How to Change Windows Explorer Background Color

By Ruri Ranbe

Windows Classic was used as the default theme in earlier versions of Microsoft Windows.
i Nick White/Digital Vision/Getty Images

The Windows operating system includes numerous features you can use to personalize the appearance of your computer. Nonetheless, even though Aero -- the default theme in Windows 7 -- enables users to change the color of the window borders, taskbar and Start menu, you can't alter any other parts of the theme. To change the background color in Windows Explorer and other applications, such as Notepad and WordPad, you must switch to Windows Classic.

Step 1

Press "Windows-D" to minimize all windows. Right-click the desktop.

Step 2

Click "Personalize." Under Basic and High Contract Themes, click "Windows Classic."

Step 3

Select "Window Color" from the toolbar. Choose "Window" from the Item drop-down menu.

Step 4

Choose a color from the options. Click "Other" to create a custom color, if preferred.

Step 5

Click "OK" to change the background color in Windows Explorer.

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