How to Change Taskbar Color in Windows 11 using a

The modern design of Windows 11 Taskbar can be customized by applying different colors to get a refreshed experience. With Windows 10, Microsoft introduced the ability to change the color of the Taskbar through the Personalization option in the Settings; however, many users are still unfamiliar with how to use it. This is why we’re here with a guide that will help you learn the steps for changing the taskbar color in one of the easiest ways, whether you prefer a bold statement color or a subtle accent that matches your wallpaper.

Contents

Method 1: Using Windows Settings (Easiest Way)

The primary way to do this is by using the Windows Settings, from which we can customize the taskbar colors. Note: The User must have an active license or be in trial on their Windows 11; otherwise, the settings will be greyed out.

Step 1: Open Personalization Settings

Windows Settings can be accessed by right-clicking anywhere on your desktop and selecting “Personalize” from the menu. Alternatively, you can press Windows + I shortcut to open Settings, then navigate to “Personalization” from the left sidebar.

Step 2: Navigate to Colors

In the Personalization menu, click on “Colors” – it’s usually the second option down. This opens the color customization panel, where all customization related to the colors of the system can be done.

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Step 3: Colour Mode

Before Taskbar, those who wanted to change the default color theme (Dark or Light) for the Taskbar and applications could go to the top of the Colors page, where they’d see “Choose your mode.” You have three options:

Light: Keeps everything bright (taskbar won’t change color in this mode)

Dark: Enables dark theme throughout Windows

For taskbar color changes, select either “Dark” or “Custom” mode. If you choose Custom, ensure that “Choose your default Windows mode” is set to Dark.

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Step 4: Pick Your Accent Color

Scroll down to “Accent color,” where you’ll find several options:

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Automatic: Windows picks a color from your wallpaper

Manual: Choose from preset color swatches

Custom color: Click “View colors” for a full color picker

Select your preferred color. The preview tiles show how it will look across different elements.

Step 5: Apply Color to Taskbar

This step will be the one you might be looking for. To apply the selected accent color to the Taskbar without changing the overall theme of Windows 11, the “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” option can be enabled.

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Well, you’ll see two toggle switches. Here are those:

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“Show accent color on Start and taskbar”

“Show accent color on title bars and window borders”

Toggle ON “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” to apply your chosen color to the taskbar.

Step 6: Adjust Transparency (Optional)

For a modern, sleek look, scroll back up and toggle on “Transparency effects.” This adds a subtle see-through effect to your colored taskbar.

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Method 2: Using High Contrast Themes

If you want more dramatic color changes or have accessibility needs, high-contrast themes offer an alternative approach.

Accessing High Contrast Settings

Open Settings (Windows + I)

Go to “Accessibility” in the left sidebar

Select “Contrast themes.”

Choose from preset themes or create a custom one

Creating a Custom High Contrast Theme

Select a theme as your starting point

Click “Edit” to customize colors

Modify the “Background” color to change the taskbar

Adjust other elements as needed

Save your custom theme

This method gives you complete control over every UI element’s color, though it significantly changes Windows’ overall appearance.

Method 3: Enable color on taskbar using Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

If you are unable to turn on the Taskbar color setting from the Personalization, then use the Registry editor.

Creating a Registry Backup

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter

Click File > Export

Choose “All” under Export range

Save your backup file

Modifying Taskbar Color via Registry

Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize

Look for “ColorPrevalence” DWORD

Double-click and set the value to “1″ to enable color on the taskbar

Restart Windows Explorer or your computer

Conclusion

Customizing your taskbar color in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to personalize your computing experience. Whether you prefer the straightforward Settings approach or want to dive deeper with registry edits, you now have all the tools to make your taskbar match your style.

Remember that the perfect color scheme is subjective – experiment with different combinations until you find what works for you. Don’t be afraid to change things up seasonally or whenever you need a fresh look at your desktop.