NOTE: This option for using group policy is only available in the Windows 8.1 Pro and Windows 8.1 Enterprise editions.
1. From your Start screen, start typing gpedit.msc, and press Enter when finished.
NOTE: You could also press
+ R to open the Run dialog, type gpedit.msc, and click/tap on OK.2. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes.
3. In the left pane, click/tap on to expand Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Control Panel, and openPersonalization. (see screenshot below)
4. In the right pane of Personalization, double click/tap on Force a specific background and accent color. (see screenshot above)
5. Do step 6 or 7 below for what you would like to do.
6. To Allow Users to Change their own Background Color and Accent Color
A) Select (dot) Disabled or Not Configured, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below step 7C)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.
7. To Force Specific Default Background Color and Accent Color for All Users
A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 7C)
B) Go to the Microsoft sites below to lookup the hex number (#RGB value) of the colors you want to specify for the Start background color and Accent color.
C) Under Options, type in the hex number (#RGB value) of the color you want to specify for the Start background color (ex: #191970) and Accent color (ex: #4169E1), click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)
8. You can now close the Local Group Policy Editor window if you like.