How to Properly Install Custom Google Chrome Themes
By James Lee Phillips
Google makes installing themes in the Chrome browser easy enough for the novice computer user. All you have to do is go to the Web Store, select the themes section and choose the theme you want to install. However, there are a myriad of custom themes for Chrome that aren't offered by the Google Web Store, and getting them applied to your browser takes a few extra steps that may not be intuitive to all users.
Step 1
Launch Google Chrome.
Step 2
Right-click the Windows "Start" button and select "Open Windows Explorer." Navigate to the Downloads folder, where the themes would be saved if downloaded. Custom themes are saved with the ".crx" file extension.
Step 3
Drag and drop the custom theme file onto your browser window.
Step 4
Click "Add" on the Confirm New Theme dialog box.
References
Tips
- If you're having trouble locating downloaded themes, check the default Chrome extensions folder, which is usually at C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions.
Warnings
- Any theme that is offered from a source other than the official Google Chrome Web Store presents a potential risk of malicious code or other unwanted complications. It's better to download CRX files manually and scan them with security software before applying them to your Chrome browser. If you are knowledgeable enough, you can take a peek at the code to see if anything is embedded in it.
Writer Bio
James Lee Phillips has been a writer since 1994, specializing in technology and intellectual property issues. He holds a Bachelor of Science in communications and philosophy from SUNY Fredonia.