Web Analytics



If you’d like to convert your Windows Vista or 7 to make it look like OS X Snow Leopard, you can learn how in this guide. Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:

  1. Create a system restore point.
  2. Patch your system files with UXTheme Multi-patcher.
  3. Download Snow Leopard for Windows 7.
  4. Take Ownership of Your Files.
  5. Install Snow Leopard for Windows 7 theme.

Please note: this guide involves modifying system files and you should proceed with caution.

Create a System Restore Point

You should first create a system restore point so you can roll back any unintended changes. If you are unsure of how to do this, follow this guide: Create a system restore point.

Patch your System Files with UXTheme Multi-patcher

To install third-party themes, you will need to patch your system files. The easiest way to do this is with UXTheme Multi-patcher:

  1. Download UXTheme Multi-patcher.
  2. Extract the download, right click UXTheme Multipatcher.exe, click Run as Administrator.Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 09
  3. When UXTheme Multi-patcher loads, click Patch.Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 10
  4. Wait while the program patches your files and makes a backup of your originals.Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 11

At any time, you can open the program again and restore your files to their original state by clicking Restore.

Download Snow Leopard for Windows 7

Download the  Snow Leopard for Windows Theme. To extract the theme, you have two options:

  1. Click an ad to get to the files (not a fan of this.)
  2. Extract the files manually.

It’s up to you to decide what you’d like to do to extract the file:

Click an Ad to Get to the Files

If you double click on the downloaded executable, you’ll be asked to watch an ad. The download will then extract to your desktop and you’re ready to install the theme.

Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 01

Extract the Files Manually

If you disagree with the practice above, you can extract the files manually (this method works at the time of writing this guide.)

  1. Download a program like 7-zip.
  2. Right click the downloaded executable and click 7-Zip > Open archive.Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 02
  3. Extract snd.wmv.Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 03
  4. Rename snd.wmv to snd.zip.Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 04
  5. Open the zip file and extract the contents to your desktop.Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 05

Take Ownership of Your Files

To learn more about taking ownership of a file, go here.

Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 07

The next step is to take ownership (Take Ownership registry hack) of two system files that you’ll be replacing (the Welcome Center file is optional and should also be owned if you use Welcome Center):

  • C:\Windows\system32\shell32.dll
  • C:\Windows\system32\ExplorerFrame.dll

Install Snow Leopard for Windows 7 Theme

To install the theme:

  1. Go to C:\Windows and locate explorer.exe
  2. Rename explorer.exe to explorer.exe.backup.
  3. Copy the explorer.exe file from the theme folders to C:\Windows.Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 06
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 for shell32.dll and ExplorerFrame.dll (Welcome center file is optional.)
  5. Double check you have replaced all system files as noted above.
  6. Copy the theme files in the Themes folder to C:\Windows\Resources\Themes:Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 08
  7. Important: reboot your computer.
  8. Right click the desktop and click Personalize.Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 12
  9. Click the Snow Leopard theme to apply the style.Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Leopard 13

Your desktop should look something like this:

If you want to add a dock to make it look even more like OS X or add even more customization, you can follow the instructions on the theme’s download page.

About Rich

Rich is the owner and creator of Windows Guides; he spends his time breaking things on his PC so he can write how-to guides to fix them.

Free PC tips by email

Search Windows Guides




Comments

18 thoughts on “Style Your PC Desktop to Look Like OS X Snow Leopard [How To]”

  1. Johng says:

    Hey Rich,

    I see nothing about creating a dock on the theme’s download page…little help please.

    1. Rich says:

      Try rocket dock (this has stacks afaik.)

      1. Johng says:

        Got it! But I’m also going to try Nexus and xDock. Thanks

      2. Rich says:

        I’m interested to see which you prefer.

      3. Johng says:

        Rich,

        The explorer.exe is not letting me overwrite it with the new one. I can’t take control of it. Any ideas?

      4. Rich says:

        Yes I’m not at a computer to get a link but search this site for “take ownership”

      5. Johng says:

        Let me clear up my last. Explorer.exe will not let me rename it or overwrite it.

  2. Rich says:

    I tested it on Vista Ultimate in a virtual machine and had no issues.

    1. Kimjinwan says:

      I’m sorry but I’m not very good with this – I have Windows Vista 32 bit – as there are no problems with Vista Ultimate – would there be no problems with mine system?

      Thank you!

      1. Rich says:

        This may be better answered by the author of the theme but as far as my testing went, this worked in Vista.

  3. sokobanja says:

    Great themes. Almost like a real snow leopard. Thanx

  4. Rich says:

    Thanks for sharing your feedback.

    I’ve always recommended ObjectDock (I don’t use a dock myself) but I mostly recommend this to non-tech “savvy” users. I’ve always heard Rocket Dock is good. I tried it a year ago and was pretty impressed.

  5. Alexandra Lawrenz says:

    Hey Rich—this is a great article for users that prefer the look of Snow Leopard. Have you ever tried using ObjectDock to install a Snow Leopard-like dock on your Windows PC? This tool has been around for many years and adds a Mac-like dock to either side of your desktop. It supports transparency effects and lets you easily add shortcuts via drag & drop. We actually put together a short guide on how to ObjectDock on our blog. Take a look if you’re interested, and let us know what you think: http://bit.ly/9FrGhN.

    1. Rich says:

      I used ObjectDock for some time and covered it long ago [link] (I’m sure much has changed since then) so I appreciate you sharing an updated article.

  6. Ernesto021 says:

    but, why would i want to make my beautiful look like this dummie OS XD

  7. JustinzHereNow says:

    use left sider to to get the exit, maximize/ make windows small, and minimize button on the left. or you can go get the theme on windows blinds. and also use ivista leopard dock. it includes all the mac icons and more.

  8. DeeP says:

    what is password to extract file snow leopard . in the step Extract the Files Manually .

    1. Rich says:

      They probably updated the archive as there wasn’t one before.

Comments are closed.


Computer tips in your inbox
Sign up for the Windows Guides newsletter to get PC tips and access to free Windows books (More details)

Subscribe now
Popular Guides

See which sites have been visited on your PC (even if private browsing mode is used)

Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc

Best Free Anti-malware

Hibernate vs. Sleep vs. Shut-Down

i3, i5, and i7; Dual, Quad, Hexa Core Processors. How to they Differ?

Intel's Ivy Bridge Processor: new Features

Windows Guides on Facebook