How to Show or Hide Accent Color on Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 11
Showing an accent color on your Start menu and taskbar in Windows 11 lets you add a splash of color to your desktop. An accent color is the highlight shade Windows uses to make buttons, icons, and menus pop.
You need to use Dark mode or Custom mode for this trick to work because Light mode hides accent colors on these parts of the screen. Open the Windows 11 Personalization settings to turn on this feature in just a few clicks.
Open Settings by pressing Win+I. Navigate to Personalization, then Colors. Find and toggle the “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” option to On or Off. This setting requires Dark or Custom mode to be enabled.
How to Turn Accent Color On or Off
- Press Win+I to open Settings .
- Click Personalization in the left menu.
- Click Colors on the right side.
- Find the option called Show accent color on Start and taskbar.
- Turn it On or Off based on what you want.
Controlling accent color visibility on the Start menu and taskbar happens directly inside the Settings app. Navigate to Personalization, open Colors, and toggle the switch for ‘Show accent color on Start and taskbar’.
How to Change Accent Color Using the Registry (Advanced)
Modifying the accent color via the Registry Editor offers an alternative route. This method requires caution because incorrect registry changes cause system instability. Creating a backup beforehand protects the operating system against unintended errors.
Launch the Windows Terminal app with administrator privileges and execute the appropriate command below. %%FLAG_ADMIN%%
Turn On Accent Color on Start Menu and Taskbar
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize" /v ColorPrevalence /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /fTurn On Accent Color Only on Taskbar (Not Start Menu)
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize" /v ColorPrevalence /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /fTurn Off Accent Color (Default Setting)
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize" /v ColorPrevalence /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /fSummary
Windows 11 offers Dark, Light, and Custom modes. Accent color adds a personal touch to the Start menu and taskbar when using Dark or Custom themes. Managing this feature happens within the Settings app or via the Registry Editor for advanced users.- Windows 11 has three color modes: Dark, Light, and Custom.
- Accent color works on the Start menu and taskbar only with Dark or Custom mode.
- You can change this setting easily in Settings.
- Advanced users can also use the Registry Editor to make changes.
- Try different colors and modes to make your PC look the way you want.
How to change accent color in 🪟 Windows 11?
Changing accent colors starts by opening the Settings app, heading to Personalization, and selecting Colors. Windows can select a matching hue automatically from the desktop background, or manual selection allows picking a specific shade by choosing 'Automatic'.
How do I turn off accent color in 🪟 Windows 11?
Stopping accent colors from shifting alongside mode changes requires adjusting theme parameters under Settings Personalization Colors. Locating the Accent color section, selecting "Manual", and picking a preferred shade locks in the choice.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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