Changing and customizing the title bar colors in Windows 11 can make your desktop look more personal and visually appealing. This guide will walk you through the simplest methods to adjust these colors without needing technical skills.
Windows 11 offers built-in options to change title bar colors through system settings, giving you control over the look of your windows. Whether you want a bright, bold color or a subtle shade, this guide covers it all.
Customizing title bar colors can also improve visibility and reduce eye strain, especially if you spend long hours on your computer.
Follow these easy steps to personalize your Windows 11 experience and make your desktop environment uniquely yours.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version; some color customization options require recent updates.
- You need to be signed in with an administrator account to access personalization settings.
- Customizing title bar colors only affects apps that use the default Windows title bar style. Some third-party apps might not reflect these changes.
- Enabling dark mode or light mode affects how colors appear on your title bars, so keep this in mind when selecting colors.
How to Change Title Bar Colors Using Windows Settings
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard. Then, select the Settings icon, which looks like a gear. This opens the main settings window where you can adjust various system preferences.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
In the Settings window, look at the left sidebar and click on Personalization. This section controls the appearance of your desktop, including themes, colors, and backgrounds.
Step 3: Select Colors
Within the Personalization menu, click on Colors. Here, Windows lets you choose your color preferences and how they apply to different UI elements, including the title bars.
Step 4: Choose Your Color Mode
You will see options for Light, Dark, or Custom modes. Picking Dark or Light affects the overall theme, while Custom allows you to choose different modes for Windows and apps. This choice influences how your title bar colors appear.
Step 5: Enable Title Bar Color Customization
Scroll down to find the option labeled Show accent color on title bars and windows borders. Make sure this box is checked. This setting applies your chosen accent color to the title bars.
Step 6: Pick Your Accent Color
Above the checkbox, you will see a grid of colors under Choose your accent color. Click on any color you like to select it. If you want a custom color, click on View colors or Custom color to pick from a wider palette.
Step 7: See the Changes Take Effect
Once you select a color and enable the title bar color option, open or switch to any window to see the new title bar color applied immediately. If it doesn’t update, try restarting your computer or closing and reopening the window.
Alternative Method: Using High Contrast Themes
If you want more dramatic changes to your title bar colors, you can use High Contrast themes, which offer greater customization but change system-wide colors.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Contrast themes.
- Choose a high contrast theme and click Apply.
- Click Customize to change specific colors including title bars.
This method is useful for users with specific visual preferences or accessibility needs, but keep in mind it changes colors throughout Windows, not just the title bars.
FAQs About Changing Title Bar Colors in Windows 11
Why can’t I change the title bar color?
If the option to show accent colors on title bars is grayed out, ensure that your system is in Light or Dark mode, not Custom mode, or try restarting Windows Explorer via Task Manager.
Do all apps support custom title bar colors?
No, some third-party applications use their own window frames and won’t reflect Windows title bar color changes.
Can I use a different color for each app’s title bar?
Windows 11 does not support different title bar colors per app by default. The accent color applies system-wide.
How do I revert to default title bar colors?
Simply uncheck the box for Show accent color on title bars and windows borders in Settings > Personalization > Colors.
Is it possible to customize title bar fonts and sizes?
Not directly through Windows 11 settings. Customizing fonts and sizes typically requires third-party software or advanced tweaks.
When Nothing Works: Final Options
If you have followed all steps and still cannot change your title bar colors, try these final options:
- Update Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
- Restart Windows Explorer: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select Restart. - Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
sfc /scannowto repair system files. - Consult Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for further assistance.
Conclusion
Customizing the title bar colors in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can enhance your desktop’s appearance and usability. By accessing the Personalization settings, you can easily choose your favorite accent color and apply it across all title bars.
Remember to check your Windows mode and ensure the accent color option is enabled to see the changes. For more dramatic customization, high contrast themes offer additional options but affect the whole system.
If you encounter issues, simple troubleshooting like restarting Explorer or running system scans can help. Personalizing your title bar colors is a small change that makes a big difference in your everyday Windows experience.