How can I force Windows to refresh Window Color Theme?

nuspieds · 19 Apr 2010

Hi,

I have a Registry file that manipulates the Window Color themes (the entries from [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM]).

The changes are made, but Windows does not refresh/reload the color settings. Only if I reboot do I see the changes.

I would like to see the changes take effect as soon as I change the registry values. Is there a program/utility I can run that does the same thing as the "Save Changes" in the Window Color Personalization dialog window?

I don't want to have to reboot to see my changes.

If you have any idea, please let me know.

Thanks!

not so gray matter · 19 Apr 2010

You might be able to get the colors to apply by cycling explorer.exe

Ctrl - Alt - Dlt | Close Explorer.exe | New process: explorer.exe

nuspieds · 19 Apr 2010

I tried that and it didn't work unfortunately.

Brink · 19 Apr 2010

Hello Nuspieds,

You might see if stopping and starting the Desktop Window Manager Session Manager Service may refresh it for you.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

nuspieds · 20 Apr 2010

Hi Shawn,

You're a genius!!!

Yep, stopping and starting the service does the trick.

I want everything to be automated, though, so I will be using a script/batch file to make the registry changes and then using the "net" command to stop and restart the DWM service.

Thanks for yoiur help!!!

Brink · 20 Apr 2010

You're most welcome Nuspieds. I'm happy to hear that you got it sorted. :)