubuntu distros as closely as possible, right down to the icons and fonts.

Download: Ubuntu Light Theme (Free)

Share Your Favorite White Themes

I've given you seven amazing white Windows 10 themes that will freshen your laptop up for the summer, but there are lots more available.

Which is the most visually stunning white theme that's available for Windows right now? What makes it so unique? As always, you can leave all your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.

Image Credit: Soundaholic studio via Shutterstock.com