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:
- Create a system restore point.
- Patch your system files with UXTheme Multi-patcher.
- Download Snow Leopard for Windows 7.
- Take Ownership of Your Files.
- 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:
- Download UXTheme Multi-patcher.
- Extract the download, right click UXTheme Multipatcher.exe, click Run as Administrator.
- When UXTheme Multi-patcher loads, click Patch.
- Wait while the program patches your files and makes a backup of your originals.
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:
- Click an ad to get to the files (not a fan of this.)
- 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.
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.)
- Download a program like 7-zip.
- Right click the downloaded executable and click 7-Zip > Open archive.
- Extract snd.wmv.
- Rename snd.wmv to snd.zip.
- Open the zip file and extract the contents to your desktop.
Take Ownership of Your Files
To learn more about taking ownership of a file, go here.
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:
- Go to C:\Windows and locate explorer.exe
- Rename explorer.exe to explorer.exe.backup.
- Copy the explorer.exe file from the theme folders to C:\Windows.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for shell32.dll and ExplorerFrame.dll (Welcome center file is optional.)
- Double check you have replaced all system files as noted above.
- Copy the theme files in the Themes folder to C:\Windows\Resources\Themes:
- Important: reboot your computer.
- Right click the desktop and click Personalize.
- Click the Snow Leopard theme to apply the style.
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.
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Hey Rich,
I see nothing about creating a dock on the theme’s download page…little help please.
Try rocket dock (this has stacks afaik.)
Got it! But I’m also going to try Nexus and xDock. Thanks
I’m interested to see which you prefer.
Rich,
The explorer.exe is not letting me overwrite it with the new one. I can’t take control of it. Any ideas?
Yes I’m not at a computer to get a link but search this site for “take ownership”
Let me clear up my last. Explorer.exe will not let me rename it or overwrite it.
I tested it on Vista Ultimate in a virtual machine and had no issues.
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!
This may be better answered by the author of the theme but as far as my testing went, this worked in Vista.
Great themes. Almost like a real snow leopard. Thanx
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.
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.
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.
but, why would i want to make my beautiful look like this dummie OS XD
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.
what is password to extract file snow leopard . in the step Extract the Files Manually .
They probably updated the archive as there wasn’t one before.