Change Windows 8 Background Color - Get Rid of the Purple!

Addressing a Frustrating Windows 8 Color Scheme

Occasionally, it’s the larger operating system alterations that prove most irritating. However, sometimes it’s a seemingly minor detail, such as a displeasing background color, that causes significant annoyance. This article details how to modify the background and accent color within Windows 8.

A User's Dilemma

Here's a query received from a user experiencing this issue:

Dear How-To Geek,

I find the default purple color in Windows 8 incredibly bothersome. Its intensity is visually jarring. I desire a more subdued and muted tone, perhaps a gentle gray.

I assure you, I’ve already attempted to resolve this myself. I’ve thoroughly examined every menu I could locate, but the setting appears to be absent. I even conducted online searches, including reviewing an article from your website regarding Windows 8 start screen customization, yet the setting described is no longer present. I cannot find any control – no box, checkmark, or button – to initiate the process. What has changed?

I am using Windows 8.1, without any additional updates or interface modifications. Please help!

Sincerely,

Purple Hatin’

We acknowledge your proactive efforts in searching for a solution. Rest assured, the setting isn’t simply missing; its location was altered by Microsoft between Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, and moved to a less obvious place.

The Shift in Windows 8.1

In the original Windows 8 iteration, accessing the color customization options involved navigating through the Charms bar (activated by pressing WIN+C), then selecting Change PC Settings, followed by Personalize, and finally, Start Screen. The desired color combination could then be chosen from the slider interface at the bottom of the Start Screen customization panel.

This method was detailed in a previous article and likely appeared in many of your search results. However, with the Windows 8.1 update, this menu was relocated and effectively concealed. This change likely reflects Microsoft’s attempt to distance itself from the initially unpopular Modern UI.

Related: How to Get Rid of the Modern Environment on a Windows 8 PC

Locating the Hidden Setting

To adjust the colors now, you must utilize the search function. You can access the search by pressing WIN+C to open the Charms menu and clicking the search icon. Alternatively, for quicker access, simply press WIN+W to directly open the search box: