Windows 7: How can I force Windows to refresh Window Color Theme?

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!

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

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

I tried that and it didn't work unfortunately.

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

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!!!

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