Solved How can I force Windows to refresh Window Color Theme?

nuspieds

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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!
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
You might be able to get the colors to apply by cycling explorer.exe

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

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I tried that and it didn't work unfortunately.
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
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
 

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PC/Desktop
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Self built custom
OS
64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
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Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
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64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz
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Hi Shawn,

You're a genius!!! :D

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!!!
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
You're most welcome Nuspieds. I'm happy to hear that you got it sorted. :)
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self built custom
OS
64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
CPU
Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
Motherboard
ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
Memory
64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
Sound Card
Integrated
Monitor(s) Displays
2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
PSU
Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
Case
Thermaltake Core P3
Cooling
Corsair Hydro H115i
Keyboard
Logitech wireless K800
Mouse
Logitech MX Master 4
Internet Speed
2 Gb/s Download and 100 Mb/s Upload
Antivirus
Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
Browser
Google Chrome
Other Info
Logitech Z625 speaker system,
Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Is there a way to do so without stopping DWM?
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
OS
Windows 7

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self built custom
OS
64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
CPU
Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
Motherboard
ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
Memory
64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
Sound Card
Integrated
Monitor(s) Displays
2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
PSU
Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
Case
Thermaltake Core P3
Cooling
Corsair Hydro H115i
Keyboard
Logitech wireless K800
Mouse
Logitech MX Master 4
Internet Speed
2 Gb/s Download and 100 Mb/s Upload
Antivirus
Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
Browser
Google Chrome
Other Info
Logitech Z625 speaker system,
Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
Galaxy S23 Plus phone
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