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FIX: Windows can’t find one of the files in this theme

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Some users have stated that an annoyingSave a Themeerror message pops up on their Windows desktops.

The full error message states:Windows can’t find one of the files in this theme. Do you still want to save the theme?

That error message pops up randomly and is mainly due to missing theme files and elements.

What are the causes of this Windows theme error?

A theme can contain lots of elements like an image, an icon, a cursor, or even a sound file and if any of them are missing, the system won’t be able to identify it properly.

The error message is produced by a service calledSettingSyncHost. By default, the Syncing Themes option is activated, and when this process is trying to synchronize your theme to your Microsoft account, it fails.

One possibility is that you downloaded a third-party theme that has problematic elements or that points to non-existent components.

There’s also the chance you added some elements yourself that are not compatible with the theme or you deleted some files from the theme.

Knowing about the causes that trigger this problem, let’s look at the resolutions for the Save a Theme error.

What can I do if Windows can’t find one of the theme files?

1. Change the theme

Alternatively, you can clickGet more themesin Microsoft Store to download a new theme and then add that one to the desktop. Luckily, we have a list that includes some of thebest Windows 10 themes.

2. Delete the theme and install it again

If you prefer to retain your current theme, try deleting and reinstalling it instead. Downloading the theme again should ensure there are no missing elements.

It’s not very complicated but if you don’t know,learn how to install third-party themes on Windows 10that will help you do that quickly.

3. Switch the Theme Background setting to Picture

If the theme is a slideshow, and most are, switching it to one background might fix theSave a Themeerror.

4. Disable your custom screen saver

This error can also occur because you probably installed a screensaver that is not compatible with your theme and removing it may solve the problem quickly.

5. Switch off the Theme Sync setting

Windows 10 includes aThemesync setting that’s selected by default for those signed in with Microsoft accounts.

That option synchronizes (or matches) the desktop theme across all the Windows 10 devices a user might utilize with the same Microsoft account.

Users have confirmed that switching theThemesync option off fixes theSave a Themeerror. You can toggle that setting off as described above.

Some readers have also confirmed that toggling the sync option off and then back on can also fix the issue. As such, you might not need to leave syncing off.

So you may try toggling the theme syncing back on after restarting Windows to keep the device synchronization.

This problem can also appear because one of the images in the theme was deleted or it was moved to another location on your PC.

If you know what image is missing, search it by using the File Manager app. However, there are slim chances you will remember its exact name.

Those resolutions will help you fix theSave a Themeerror message in Windows 10. We also have a huge list of over160 best free Windows 10 themes to downloadand change the old one.

Do you have another solution for this issue? If so, feel free to share it below.

FIX: Windows can’t find one of the files in this theme#

What are the causes of this Windows theme error?#

What can I do if Windows can’t find one of the theme files?#

1. Change the theme#

2. Delete the theme and install it again#

3. Switch the Theme Background setting to Picture#

4. Disable your custom screen saver#

5. Switch off the Theme Sync setting#