How to Show or Hide Accent Color on Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 11
You show or hide the accent color on the Start menu and taskbar in Windows 11 by adjusting the personalization settings.
Windows 11's accent color setting lets users pick a highlight color. This chosen color shows up on the Start Menu and taskbar. Applying the accent color setting personalizes the Windows 11 experience and helps users quickly spot important parts of the screen.
For example, when this feature is on, your Start menu tiles and taskbar icons will take on your chosen accent color, really making them stand out.
Windows 11 offers a range of accent colors to personalize your desktop experience.
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.
What is Accent Color?
The accent color in Windows 11 lets you pick a shade to highlight parts of your computer, like the Start menu and taskbar. You can choose between Dark mode, Light mode, or a Custom mode that lets you mix both. This color only shows on the Start menu and taskbar when you’re using Dark or Custom mode.
- Dark mode: A darker look. Great for low light or nighttime.
- Light mode: A brighter look. Perfect for daytime.
- Custom mode: A mix of both. You pick which parts are dark or light.
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.
You can easily choose whether to show or hide the accent color on your Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar right from the Settings app. Just open Settings, go to Personalization, then Colors, and find the option to turn it on or off for the Start and taskbar.
How to Change Accent Color Using the Registry (Advanced)
If you’re comfortable making advanced system changes, you can change the accent color in Windows 11 using the Registry Editor. Be very careful, as changing the wrong setting can cause problems. It’s a good idea to back up your registry before you start making any changes.
Warning: The Registry Editor is a powerful tool. Be very careful when making changes; altering the wrong setting can lead to system issues. It’s a good idea to back up your registry first.
Open the Windows Terminal app as administrator and run one of the commands 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 has three color modes: Dark, Light, and Custom. The accent color can be shown on the Start menu and taskbar, but only when you use Dark or Custom mode. You can easily manage this setting in the Settings app, and advanced users can also make changes using the Registry Editor.- 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?
To change your accent color, open the Settings app, go to Personalization, then Colors. You can let Windows pick a color automatically from your background, or you can choose one yourself. To have Windows choose, select ‘Automatic’.
How do I turn off accent color in 🪟 Windows 11?
To prevent the accent color from changing every time you select a mode, you may need to adjust the mode (dark, light, or custom) under Settings > Personalization > Colors. Next, choose “Manual” under Accent color and select your desired color.
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About the Author
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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