How to Access Desktop Properties
By Jedadiah Casey
You can personalize your computer by accessing your desktop properties. For example, you can change the desktop background (wallpaper), the screen resolution and the screen saver function by accessing the desktop properties. You can also access the theme settings with this method to change the overall appearance and system sounds of the computer In later versions of Microsoft Windows.
Windows XP
Right-click on the desktop background.
Click "Properties."
Click the "Themes" tab. This allows you to change the appearance of the "Start" menu. In Windows XP, this functionality was not developed as much as in later versions of Windows.
Click the "Desktop" tab. These settings allow you to change the desktop background and color.
Click the "Screen Saver" tab. These settings allow you to change the screen saver and associated settings, such as how long the computer must be idle before the screen saver runs.
Click the "Appearance" tab. These settings allow you to change the overall look of Windows, including the font sizes displayed on the screen.
Click the "Settings" tab. These settings allow you to change the screen resolution and set up multiple monitors.
Windows Vista and 7
Right-click the desktop background.
Click "Personalize."
Choose the theme you would like in the "Personalization" window.
Click the "Desktop Background" button. These settings allow you to change the image or images that appear on your desktop, which are also known as wallpaper.
Click the "Windows Color" button. These settings change the overall appearance of Windows.
Click the "Sounds" button. These settings allow you to change the sound scheme that Windows uses for system sounds.
Click the "Screen Saver" button. These settings allow you to change the screen saver and associated settings, such as how long the computer must be idle before the screen saver runs.
Tips
- Be careful when changing the screen resolution. If you change the screen resolution and the monitor goes black, do not click the mouse or press any buttons on the keyboard. Wait 20 seconds and the screen will return to normal.
Writer Bio
Jedadiah Casey started writing professionally in 2007, with articles published in "The Flagler Times" newspaper. He has more than 20 years of experience with computers and networking. Casey holds a Bachelor of Science in information systems from the University of Central Florida, as well as professional industry certifications.