Windows 10 allows users to customize various visual elements, including the color of the translucent selection rectangle that appears when you click and drag to select multiple items on the desktop or in File Explorer. This guide will show you how to change the color of the translucent selection rectangle by modifying the Windows Registry.
Introduction
The translucent selection rectangle color can be customized by editing specific registry values. The HotTrackingColor value represents the color of the translucent selection rectangle, while the Hilight value represents the border color of the selection rectangle.
Steps to Change Translucent Selection Rectangle Color in Windows 10
Step 01: Open the Registry Editor
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes” to allow the Registry Editor to make changes to your device.
Step 02: Navigate to the Required Registry Key
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelColors
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Step 03: Modify the HotTrackingColor Value
Locate the HotTrackingColor value in the right pane. Double-click on HotTrackingColor to modify its value.
Enter the new color values as a string in the format R G B where R, G, and B are the red, green, and blue components of the color, respectively. For example, to change the color to a shade of green, you might enter 0 255 0. Click “OK” to save the changes.
Step 04: Modify the Hilight Value
Locate the Hilight value in the same registry path. Double-click on Hilight to modify its value.
Enter the new border color values in the same R G B format. For example, to change the border color to red, you might enter 255 0 0. Click “OK” to save the changes.
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Step 05: Restart Your Computer
To apply the changes, you need to restart your computer. Save any open work and restart your system.
Additional Information
Default Values: If you wish to revert to the default colors, use the following values:
Hilight:0 120 215HotTrackingColor:0 102 204
Color Selection: You can use an online color picker tool to find the RGB values of your desired color. Simply input the desired color and note down the RGB values to use in the registry.
Backup the Registry: Before making any changes to the registry, it is recommended to back up your registry settings. In the Registry Editor, click on “File” and select “Export.” Choose a location to save the backup file. This allows you to restore the registry if anything goes wrong.
Troubleshooting
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Incorrect Colors: If the new colors do not appear correctly, double-check the RGB values entered in the registry. Ensure there are no extra spaces or incorrect formats.
Registry Access: If you are unable to access or modify the registry, ensure you are logged in with an account that has administrative privileges.
By following these steps, you can easily change the color of the translucent selection rectangle in Windows 10, customizing your visual experience to better suit your preferences.
