Although Windows 8.1 is just an update, it might also feel like a new operating system to some users, because Microsoft has added, improved, and relocated many features. One of these changes includes how to personalize the Start screen.
Before users needed to go to the PC Settings, but now these settings has been relocated to the Settings menu. This means that to change patterns, background, and accent colors on the Start screen in Windows 8.1, now requires to go to Start, use the 
+I keyboard shortcut, and click or tap Personalize.
The settings location isn’t the only thing that has changed with Windows 8.1, you can also notice that in this new update, Microsoft has included new options that let users to choose from virtually any color and now there are new patterns to select from. One option missing from this menu, perhaps one important, is the ability to set the desktop background on Start, which is located in the Taskbar and Navigation properties.
It actually makes more sense the new placement, but not to get confused, the Settings menu is location oriented, meaning that you have to be on the Start screen to do this. From other locations it will not work, such as from the desktop you’ll see the Personalization option, but this is to change aspects of the desktop, and from other apps you won’t see these new options.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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