Windows 8 Registry PaintDesktopVersion

Registry Tweak to Display the Windows 8 Build NumberPaintDesktopVersion Display Windows 8 Build 8250

PaintDesktopVersion =1 did not seem to have any the same effect on Windows 8 Developer Preview version machines as it did in Windows 7; however in the Consumer Preview version it worked perfectly. See screenshot.

Windows 8 Paint Desktop Version Topics

Instructions for Windows 8 PaintDesktopVersion Windows 7 Paint Desktop Version

  1. Launch the Windows 8 registry editor (regedit) See detailed instructions on starting regedit
    Navigate to this key:
  2. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
  3. Scroll down and find the existing entry called PaintDesktopVersion. 
  4. The default is PaintDesktopVersion = 0 meaning do not display the build number.
  5. Double click and change its value to numeric one. 

Tip: Add PaintDesktopVersion to regedit’s Favourites (menu).

Note: The DWORD PaintDesktopVersion is also found in Windows 7, Vista; perhaps it’s most useful in Windows Server.

Note: There is no need to create this DWORD, as it’s already there. Check you now see: PaintDesktopVersion = 1

Key Learning Points

  • A simple registry tweak to change a value from zero (setting disabled) to one (setting enabled)
  • Do you find the PaintDesktopVersion value in HKCU** or HKLM? 
    Answer: HKCU
  • Should you add a value, or modify an existing setting? 
    Answer: Modify 0 –> 1
  • Is PaintDesktopVersion a String Value or a DWORD? 
    Answer: DWORD.
  • Do you need to Restart, or merely Log Off / On? 
    Answer: Log Off –> Log On and view: Build 7600 embedded in the desktop, just above the clock.
  • Tip: Add this Value, PaintDesktopVersion to Regedit’s Favorites menu
  • Tip: To find the value that controls the build number quickly; launch regedit, click on the Edit menu, Find, type PaintDesktopVersion.

Guy Recommends:  SolarWinds’ Log & Event Management ToolSolarwinds Log and Event Management Tool

LEM will alert you to problems such as when a key application on a particular server is unavailable.  It can also detect when services have stopped, or if there is a network latency problem.  Perhaps this log and event management tool’s most interesting ability is to take corrective action, for example by restarting services, or isolating the source of a maleware attack.

Yet perhaps the killer reason why people use LEM is for its compliance capability, with a little help from you, it will ensure that your organization complies with industry standards such as CISP or FERPA.  LEM is a really smart application that can make correlations between data in different logs, then use its built-in logic to take corrective action, to restart services, or thwart potential security breaches – give LEM a whirl.

Download your FREE trial of SolarWinds Log & Event Management tool.

Paint Desktop Version Follow-up

This trivial registry hack may spur you to research the family of build numbers.  What you find is that registry stores data about the version and build numbers here:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Windows . 

Knowledge of CSDBuildNumber (and BuildLabEx in Windows 7) is valuable when you research which patches have been applied to the operating system.  In addition you can apply this principle to the SQL and Exchange areas of the registry.

Creating a .Reg File

This page explains how to create, and then edit .reg files for your computer.  As it’s easy to import the contents of a .reg file into the registry, do take extra care with procedures.

** HKLM is an abbreviation of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, and HKCU is shorthand for HKEY_CURRENT_USER.  These acronyms are so well-known that you can even use them in .reg files, Windows 7 will understand and obey the registry instruction.

See Windows 8 registered owner tweak »

Summary of Windows 8 Paint Desktop Version

In Windows 7 when you wanted to display the build number, you could call for regedit and set the value of PaintDesktopVersion =1.  However, this does not seem to work in the same way in the Windows 8 Developer Preview version.

Next step: Use Windows 8’s regedit to change Registered Owner.

If you like this page then please share it with your friends

 


Microsoft Windows 8 Registry Topics

Windows 8 Overview  • Windows 8 Change Registered Owner  • Display Windows 7 Desktop

Windows 8 Regedit  • Windows 8 Registry Hacks  • Windows 8 AutoAdminLogon Registry Setting

Win 8 Registry Examples  • Windows 8 PaintDesktopVersion  • Windows 8 ScreenSaverGracePeriod