Changing Colors

Colors are used to differentiate between objects and features, and to indicate the state or condition of icons and windows.

You can change the color of the following objects and features:

1.     Windows, window borders, and Application Backgrounds

2.     Title Bars and Menu Bars

3.     3D Objects (i.e.- window borders, buttons)

4.     Desktop and Selected Icons (i.e.- highlight color)

5.     Tool Tips

When do I change colors?

Generally, color changes are a matter of personal taste. However, there are often practical reasons to change Windows colors. For example, changing the window color to a softer shade might be easier on your eyes than stark white.

How do I change the color of desktop features and windows?

Open the Display Properties window from the desktop:

1.     Click the RIGHT mouse button in an empty space of the desktop

2.     Click "Properties" on the menu that appears.

Change colors to a pre-defined color scheme:

1.     Click the "Appearance" tab in the Display Properties window

2.     Click the black triangle at the right side of the "Scheme" field.

3.     Use the scroll bar to peruse the available color schemes.

4.     Click a color scheme, and preview the effect in the top half of the Display Properties         window.

5.     Click "Cancel" if you do not want to make the change.

6.     Click "OK" or "Apply" to make the change.

Change the colors of the desktop and window background:

1.     Click the "Appearance" tab in the Display Properties window.

2.     Click the black triangle at the right side of the "Item" field.

3.     Use the scroll bar to search and click "Desktop."

4.     Click the black triangle under "Color."

5.     Click to choose a color for the desktop.

6.     Click the black triangle at the right side of the "Item" field

7.     Use the scroll bar to search and click "Window."

8.     Click the black triangle under "Color."

9.     Click to choose a color for window background.

10.    Click "OK."