Windows 8.1 custom title bars

Question

How do i set custom colors for active and inactive title bars, Windows 2000-style, in Windows 8.1?

I do not want to enable high contrast mode, because it makes Internet Explorer unusable.

Have you seen [this question](http://superuser.com/questions/470733/windows-8-color-settings-window-title) and the linked thread? Maybe it has some useful tips. — Karan, Mar 15 '13 at 01:08
Have a look as well into [this answer](http://superuser.com/a/594721/8672) requiring switching to the Aero Lite style themes. — harrymc, Dec 02 '13 at 14:33
If a commercial product is acceptable, you could try [WindowBlinds](http://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/) ($7.49, trial available). — harrymc, Dec 02 '13 at 14:50
@harrymc I know how to change the text color, i want to change the bar color too. — kinokijuf, Dec 02 '13 at 16:02
I suggest the trial version of WindowBlinds - if it can't do it then this is just plain impossible. — harrymc, Dec 02 '13 at 20:58
@harrymc I indicated that i want a solution that does not require admin rights. — kinokijuf, Dec 02 '13 at 21:49
I suggested this as a test, because I'm not sure that a solution exists. — harrymc, Dec 03 '13 at 06:13

score 3 · Answer 1 · edited Mar 20 '17 at 10:04

3

You cannot do it easily - not a feature provided by Microsoft. However there are couple of options for you:

This is probably the best one based on your requirements

Second option, which is not exactly what you are asking for but could still help

edited Mar 20 '17 at 10:04

Community

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answered Dec 03 '13 at 22:35

TomEus

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-1 would be better as comment – kinokijuf Dec 04 '13 at 06:48

harrymc · Answer 2 · 2013-12-07T08:22:08.043

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At the risk of getting under-voted, this is the answer according to my knowledge :

In Windows 8.1, registry options are available only for high contrast themes.
Therefore your only option is to customize a high contrast theme and make it less ugly.

Some third-party tools will help you with that task, for example WindowBlinds ($7.49, trial available).

edited Dec 07 '13 at 08:22

answered Dec 04 '13 at 08:20

harrymc

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-1 Please do not give non-answers, this is a bounty question. – kinokijuf Dec 04 '13 at 11:26
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Asking us to rewrite Windows is not acceptable, even with a bounty. Please don't under-vote people who just try to help. – harrymc Dec 04 '13 at 11:41

score 0 · Answer 3 · edited Mar 20 '17 at 10:17

0

Use the Classic theme for instance: https://superuser.com/a/844417/152134

edited Mar 20 '17 at 10:17

Community

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answered May 19 '16 at 19:13

Anixx

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Windows 8.1 custom title bars

3 Answers3