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.
This setting lets you pick a color from Windows 11’s palette to highlight important parts of the interface.
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?
Accent color in Windows 11 is a personal touch that lets you highlight key areas like the Start menu and taskbar with a chosen shade.
- 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.
Note: You can only show accent colors on the Start menu and taskbar if you use Dark or Custom mode. Light mode doesn’t support this.
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 show or hide the accent color on your Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar right from the Settings app.
Tip: If the option looks greyed out, you probably have Light mode selected. Switch to Dark or Custom mode to use it.
How to Change Accent Color Using the Registry (Advanced)
Changing the accent color in Windows 11 using the Registry Editor is an advanced option for users who are comfortable making system 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 offers Dark, Light, and Custom modes, and you can easily control whether the accent color appears on your Start menu and taskbar.- 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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