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Narendhiran Vijayakumar
Narendhiran Vijayakumar

Posted on • Originally published at win11-verse.com on

Turn On or Off Show Accent Color on Start menu and Taskbar in Windows 11?

Windows 11 offers several customization features which includes the ability to display accent colors on the Start menu and taskbar. This feature can enhance your user interface’s aesthetic and provides a more personalized experience. In this tutorial, I’ve shared you through multiple methods to enable or disable accent colors on the Start menu and taskbar in Windows 11. I have added 4 effective methods for ensuring you can customize your device according to your needs.

Displaying an accent color on the Start menu and taskbar allows you ( Windows 11 users ) to match the overall theme or brand colors and creating a cohesive look across the interface. Additionally, by doing this you can switch between dark and light themes. The accent color can visually complement the selected mode. Let’s get into the tutorial.

  • As an windows users, you can personalize your colors in your pc! As Microsoft Support explains, the steps involves changing the Personalization settings in Windows. Learn More.
  • You can also change accent colors settings in your windows 11 pc as per your needs. As Microsoft Learn explains the steps involves changing the accent settings in window. Learn More here.

Methods to Turn On or Off Show Accent Color on Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 11

We’ll cover all the possible methods, so you have flexibility in choosing the one that suits you best.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

The Settings app provides the most straightforward way to enable or disable the accent color on the Start menu and taskbar. Follow these steps:

  • Open Settings: Press Winkey + I on your keyboard to launch the Settings app.
  • Navigate to Personalization > Colors.

Colors option in Personalization Settings Menu
Colors option in Personalization Settings Menu

  • Scroll down to find the “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” option.

Scroll to find the show accent color on Start and taskbar option
Scroll to find the show accent color on Start and taskbar option

  • Toggle the switch to On if you want to show the accent color, or Off if you want to disable it.

Enabling Show Accent Color on Start and Taskbar option
Enabling Show Accent Color on Start and Taskbar option

  • Select Your Accent Color: You can manually pick an accent color or let Windows automatically select one based on your background.

Choosing Accent color using Manual or automatic setting
Choosing Accent color using Manual or automatic setting

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor

Note: The Group Policy Editor is only available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

If you’re comfortable using the Group Policy Editor, this method allows for more granular control:

  • Open the Run dialog box using Winkey + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

Launching GP Editor using Run Window
Launching GP Editor using Run Window

  • Navigate to the following path:
    • User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar

Navigating to Start Menu and taskbar folder in GP Editor.
Navigating to Start Menu and taskbar folder in GP Editor.

  • Locate “Force a specific Start background color.”
  • Double-click the policy setting, and choose Enabled or Disabled based on your preference.
  • Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Enabling specific Start background color in GP editor
Enabling specific Start background color in GP editor

Method 3: Using the Registry Editor

Important: Modifying the registry can cause system issues if not done correctly. Consider backing up your registry before making any changes.

If the above methods are not available, you can change the accent color settings using the Registry Editor :

  1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Winkey + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Open Registry editor using Run Command
Open Registry editor using Run Command

  • Navigate to the following key:
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize

Navigate to the address
Navigate to the address

  • Locate the ColorPrevalence value. If it doesn’t exist, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it ColorPrevalence.
  • Set the value to:
    • 1 to enable the accent color on the Start menu and taskbar.
    • 0 to disable it.
  • Click OK and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Set the DWORD Value to 1
Set the DWORD Value to 1

Method 4: Using Third-Party Tools

If you prefer a simpler way without manually editing settings, several third-party customization tools can help you manage accent colors. These tools offer a user-friendly interface for toggling options and other features like customizing Start menu layouts or adding animations.

  • Example tools include Winaero Tweaker or Start11, which allow for deeper system customization, including enabling or disabling accent colors.

That’s it
-Narendhiran V

Conclusion

Customizing accent colors on the Start menu and taskbar can significantly enhance the look and feel of your Windows 11 experience. By following the methods above, you can easily turn on or off the accent colors based on your preferences. Whether you use the Settings app , Group Policy Editor , Registry Editor , or third-party tools , you’re equipped to personalize your Start menu and taskbar effectively. If you have any queries related to the above topic and then feel free to comment us below! Find more interesting tutorials on our Homepage: Win11-Verse.com

References :

  • Microsoft Support. Personalize Your Colors in Windows. Retrieved from Microsoft Support on [2.2.25].
  • Microsoft Learn. Colors in Windows. Retrieved from Microsoft Learn on [2.2.25].

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