i need to update background color in outlook desktop

Question

My outlook background has changed and I cant update it on the desktop app

Answer 1

using 365 family - the issue only happens when I reply to emails as shown in the screen shot

Thank you for letting me know.

If you haven't tried anything yet please start by:

Restart your PC:

• This helps refresh any background Outlook or connection issues.

If you're using Outlook New app, please try to reset the new Outlook app:

• Press the Windows key and search for Outlook.
• Right-click on it and select "App Settings".
• Scroll down to the Terminate section and click "Terminate".
• Then scroll down to the Reset section and click "Reset".
• Wait a moment, then try opening the app again to see if it works.
• If the issue persists, go back to the same settings, scroll down to the Reset section, and click on "Reset" (confirm the action if prompted).
• Restart your PC and test.

Check for Windows updates:

• Sometimes system updates include fixes for Outlook connectivity issues.
• Go to Settings > Windows Update, then click Check for updates.

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Let me know how it goes or if you have any further questions or concerns.

Answer 2

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

1. Are you using Microsoft Outlook on Windows with a work/school account or a personal account?
2. Did this happen after a recent Windows or Office update?
3. Is your whole Office app dark, or only Outlook?
4. Does Windows itself look dark or normal?

Please see "Dark Mode in Outlook" https://support.microsoft.com/office/dark-mode-in-outlook-3e2446e0-9a7b-4189-9af9-57fb94d02ae3

If the issue persists, please provide more details by answering my questions.

Click "Add comment" below to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 3

To update the background color in the Outlook desktop app, you can use the following steps:

1. Right-click on the control (like a calendar or email) and click Properties.
2. On the Display tab, select an option from the Foreground color or Background color list boxes. A preview will appear in the Font box.

If you want to use a custom color:

1. In the Forms Designer, right-click the control and select Advanced Properties.
2. Click the BackColor or ForeColor property.
3. Click the ellipsis button (...) in the Properties dialog box.
4. Choose an existing custom color or define a new custom color by adjusting the settings in the color spectrum and adding it to the palette.
5. Click OK to apply the custom color to the current control.

If you are facing issues with the background color not updating, ensure that you are not using an IMAP account, as color categories and certain features may be limited for IMAP accounts in Outlook 2016.

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References:

• Use a System Color for a Background or Foreground
• Use a Custom Color for the Background or Foreground of a Control
• You can't assign color categories for IMAP accounts in Outlook 2016