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How to Fix Microsoft Whiteboard Background Colors Missing
Question details
Users are unable to select various background colors in Microsoft Whiteboard, as the options have been limited to only black, white, and gray shades.
- Product
- Microsoft Whiteboard
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to change the background color of a Microsoft Whiteboard canvas.
- Observed behavior
- The background color palette only displays shades of black, white, and gray, missing the standard vibrant color options previously available.
Ensure your device has an active internet connection to sync the latest updates from Microsoft, and check whether you are using the web version or the desktop application of Microsoft Whiteboard.
Update and Restart Microsoft Whiteboard
Check for the latest app updates to resolve potential bugs or feature regressions introduced in previous versions.
Microsoft frequently updates Whiteboard, and missing features are often the result of a temporary service-side glitch or an incomplete update rollout. Ensuring you are on the latest version is the quickest way to restore missing functionalities.
Launch the Microsoft Store (or App Store/Google Play, depending on your device).
Search for 'Microsoft Whiteboard' and check if an 'Update' button is available. If so, click it to install the latest version.
Completely close the Microsoft Whiteboard application and relaunch it. Open a board and check the Format Background settings to see if the color palette is restored.
Use the Whiteboard Web Version as a Workaround
If the desktop app is experiencing a temporary service-side glitch, the web version might still retain the full background color options.
Submit Feedback to Microsoft
Since this issue is often a service-side change or feature regression, reporting it directly to Microsoft helps prioritize a fix.
Try WPS Office for Your Collaborative and Presentation Needs
If you are frustrated by unexpected feature changes and missing tools in Microsoft apps, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, complete with rich presentation tools, drawing capabilities, and seamless document management.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and click on the 'Download WPS Office Free' button.
- 2. Install and launch: Run the downloaded installer and open the application on your computer.
- 3. Start creating: Open WPS Presentation to enjoy seamless creation with full color tools, drawing options, and robust file compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Microsoft Whiteboard background colors suddenly disappear?
This usually happens due to a recent app update rolling out a temporary service-side change or a software bug that inadvertently restricts the available color palette to grayscale options.
Can I revert to an older version of Microsoft Whiteboard to get the colors back?
Reverting to previous versions is generally not natively supported for Windows Store apps. It is best to check the web version as a temporary workaround until Microsoft releases a patch.
Does Microsoft Whiteboard sync background settings across different devices?
Yes, if you change a background color on a device where the full color palette is working (such as the web version), the selected color should sync to the board, even if the app on another device does not currently display the color in its picker menu.
