Edit Themes and Background Colors in Windows 10
Edited by Jay
6 Parts:
Personalizing the colors and theme in Windows is one of the first things users tend to do when firing up a new system. Being able to change the background color and wallpaper quickly is useful information to know, especially if you like to mix things up often. The Personalization section allows users to edit the; Background, Colors, Lock screen, Themes, Start menu, and the Taskbar.
In addition to setting up the background appearance and primary color scheme, we'll also show how to customize the lock screen. The lock screen is similar to the desktop except for quick status apps and details.
Although Windows 10 comes with a few decent looking stock themes, users can customize their own, or, add additional free or paid themes via the Microsoft store.
The following VisiHow tutorial was done using a Sager Laptop running Windows 10 Professional. If you're a Windows 10 home user, everything we cover will still apply, just the same.
Contents
Change the Background and Accent Color
- 1Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard simultaneously.
- 2When the Quick Link menu launches, click "Settings".
- 3From the Settings window, click "Personalization".
- 4Click the drop-down under Background and select, "Solid color".The first option selected in the left pane of Personalization is "Background".When the basic color pallet appears you can select one, or, click the "+" sign next to Custom color.
- 5In the Custom color window you can move the circle around to get the desired shade, and then fine tune it further with the horizontal slider.For additional color options, click "More".
- 6When you're satisfied with your selection, click "Done".Here in the More section you can enter RGB or hexadecimal values for specific background colors.
- 7Next, either choose one of the supplied defaults or click "Browse" to grab one of your own.To use an image or wallpaper for your desktop background, select "Picture" from the drop-down menu.You can also choose to have a slideshow with multiple images as your background wallpaper.
- 8Once you have your image selected, you can change how it will appear by clicking the drop-down menu under, "Choose a fit".
- 9For example; if your picture is smaller than the resolution of your display and you select "Center", it will place your wallpaper in the center of your desktop. For our example, we used a picture with the same size as our resolution, so we selected "Fill".Each Fit option will give your image a different appearance.
Edit Color Accent
- 1This is the color that will accent your windows and other functions.The second option in the Personalization section is "Color".If you selected a custom background (image or solid color), you check the box next to "Automatically pick an accent color from my background".
- 2You can have your accent color applied to; Start, Taskbar, Action center, and title bars.Selecting a custom color is done the same way you choose a color for your background (as covered in the steps above).You can also choose to have transparency on; this will allow whatever is behind the window to be visible.
- 3You can choose Light or Dark" as your primary mode.If you scroll down a little further, you'll see an option for "Default app mode".
Manage the Lock screen
- 1Select either; Windows spotlight, Picture, or Slideshow.Setting up the lock screen is the same as setting up your background (as covered above), with a couple of extra features.
2
If you'd like to get facts and tips on your lock screen, toggle the switch next to "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen"
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3
When the drop-down appears, select the app you'd like to have detailed status information displayed on your lock screen.
4
You can also have up to seven applications' quick status visible on the lock screen
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Choose and Customize Themes
- 1To make additional customizations, click "Sound".If you have selected a custom background picture/image and changed the accent color, it will default to a Custom theme.
- 2Remember to save your changes so they can be accessed later on,When the Sound window opens, you can create a custom sound scheme by enabling/disabling certain sounds for various alerts and features..To have no sounds at all, select "No sound" from the Sound scheme drop-down
- 3Click "Mouse cursor" for additional options.Custom themes also allow users to change how the mouse performs.
- 4You can use the default schemes, or, you can make your own by changing various options.Similar to the Sound window, you have multiple options to tweak and change.Again, remember to save any changes so they can be used again in the future.
- 5Click the "Save" button, then enter a name for the theme, followed by clicking "Save" once more.Once you're satisfied with your custom theme settings, it's time to save it.
- 6Windows 10 comes with a few preloaded themes that you can enable, or, you can find more by clicking "Get more themes in the store".
- 7There are both free and paid themes to choose from.Once in the Microsoft Store, have a look around.When you've found one, click it to bring up the detailed information screen.
- 8Click "Get" if you want to install the theme on your PC.On the apps/themes page, you'll see a more detailed overview.
High Contrast Settings
High contrast settings give users more options to make elements more visible and easier to read.
- 1Accessing the "High contrast settings" can be done via either the Background or "Color section in Personalization.
- 2Toggle the switch next to it, then choose a filter from the drop-down menu.The first option is "Color filters".
- 3Click the drop-down arrow to view the available preset themes.The second option is "High Contrast".
- 4Select a theme that best suits the look of your PC's main theme.
- 5Once a theme is selected, click "Apply" to make the changes go live.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
