Office Settings & Configuration

How to Change the Status Bar Color to White in Microsoft Office

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants both the status bar and the menu bar in Microsoft Office to display in white simultaneously, but current theme options are rendering one of the bars in orange.

Product: Microsoft Office (PowerPoint)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing the application interface and visual theme to achieve a completely white workspace.
Observed behavior: When applying the 'White' theme, the status bar turns orange. When selecting other themes, the menu bar turns orange. A fully white interface is not natively achievable in the user's current build.

Before you start

Verify your current Microsoft Office version and build number, as interface customization and theme behaviors vary significantly between Microsoft 365 and standalone versions like Office 2021.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Office and Adjust Theme Settings

Check your current Office version and install the latest updates to ensure you have access to the most recent theme customization options.

Microsoft frequently updates the user interface and theme behaviors in Microsoft 365 and Office versions. Older builds (like early Office 2021 versions) use an orange status bar as an accent color when the White theme is active.

Please note that depending on your specific version, Microsoft may not provide a built-in setting that makes both the status bar and the menu bar white at the exact same time.

Open Office Account Settings

Launch PowerPoint or any other Office application. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, then select 'Account' from the bottom-left menu.

Check Version and Build

Look under the 'Product Information' section on the right side of the screen to identify your current Office version and build number.

Update Office

Click on 'Update Options' located next to Office Updates, and select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu to download and install the latest features.

Test Office Themes

Once updated, return to the Account menu. Click the 'Office Theme' dropdown menu and toggle between 'White', 'Colorful', and 'Use system setting' to see if the updated build provides your desired color combination.

Theme Limitations: If you are using a perpetual license like Office 2021, UI changes are less frequent than Microsoft 365. You might not be able to bypass the orange accent color without upgrading.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for a Clean, Customizable Interface

If Microsoft Office's limited theme options and forced accent colors are frustrating, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a sleek, modern, and highly customizable user interface that is easy on the eyes, while offering seamless compatibility for all your existing files.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
2. Install and Open: Run the installer, then open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents directly.
3. Customize Your Theme: Navigate to the settings menu to choose a clean, visually appealing theme that suits your workflow without forced orange accents.

Highly customizable user interface with a clean, modern aesthetic.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight application that runs smoothly on both older and newer devices.Familiar tabbed interface that makes switching from Microsoft Office seamless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Office status bar turn orange when I select the White theme?

In many builds of Microsoft Office, the White theme deliberately uses an orange status bar as an accent color to distinguish the active window state and provide visual contrast. This is a hard-coded design choice by Microsoft.

Can I make both the menu bar and status bar white at the same time in Office 2021?

In most builds of Office 2021, this combination is not natively possible due to built-in theme restrictions. You may need to update to the latest Microsoft 365 build to see if the interface behavior has been updated.

Where do I find the Office theme settings to change my application colors?

You can change your theme by opening any Office application, clicking on 'File', selecting 'Account' (or navigating to 'File' > 'Options' > 'General'), and then choosing a new appearance from the 'Office Theme' dropdown menu.

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