Can't change my desktop (Windows 8)
Just upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 8. I right click on my desktop and click personalize. Everything appears like Windows 7 did, including my themes. But every time I switch themes, everything but the default background changes. I've tried clicking "Desktop Background" and changing it from there, but nothing works. Anyone else having this problem, or hopefully a fix?
October 29th, 2012 9:51am

Restart your PC and try again.

Update your Windows.

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October 29th, 2012 2:48pm

I do! I have no idea how to fix this...if u find any solution please help out please! email jeswinsam92 at ymail.com  who knowz please help out! thank you!!!

October 30th, 2012 1:15am

I have the same problem. Anyone from MSFT that can help us??
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October 30th, 2012 6:43pm

Hi,

Sometimes the issue can be caused by the active problem on Windows 8, please check if Windows 8 has been activated

Furthermore, try to perform a system refresh for test.

Regards,

Leo   Huang

October 31st, 2012 9:22am

Hi Leo,

My Windows 8 is already activated with a key... I can change colors and backgrounds on the Start screen, also the lock screen, but I cannot select an specific theme for my desktop yet. I can see that some change happens, because the window bars change colors, but the background doesn't. I do even hear an alert sound whenever I click on a theme, like it happened in Windows 7, but the background remains the same.

Thanks!

Mau


  • Edited by MauAntunez Wednesday, October 31, 2012 2:28 PM
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October 31st, 2012 5:28pm

I'm having the same issue.  Windows 8 is activated and I can change all colors and everything but I can't change my desktop background or theme.
November 5th, 2012 6:17am

Try to perform a system refresh:

Enter the Start screen
Click Control Panel
Click General on the left column
Under the Refresh your PC without affecting your files, click Get started

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November 5th, 2012 12:46pm

Try going to C:\Users\YOUR USERNAME HERE\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Themes\CachedFiles and copy the name of that pic. Then save the pic you want to your computer and rename it to the Catched image file. Then drag and drop your picture into CachedFiles. Press replace file when it asks. Finally it wont immediately change by itself, but if you hold down right click on the desktop and drag a box around the new pic will update. Yeah, it's weird... but works!
December 7th, 2012 2:54am

would I have to keep doing this each time I turn on my computer? or would it stick once i don't trouble the themes?
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January 7th, 2013 7:47pm

Hello.

I am not sure if this will help, but it solved the problem that I had, which I think it was similar to yours.

Go to Start screen and type "Ease of Access Center". Then (from the three sections that appear below the search box that you've just filled) choose settings. On your left you will then have the "Ease of Access Center" "shortcut". Choose it.

Then, at that window choose the link "Make the computer easier to use".

Then uncheck the "Remove background images (where available)" (if it is checked, of course!) and scroll to the bottom of the page, hit the "Apply" button and finally, the "Ok" button.

Check if that solved the problem.

If the "Remove background images (where available)" setting wasn't checked in the first place, then my problem was different from yours and I apologise for giving inaccurate info..

Best regards

  • Proposed as answer by wmriester Tuesday, April 30, 2013 11:35 PM
January 21st, 2013 2:28am

Thanks!!!!
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May 1st, 2013 2:36am

OK I have had this problem and did what is sensible and contacted Microsoft by phone directly and got great support and the problem was solved for me.

first

go to settings and  touch or click 'search'

now touch or click 'settings'

then in the input box

type 'ease' without the quotes

this will bring up search options for you.

from the list select EASE OF ACCESS CENTER

this will open a dialogue on the desktop

in this dialogue select MAKE THE COMPUTER EASIER TO SEE

WHEN THIS FORM OPENS, UN-SELECT EVERYTHING.

then click or touch OK.

This should fix the problem.

The fix was supplied to me by Microsoft who are ready to help

my advice after having this problem for a few weeks and trying to get a solution here,  is.....

Call Microsoft first.

by the way... I am a Mac user so have no axe to grind here just trying to help others with a problem.

September 18th, 2013 3:59am

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