The Windows 11 taskbar is dark grey by default. It blends into most setups well enough, but if you want it to match your wallpaper, reflect a specific colour scheme, or simply look less generic, you can change it without installing anything. Everything you need is already in Windows Settings.
There are three ways to do it: pick a colour from a preset grid, enter a custom hex code for an exact shade, or let Windows automatically match the colour to your wallpaper. All three are covered below.
One Thing to Know Before You Start
Windows 11 only allows taskbar colour customisation when the Windows mode is set to Dark. This is the most common reason people cannot find or enable the colour option. The toggle that applies accent colour to the taskbar is completely greyed out in Light mode.
You do not have to use a dark theme for your apps. The Windows mode setting and the app mode setting are separate. You can set Windows mode to Dark to unlock taskbar colouring while keeping your apps in Light mode.
Keep this in mind as you follow the steps below.
Method 1: Choose a Preset Colour
This is the fastest option and works for most people.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows and I together to open Settings. Alternatively, click the Start button and select the gear icon.
Step 2: Go to Personalisation
Click Personalisation in the left sidebar.
Step 3: Open Colours
Click Colours in the Personalisation menu.
Step 4: Set Windows Mode to Dark
Find the Choose your mode dropdown. Click it and select Custom. A second dropdown appears below it labelled Choose your default Windows mode. Set this to Dark.
You can set Choose your default app mode to either Light or Dark. This controls how your apps look and does not affect the taskbar colour.
Step 5: Set Accent Colour to Manual
Under the Accent colour section, click the dropdown and select Manual.
Step 6: Pick Your Colour
Scroll down to the Windows colours grid. Click any colour swatch from the grid. A checkmark appears on the selected colour confirming your choice.
If none of the preset colours suit you, skip to Method 2 for a custom colour.
Step 7: Enable Taskbar Colouring
Scroll further down and find the toggle labelled Show accent colour on Start and taskbar. Switch it to On.
The taskbar updates immediately with your chosen colour. No restart is needed.
If the toggle is greyed out, go back and confirm that Choose your default Windows mode is set to Dark. This is the only reason the toggle becomes unavailable.
Method 2: Use a Custom Colour With a Hex Code
If you have a specific shade in mind, such as a brand colour or an exact match to your wallpaper, Windows lets you enter a hex code directly.
Step 1: Follow Steps 1 to 5 From Method 1
Open Settings, go to Personalisation, then Colours, set Windows mode to Dark, and set Accent colour to Manual.
Step 2: Open the Colour Picker
Scroll down to the Custom colours section and click View colours.
Step 3: Enter Your Hex Code
A colour picker window opens. Click More to expand it and reveal the hex and RGB input fields. Type your hex code into the hex field. For example, type 0078D4 for Microsoft blue. The preview updates as you type.
Step 4: Confirm and Apply
Click Done to save the colour. Confirm that Show accent colour on Start and taskbar is toggled On. The taskbar immediately displays your custom colour.
Method 3: Automatically Match Your Wallpaper
If you change wallpapers regularly and want the taskbar to always complement them, Windows can handle the colour selection automatically.
Step 1: Open Settings and Go to Colours
Press Windows and I, click Personalisation, then click Colours.
Step 2: Set Windows Mode to Dark
Set Choose your default Windows mode to Dark as described in Method 1.
Step 3: Set Accent Colour to Automatic
Under the Accent colour section, click the dropdown and select Automatic instead of Manual.
Step 4: Enable Taskbar Colouring
Make sure Show accent colour on Start and taskbar is toggled On.
Windows now reads the dominant colour from your current wallpaper and applies it to the taskbar. Every time you change your wallpaper, the taskbar colour updates to match automatically.
This works best with wallpapers that have strong, saturated tones. Pale or low-contrast wallpapers produce subtle results that may be hard to notice against the default dark background.
How to Revert to the Default Taskbar Colour
If you want to go back to the standard dark grey taskbar, open Settings, go to Personalisation, then Colours, and toggle Show accent colour on Start and taskbar back to Off. The taskbar returns to its default appearance immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Show accent colour on Start and taskbar toggle greyed out?
This always means the Windows mode is set to Light. Scroll back up in the Colours settings and find the Choose your default Windows mode dropdown. Change it to Dark. The toggle becomes clickable instantly. You can still keep your apps in Light mode by setting Choose your default app mode to Light separately.
Can I make the taskbar a light or white colour?
Not through the built-in Settings. Windows 11 does not support light-coloured taskbars through standard personalisation options. The accent colour always applies to the dark version of the taskbar. For a truly white or light taskbar you would need a third-party customisation tool, which Microsoft does not officially support.
Does changing the taskbar colour also change the Start menu?
Yes. The Show accent colour on Start and taskbar toggle applies the accent colour to both the Start menu and the taskbar simultaneously. There is no built-in way to colour one without the other through standard Settings.
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