Office Settings & Configuration

How to Stop Microsoft Office Color Theme from Changing Automatically

Muhammad Talha Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent Microsoft Office applications from automatically changing their color theme.

How to Stop Microsoft Office Color Theme from Changing

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: The user prefers a consistent visual appearance in Office applications and wants to disable automatic theme switching caused by system settings or updates.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Office applications unexpectedly switch between different color schemes, overriding the user's preferred blue-and-white appearance.

Before you start

Ensure your Windows operating system is not set to automatically switch between light and dark modes based on the time of day, as this can affect Office themes if 'Use system setting' is currently enabled.

Solution 1Recommended

Set a Fixed Color Theme in Office Settings

Manually select your preferred color theme in the Office settings to override any system-wide appearance changes.

By default, Microsoft Office might be configured to match your Windows system theme. Changing the Office Theme setting to a specific color scheme ensures it remains consistent regardless of system changes.

Open Office Options

Open any Microsoft Office application, such as Word or Excel. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the left sidebar.

Locate Personalization Settings

In the Options window, ensure you are on the 'General' tab. Scroll down to the section labeled 'Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office'.

Select a Specific Theme

Click the dropdown menu next to 'Office Theme'. Select 'Colorful' to keep the classic blue-and-white appearance, or choose another specific theme like 'Dark Gray' or 'White'. Do not select 'Use system setting'.

Apply Changes

Click 'OK' at the bottom of the window. This theme will now apply consistently across all your Microsoft Office applications.

Set a Fixed Color Theme in Office Settings

Global Application: Changing the theme in one application (like Word) automatically updates the theme across all other Office applications (like Excel and PowerPoint) linked to your account.

Solution 2

Verify Organization-Managed Office Policies

If you are using a work or school computer, your IT administrator might enforce specific themes that override manual settings.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Consistent, Customizable Workspace

Tired of unexpected setting changes in Microsoft Office? Try WPS Office. It provides a stable, highly customizable user interface with seamless compatibility for all your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations—completely free.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your Windows, Mac, or Linux device.
2. Customize Your Workspace: Open WPS Office and click on the 'Skin' or 'Settings' icon in the top right corner to select a permanent theme (like Dark, Light, or Custom) that will never change automatically.
3. Open Your Office Files: Drag and drop any existing Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files into WPS Office to continue working seamlessly with your preferred appearance.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Lightweight and runs smoothly on older or low-spec devicesStable customization settings that stay exactly how you leave themFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate tabbed user interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Microsoft Word automatically turn black at night?

Your Office Theme is likely set to 'Use system setting', and your Windows operating system is configured to switch to Dark Mode in the evening. To fix this, go to File > Options > General, and change the Office Theme from 'Use system setting' to 'Colorful' or 'White'.

Does changing the theme in Word affect Excel and PowerPoint?

Yes, the Office Theme setting applies globally to your Microsoft account on that device. Changing the theme in Word will automatically update the appearance in Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other installed Office apps.

What is the difference between Office Background and Office Theme?

The Office Theme changes the overall color scheme of the application window (including ribbons, menus, and backgrounds), while the Office Background simply adds a small decorative pattern or illustration to the top-right corner of the application window.

Office App Problems