Add or Remove Chrome Themes in Edge: Step-by-Step

This guide shows you how to add or remove Chrome themes in Microsoft Edge. While Edge is built on Chromium (the same engine as Chrome), it has its own theme system. You’ll learn to apply themes from the Edge Add-ons store, use Chrome Web Store themes, and restore the default look. No special tools are needed—just your browser and a few clicks.

What You’ll Need

• Microsoft Edge installed (any recent version, Windows or Mac)
• An internet connection to download themes
• Optional: A Google account if you want to use Chrome Web Store themes (not required for Edge Add-ons)

Step-by-Step

Adding a Theme from Edge Add-ons

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Extensions from the dropdown menu.
4. In the Extensions page, click Get Extensions for Microsoft Edge (usually a link at the bottom of the sidebar or a button on the page). This opens the Edge Add-ons store.
5. In the Add-ons store, click the Themes category in the left sidebar (or search for “theme” in the search bar).
6. Browse the available themes. Click on one you like to see a preview.
7. Click the Get button next to the theme.
8. A pop-up will appear asking for confirmation. Click Add theme (or similar). The theme will apply immediately.
9. To verify, check the browser’s top bar and new tab page—they should reflect the new theme.

Adding a Theme from the Chrome Web Store

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Go to the Chrome Web Store (chrome.google.com/webstore).
3. Edge will show a banner saying you can install extensions from there. Click Allow extensions from other stores (or similar).
4. In the Chrome Web Store, click Themes in the left sidebar.
5. Pick a theme and click Add to Chrome.
6. Confirm the prompt by clicking Add theme (or similar). The theme will apply.

Removing a Theme

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. In the left sidebar, click Appearance.
5. Scroll down to the Theme section (or “Overall appearance”).
6. You’ll see a list of installed themes. To remove a theme, click the trash icon next to it (or click the three-dot menu beside the theme and select Remove).
7. Alternatively, to just go back to the default look, click the Default theme (usually listed at the top). This doesn’t delete the custom theme, just stops using it.
8. If you want to delete the theme entirely, use the trash icon. The default theme will be applied automatically.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing extensions with themes: Themes change the look of the browser, extensions add functionality. Removing a theme doesn’t affect extensions and vice versa.
• Expecting Chrome Web Store themes to work without permission: Edge blocks them by default. You must explicitly allow other stores in the prompt.
• Looking for themes in the wrong place: Themes are not in the Extensions page itself; they are in the Add-ons store or Chrome Web Store.
• Not checking the preview: Some themes may have unusual color schemes. Always preview before adding.
• Forgetting that themes are browser-wide: A theme changes the entire browser chrome (tabs, toolbar, new tab background), not just the new tab page. If you only want a custom new tab background, you might need a new tab extension instead.

Tips

• Use the default theme for maximum performance: Custom themes can slightly affect performance, especially on low-end devices. If Edge feels sluggish, revert to the default.
• Sync your theme: If you sign in to Edge with your Microsoft account, your theme may sync across devices (check your sync settings).
• Create your own theme: You can create a custom theme using the Chrome Theme Creator tool (online) and then install it as an unpacked extension—but this is advanced. For most users, the store themes are enough.
• Check for updates: Themes occasionally get updated. You can update them from the Extensions page (click Details on the theme, then Update).
• Combine with dark mode: If you want a dark browser, consider using Edge’s built-in dark mode (Settings > Appearance > Overall appearance > Dark) instead of a theme—it’s more consistent.

Troubleshooting

• Theme doesn’t apply after clicking “Get”: Refresh the page or restart Edge. If it still doesn’t work, check your internet connection and try again.
• Chrome Web Store shows “This extension is not supported”: This happens when you haven’t allowed other stores. Go to the Chrome Web Store and click the banner that says “Allow extensions from other stores.” If the banner doesn’t appear, go to Edge Settings > Extensions > toggle on “Allow extensions from other stores.”
• Theme applies but looks broken (e.g., black text on black background): Some themes are outdated. Remove the theme and try a different one. You can also try restarting Edge to see if it’s a temporary glitch.
• Can’t find the trash icon for a theme: In Settings > Appearance > Theme, hover over the theme’s thumbnail—a trash icon may appear only on hover. If not, click the three-dot menu next to the theme.
• Theme resets after restart: This might be due to a corrupted profile. Try removing the theme, restarting Edge, and re-adding it. If the problem persists, consider resetting your Edge settings (Settings > Reset settings).
• New tab page doesn’t change: Some themes only affect the toolbar and tabs, not the new tab page. To change the new tab background, click the gear icon on the new tab page and choose a background image or upload your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Chrome themes in Edge without installing anything?

No, you need to install the theme from the Chrome Web Store or Edge Add-ons. There’s no way to manually apply a theme file without installing it.

Will installing a theme slow down my browser?

Generally, no. Themes are lightweight and only change colors and images. However, very complex themes with animations might have a minor impact. If you notice slowdowns, switch to the default theme.

How do I uninstall a theme completely?

Go to Edge Settings > Appearance > Theme, find the theme you want to remove, and click the trash icon. This deletes it from your browser.

Why do some themes show a different new tab page?

Some themes include a custom new tab page background. If you want to revert to the default new tab, you can disable the theme’s new tab override by going to Edge Settings > New tab page and choosing “Top sites” or a blank page.

Can I create my own theme for Edge?

Yes, you can create a custom theme using online tools like the Chrome Theme Creator. Once created, you’ll get a .crx file. You can then install it by going to Edge > Extensions > Manage Extensions > Load unpacked (after enabling Developer mode).

Do themes sync across my devices?

If you’re signed in to Edge with your Microsoft account and have sync enabled for “Appearance” (or “Settings”), your theme will sync. To check, go to Settings > Profiles > Sync > toggle on “Appearance.”

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