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Excel - How to Change the Grey Background in Excel | Excel Tutorial - Episode 390

3,971 views · Published 12 October 2009 · 2:56 · Indexed 1 October 2026

Channel: MrExcel.com · 2009 · Education

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Microsoft Excel Tutorial: Why the Grey background in Excel when rearranging windows?

Welcome back to another episode of the MrExcel netcast! I'm Bill Jelen and I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. We're back this week with another helpful Excel tip. And if you happen to be in Green Bay, Wisconsin this Thursday, November 30th, I'll be hosting a seminar all day. Head over to mrexcel.com for more information and to register. We'd love to have you join us for a day of learning and networking.

Today's question comes from Jim in Montreal. He's been struggling with the grey background in Excel when rearranging windows. It can be difficult to see where the window is being positioned. Jim wants to know if there's a way to change the grey background in Excel. Well, there is a way, but it may not be the best solution.

To change the grey background, you'll need to go to Start, then Control Panel, and choose Display. From there, go to the Appearance tab and click on the Advanced button. Under the 3D objects, you can change the color to something like white or yellow. However, this will also change the color of other elements in Excel, such as the row and column numbers and scrollbars. This may end up causing more problems than it solves.

So while it is possible to change the grey background, I would recommend sticking with the default setting. It may not be perfect, but it's better than dealing with the repercussions of changing it. Thanks for the question, Jim! And if you have a question for Excel, don't hesitate to give us a call at 866-581-0221 or send us an email at [email protected]. Your question could be featured on a future netcast.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the MrExcel netcast. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more helpful Excel tips and tricks. See you next time!"

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Table of Contents:
(00:00) Introduction and upcoming seminar in Green Bay, Wisconsin
(00:34) Call-in question from Jim in Montreal
(01:20) Jim's question about changing the grey background in Excel
(01:31) Explanation of how to change the background, but with potential negative consequences
(02:31) Clicking Like really helps the algorithm

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Jim from Montreal calls in today to ask if there is any way to change the grey background lurking behind your workbooks in Excel. While there is a setting that will adjust this background, it also annoyingly changes many other items as well. Episode 390 shows you how.

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