Learn how to change the Start menu color in Windows 10 to any accent color of your choice using Settings in simple steps.
By default, the Start menu in Windows 10 is either in light or dark mode. While this looks good, for further customization, you can set the Start menu’s color to any pre-defined or custom accent color you want with just a few clicks. If you want, you can also configure it to automatically change the color based on your current wallpaper. For example, if you are using an ocean-themed wallpaper, you can manually set your Start menu color to a blue color or enable the automatic accent color option to let Windows choose the Start menu color for you. This makes your Start menu look fresh and unique every time.
In this quick and easy guide, let me show you the steps to quickly and easily change the Start menu color in Windows 10. Let’s get started.
Before You Start
- To apply color to the Start menu, you should be using the dark theme in Windows 10. If you are using the light theme, the color won’t apply.
- Even after changing the Start menu color, some app tiles in the Start menu may use a custom color. Currently, there is no way to fix this issue.
- When you change the Start menu’s accent color, Windows automatically applies that same color to the taskbar and Action Center as well.
Steps to Change the Start Menu Color in Windows 10
- Open the Settings app by pressing the “Windows key + I”.
- Click “Personalization“.
- Go to the “Colors” tab on the sidebar.
- Select “Dark” from the “Choose your color” dropdown menu.
- Next, select the color of your choice under the “Windows Colors” section.
- To let Windows choose the color, select the “Automatically pick an accent color based on my background” checkbox.
- Scroll down and select the “Start, taskbar, and action center” checkbox.
- With that, you’ve changed the Start menu color in Windows 10.
Good to know: How to change the taskbar color in Windows 10
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, open the Settings window by pressing the “Windows key + I” shortcut or by right-clicking the “Windows” icon on the taskbar and selecting the “Settings” option.
After opening it, click the “Personalization” option and then go to the “Colors” tab on the sidebar. This is where you will find options to customize Windows colors.
Select “Dark” from the “Choose your color” dropdown menu. It is important to configure this option because only the dark mode allows you to set the color of the Start menu.
Note: If you don’t like the full dark mode, select “Custom” and then set “Default Windows mode” to “Dark” and “Default app mode” to “Light.” That way, the dark theme is only applied to Windows components such as the start menu, taskbar, action center, etc. Your applications, such as File Explorer and the settings app, will continue to use the light theme.
Next, choose an accent color of your choice under the “Windows Colors” section.
Note: In addition to the predefined colors, you can also create and choose a custom color by clicking the “Custom color” button under the “Windows Colors” section.
To let Windows choose an accent color based on your wallpaper, select the “Automatically pick an accent color from my background” checkbox.
After selecting the color, scroll down and select the “Start, taskbar, and action center” checkbox. This is important. If you don’t select this checkbox, the Start menu color won’t change.
Good to know: Fix ‘Start, taskbar, and action center’ checkbox grayed out
That is all. As soon as you select the checkbox, the Start menu color is changed instantly.
As you see, while the process is a bit tricky, it is easy nonetheless. If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
Good to know: How to automatically change wallpaper every day.
