Changing the background color in Windows Photo Viewer can enhance image viewing and editing. While not directly supported, a simple registry edit allows customization. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to change the background color to black, gray, or any custom color.
Windows Photo Viewer, while simple, lacks a built-in option to change the background color. By default, it’s white, which can sometimes be less than ideal for viewing certain images. This tutorial demonstrates how to modify the Windows registry to achieve a customized background color, improving the viewing experience.
Changing the Background Color via Registry Edit
This process involves editing the Windows registry. While generally safe, it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully. Incorrect modifications can potentially cause system issues.
Steps:
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Open the Registry Editor: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “regedit” and press Enter. Confirm the User Account Control prompt if it appears.
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Navigate to the Correct Key: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindows Photo ViewerViewer. This specific key holds the settings related to Windows Photo Viewer. -
Create a New DWORD Value: Right-click in the right pane of the Registry Editor, select “New,” and then choose “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Name this new value “BackgroundColor.” This value will store the hexadecimal color code for your chosen background.
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Modify the DWORD Value: Double-click the newly created “BackgroundColor” value. In the “Value data” field, enter “ff” followed by the six-digit hexadecimal color code for your desired background color. For example, “ff000000” for black or “ff808080” for gray. You can find hexadecimal color codes online using a color picker tool.
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Apply the Changes: Click “OK” to save the changes and close the Registry Editor. Restart Windows Photo Viewer or your computer for the changes to take effect.
Black Background in Windows Photo Viewer
A black background significantly enhances the visibility of image borders, making editing tasks easier. It also makes images stand out, particularly useful when reviewing and selecting photos.
Green Background in Windows Photo Viewer
Experimenting with different colors, like a shade of gray or green, can further personalize your viewing experience. Gray offers a neutral middle ground between black and white, while other colors can suit specific image types or personal preferences.
This method works on Windows 8 and should also function on Windows XP and Windows 7 as these operating systems include Windows Photo Viewer. Windows Vista users, who utilize Windows Photo Gallery, may need to find the corresponding registry key for their application.
This tutorial, inspired by How-To Geek, offers a valuable solution for enhancing the Windows Photo Viewer experience. By customizing the background color, users gain a more effective and personalized image viewing environment. Remember to exercise caution while editing the registry and always back up your system before making any changes.
