Windows is known for its customization options. Plenty of built-in options and settings to personalize Windows 11 to meet your desires and needs. While most of the personalization options are easy to understand and find, many users find it difficult to change the taskbar color, as the settings to customize or change the taskbar are not present on the taskbar settings page!
Changing the taskbar color is not straightforward, especially if you are new to Windows 11. While an option to change the taskbar color exists in the built-in Windows 11 Settings app, it’s not easily accessible.
In this guide, we will show you how to change the Windows 11 taskbar color without using any additional software.
NOTE 1: Changing the taskbar color also changes the Start menu color and accent color. You cannot have different colors for the taskbar and Start menu.
NOTE 2: Windows 11 does not allow you to apply an accent color to the taskbar in Light mode. You need to turn on Dark mode at least on Windows (and not necessary for apps) to apply the accent color to the Start menu and taskbar.
Step 1: Open the Windows 11 Settings app using search or Windows logo + I keyboard shortcut.
Step 2: In the left pane, click Personalization. Now, on the right side, click Colors.
Step 3: You cannot set a custom color for the taskbar when using Light mode. So, either you need to switch to Custom mode (with Dark mode at least for Windows) or to full Dark mode.
If you do not like Dark mode, select Custom, then select Light mode for the apps (from the drop-down next to Choose your default app mode) to proceed. This will turn on the light mode for File Explorer, Settings app, and other apps.
Step 4: Next, click Accent color to see all available colors. Select Manual from the drop-down to prevent Windows 11 from automatically selecting an accent color based on the desktop wallpaper.
Step 5: Finally, select a color of your choice and then turn on the Show accent color on Start and taskbar option. The taskbar and Start menu should now reflect the newly selected accent color.
NOTE: If “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” is grayed out and you see the “This setting is only available in Windows dark mode” message below it, it means you have not turned on dark mode. Refer to the directions in Step 3 correctly to be able to turn on the Show accent color on Start and taskbar option.
Please note that you can further customize the color by clicking the View colors button, then using the color mixer to create a color of your choice. That’s it!
Our how to make the taskbar black without dark mode in Windows 11 guide might also interest you.
