I think I found a bug in Windows 8.1 or Outlook 2013 and I'm wondering if anyone can repro this.

1. Change your global default windows background color to something other than white (255 255 255) by hacking this registry key: [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Colors] - "Window"="255 255 255" (change it to different RGB)
2. Reboot
3. After boot, observe that windows bgcolors have changed to match your RGB.
4. Open Outlook 2013 (desktop software, not web client)
5. Observe that any newly-opened windows (try notepad for example) have reverted back to WHITE bgcolor.

This is absolutely driving me crazy. Is it a bug in windows. Does anyone know a solution?

Hi,

I attempted to reproduce this issue, and I think it is not a bug on every Windows 8.1 machine.

I changed the value to 198 198 198, reboot, open outlook and a notepad, the background color states as silver. I certainly searched on line and no similar cases.

Please check on that if the registry entry has been changed back? If not, try using the default theme in windows if you are using 3rd party theme, changing your preferred background from outlook. File->option->under the Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office section, look for the field that says Office Background. This changes the small decorative pattern at the top right of your screen.

Regards,

D. Wu

The reg entry stays the same and doesn't change, even though all windows (for example Notepad) goes to white AFTER opening Outlook 2013. I'll try the tip you mentioned at work tomorrow. Thanks.

Same here. After recent update, Outlook went from Dark Gray to White. Registry still showing the correct entry for Dark Gray. Removed KB3054855 and restarted Outlook 2013 and it solved the issue.

Hey,

I had the same issue with 8.1 or 8.

Recently have upgraded to Win10 and the color settings keeps its appearance everywhere. 

Well apart from the list of messages in the reading pane, but email preview in the reading pane keep the changed color of your choice.

Rony