Apply preferences to all users and LogonUI screen - Abdelrhman-AK/WinPaletter GitHub Wiki

Applying Themes to All Users and LogonUI

WinPaletter allows you to apply theme elements not only to the current user, but also to all users and the LogonUI screen. This section explains each configurable option and registry behavior.

1. User Preference Mask (UPM)

  • UPM includes items like Windows animations, shadows, cursor shadows, and more.
  • Can be applied to current user, all users, and LogonUI.
  • Navigate: Settings → Theme Applying Behavior → General → Check:
    Include User Preference Mask for all users (HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop : UserPreferencesMask)

User Preference Mask

[!WARNING]

  • Modifying UPM for all users may affect login experience and system-wide behavior.
  • Ensure you have backups or a restore point before applying changes to .DEFAULT.

2. Desktop Wallpaper

  • You can change the desktop wallpaper for all users and LogonUI.
  • Navigate: Settings → Theme Applying Behavior → General → Choose one of:
Copy from current desktop
Don't change
Restore defaults (No wallpaper on LogonUI)

Copy Wallpaper

[!IMPORTANT]

  • Restore defaults removes the LogonUI wallpaper while keeping user desktops intact.
  • Copy from current desktop ensures consistency across all accounts.

3. Classic Colors

  • Classic colors can be applied to all users and LogonUI.
  • Navigate: Settings → Theme Applying Behavior → Classic Colors

Registry levels:

HKEY_USERS.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Colors (All users & LogonUI)

Overwrite
Don't change

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\DefaultColors\Standard (LogonUI Windows 8.1+)

Overwrite
Restore defaults
Erase (Remove)
Don't change

Copy Classic Colors

[!WARNING]

  • Overwriting DefaultColors can affect LogonUI theme.
  • Always verify changes on a test account before applying system-wide.

4. Metrics and Fonts

  • Change window metrics and fonts for all users and LogonUI.
  • Navigate: Settings → Theme Applying Behavior → Metrics and Fonts

Registry:

HKEY_USERS.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics (All users & LogonUI)

Overwrite
Don't change

Copy Metrics & Fonts

[!WARNING]

  • Applying metrics/fonts with apps open may crash the system.
  • Consider enabling the logoff/logon delay option for safer application.

5. Cursors

  • Change cursors for all users and LogonUI.
  • Navigate: Settings → Theme Applying Behavior → Cursors

Registry:

HKEY_USERS.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Cursors (All users & LogonUI)

Overwrite
Don't change

Copy Cursors

[!IMPORTANT]

  • Overwriting cursor settings ensures consistency across accounts and LogonUI.
  • Don't change preserves user-customized cursors.

6. Consoles (Command Prompt & PowerShell)

  • Apply console themes to all users and LogonUI.
  • Navigate: Settings → Theme Applying Behavior → Consoles

Registry paths and choices:

Command Prompt HKEY_USERS.DEFAULT\Console (All users & LogonUI)

Overwrite
Don't change

PowerShell x86 HKEY_USERS.DEFAULT\Console%SystemRoot%_System32_WindowsPowerShell_v1.0_powershell.exe

Overwrite
Don't change

PowerShell x64 HKEY_USERS.DEFAULT\Console%SystemRoot%_SysWOW64_WindowsPowerShell_v1.0_powershell.exe

Overwrite
Don't change
  • Optional: Override user preferences for Command Prompt:

Override Command Prompt

[!WARNING]

  • Overwriting console settings may reset user-customized preferences.
  • Only enable override if consistent behavior across accounts is required.

[!TIP]

  • Test console changes in a secondary account before applying system-wide.
  • Consider creating a backup .reg file of keys mentioned above.

Summary:

  • These options allow developers and power users to apply theme elements system-wide.
  • Always use caution when modifying .DEFAULT and system-level registry keys.
  • Recommended workflow: backup → apply → test.