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Customizing your Windows 11 experience can make your computer feel more personal and enjoyable to use. One simple way to do this is by changing the taskbar accent color. This small change can brighten your desktop and make it easier to spot important elements.

In this guide, we will walk you through the exact steps to change the taskbar accent color in Windows 11. No technical knowledge is needed—just follow along carefully.

By the end, you’ll know how to adjust the color to suit your style or improve visibility. Let’s get started!

Changing the taskbar accent color is straightforward and can be done directly from the Windows Settings app.

Quick Note: What You Need Before Starting

• Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Accent color options may vary with different versions.
• You should be signed in with an administrator or standard user account that has permission to change personalization settings.
• Keep in mind, the accent color affects other UI elements too, like window borders and Start menu highlights.
• Some colors might look better depending on your desktop background and theme (light or dark mode).

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

First, you need to open the Settings app where you can change personalization options.

• Click on the Start button (Windows icon) on the taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
• From the Start menu, select the Settings gear icon. This opens the Settings window.

This step is important because all customization options are centralized in the Settings app, making it easy to find what you need.

Step 2: Navigate to Personalization Settings

Once in Settings, you will find various categories. To change colors, go to the Personalization section.

• In the left sidebar, click on Personalization.
• Then click on Colors in the right pane.

The Colors section controls how Windows displays colors on many interface elements, including the taskbar.

Step 3: Choose Your Accent Color

Now, it’s time to pick the accent color that will appear on your taskbar and other UI parts.

• Scroll down to the Accent color section.
• You can either select Automatically pick an accent color from my background to let Windows choose based on your wallpaper, or
• Click on one of the preset colors shown below, or
• Click View colors to choose a custom color from the palette.

Choosing a custom color lets you personalize your device to your exact preference, while automatic selection keeps the look harmonious with your wallpaper.

Step 4: Apply the Accent Color to the Taskbar

By default, the accent color won’t show on the taskbar. You need to enable this option separately.

• Scroll down to the section called Show accent color on the following surfaces.
• Check the box next to Start and taskbar.

Once enabled, the taskbar will immediately update to reflect the selected accent color. This visual feedback confirms your choice.

Alternative Method: Using Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

If you want more control or the Settings app is not applying changes properly, you can modify the Windows Registry. This method is for advanced users and requires caution.

1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionThemesPersonalize
4. Look for the DWORD value named ColorPrevalence. If it doesn’t exist, create it by right-clicking, choosing New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Set the value of ColorPrevalence to 1 to enable accent color on the taskbar.
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to see changes.

Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Always back up your registry before making changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use any color as the taskbar accent color?

You can select from the preset palette or a custom color. However, some colors may not display well or may look different depending on your display settings.

Why doesn’t the accent color show on my taskbar?

Make sure you have enabled the option Show accent color on Start and taskbar in the Colors settings. Also, the taskbar color only appears if you are using the Light or Dark mode—some themes may override this.

Will changing the accent color affect other parts of Windows?

Yes, the accent color also changes highlights in the Start menu, window borders, and other UI elements. This helps keep a consistent look.

Can I disable the accent color on the taskbar but keep it elsewhere?

Yes, simply uncheck the box for the taskbar in the “Show accent color on the following surfaces” section while keeping other options enabled.

What if I want the taskbar to be transparent instead?

You can enable transparency effects in the Personalization > Colors settings by toggling Transparency effects. This makes the taskbar semi-transparent, but does not affect the accent color.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve followed all steps and the taskbar accent color still doesn’t change, try these final options:

• Restart your computer to apply any pending changes.
• Check for Windows updates in Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates.
• Create a new user account to see if the issue is profile-specific.
• Run the System File Checker tool by opening Command Prompt as Administrator and typing sfc /scannow to fix corrupted system files.
• Refer to the official Microsoft support page for Windows 11 personalization issues: Microsoft Support.

Conclusion

Changing the taskbar accent color in Windows 11 is a simple way to personalize your desktop and improve your user experience. By following this step-by-step guide, anyone can quickly pick and apply a color that suits their style.

Remember to enable the accent color on the taskbar in the Colors settings to see your changes in action. For advanced users, the Registry Editor offers more control but should be used with caution.

With these instructions, your Windows 11 taskbar will no longer be bland but rather a reflection of your personal taste and preferences.