Windows 11 lets you set a custom Start menu color to improve its look and feel. Follow these steps to change the Start menu in Windows 11.
Compared to Windows 10, Windows 11’s Start menu looks much cleaner and usable. Though the missing live tiles is a bummer, it is alleviated with a simple user interface and options. Notably, the top, middle, and bottom sections of the Start menu contain a search bar, pinned apps, and recommended apps and files, respectively. Of course, like in Windows 10, you get quick access to your account, shutdown options, and Start menu library folders.
Even though there are some downgrades to the Windows 11 Start menu, like in Windows 10, you can change the Start menu color with just a few clicks. You can either select predefined colors or set a custom color using the “custom color” option. One of the best things about the Windows 11 Start menu is, compared to Windows 10, the Start menu color in Windows 11 looks much nicer due and consistent thanks to the new design language and aesthetics.
So, without further ado, this guide will show you how to change the Start menu color in Windows 11 operating system.
Important note: When you change the Start menu color in Windows 11, for consistency reasons, the same color is applied to the taskbar and notification flyout menu automatically.
Change Start menu color in Windows 11
You can change the Start menu color in Windows 11 via the Personalization options in the Settings app. Follow the below steps to know where to find the option and how to change it.
- Open Settings.
- Select “Personalization” on the sidebar.
- Click on the “Colors” option.
- Expand the “accent color” section.
- Select a color of your choice from the palette.
- Turn on the “Show accent color on Start and taskbar.”
- With that, the new color is applied to the Windows 11 Start menu.
Detailed steps:
The first thing to do is open the Windows 11 Settings app. You can press the “Start + I” shortcut or search for “Settings” in the Start menu to do that. After opening the Settings app, go to the “Personalization > Colors” page.
Here, expand the Accent Color section. After that, select a color from the color palette. As soon as you choose a color, it should be applied to the Start menu and taskbar.
If you cannot find your favorite color in the palette, you can set a custom color. To do that, click on the “View Colors” button next to the Custom Colors option.
Now, use the color picker to pick a color and click the “Ok” button.
As soon as you do that, the color is applied to the Start menu. i.e., you have successfully changed the Start menu color in Windows 11.
Fix ‘cannot change Start menu color in Windows 11’ problem
If you cannot change the Start menu color or if the Start menu didn’t change color even after selecting a color from the palette, you need to look for a couple of things to fix the problem.
First, make sure the Windows 11 theme is set to “Dark Mode.” In Light Mode, the Start menu will not have any color. i.e., it will always be in white. Next, ensure the “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” option under “Accent Color” is turned on.
When both these conditions are met, you can apply any color of your choice to the Start menu and taskbar.
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That is all. It is that simple to change Windows 11 Start menu color.
I hope that helps.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
