In this guide, we will initially walk you through the easy steps to customize your accent color in Windows 11 and discover how a small change can make a big difference in your daily computing experience.
Whether you prefer bold and vibrant hues or soft and subtle tones, we will ensure that you have various options to choose from.
Here is a quick step guide to change Windows 11 Accent color:
- Open Settings – Click the Start button and select the gear icon, or press Windows + I.
- Click on “Personalization” in the sidebar.
- Click on the “Colors” option.
- Under “Accent color,” choose “Automatic” for a background-based color or “Manual” to pick your own.
- Apply Changes – Your changes will be applied immediately.
Continue reading the blog, as this is just one of the methods to change the Accent Color in Windows 11. In the blog, we have mentioned more effective and creative ways to customize the Accent Color in Windows 11 according to your preferences.
What is Windows 11 Accent Color ?
The Windows 11 Accent Color is a customizable visual element that represents the primary color theme throughout the Windows 11 operating system.
This color appears in various interface elements, such as the taskbar, start menu, action center, and title bars of active application windows.
Furthermore, by personalizing the Accent Color, users can tailor their computing experience to their preferences, making their desktop environment more visually appealing and comfortable..
The accent color typically appears in:
- Buttons: Giving them a distinct look.
- Borders: Defining the edges of windows and elements.
- Hover effects: Indicating user interaction.
- Notification icons: Drawing attention to important alerts.
Note: Additionally, the prominence of the accent color can vary depending on the chosen color mode (light or dark) and other personalization settings.
Color Modes in Windows 11
In addition to the Accent Color, Windows 11 offers two color modes to further customize the visual appearance of the operating system:
Light Mode
This mode sets the overall color scheme of the Windows 11 interface to a lighter tone.
The taskbar, start menu, action center, and other interface elements will have a white or light gray background, making the Accent Color appear more subtly.
Light Mode is suitable for users who prefer a bright and airy appearance, which can help reduce eye strain in well-lit environments.
Dark Mode
On the other hand, Dark Mode sets the overall color scheme of the Windows 11 interface to a darker tone.
The taskbar, start menu, action center, and other interface elements will have a black or dark gray background, allowing the Accent Color to stand out more prominently.
Dark Mode is ideal for users who prefer a low-light computing environment, as it can help reduce eye strain during nighttime use or in dimly lit rooms.
Custom Mode
In last, while not a distinct mode, Windows 11 allows for a degree of customization where you can mix elements of light and dark modes.
For example, you can have a dark desktop background while using light mode for apps.
Also Check: How to Sync or Load Windows 11 clock at startup ?
How to change Accent Color In Windows 11 ?
In Windows 11, you can change the Accent Color using multiple methods. Here, we will discuss three different ways to customize the Accent Color in Windows 11:
By Settings App
- Open Settings – To begin, click the Start button and select the gear icon, or press Windows + I.
- Next, click on “Personalization” in the sidebar.
- Then, click on the “Colors” option.
- Under “Accent color,” you can choose between “Automatic” and “Manual”:
- Automatic: The Accent Color will be automatically selected based on the current desktop background.
- Manual: You can choose a custom Accent Color from the available palette.
- If you choose “Manual,” click on the color you prefer to apply it as the Accent Color.
- Apply Changes – Finally, your changes will be applied immediately.
Using the Quick Settings Menu
- First, click on the network, sound, and battery icons in the lower-right corner of the taskbar to open the Quick Settings menu.
- Next, click on the “Pen” icon (if it’s not visible, click on the “Expand” button in the bottom-left corner of the Quick Settings menu).
- Then, click on the currently selected Accent Color to open the Accent Color palette.
- Lastly, choose a new Accent Color from the available options and the Accent Color will be changed immediately.
By Using the Start Menu
- To start, click on the Start button in the lower-left corner of the taskbar.
- Then, right-click on the currently displayed Accent Color at the top of the Start Menu.
- Finally, select a new Accent Color from the available options and the Accent Color will be changed immediately.
Also Check: How to disable On-Screen Weather in Windows 11 ?
Using the Registry (Advanced Users)
Caution: Incorrectly modifying the registry can cause serious issues. It’s recommended to back up your registry before proceeding.
- Open Registry Editor: To begin, press the Windows key + R, type “regedit,” and press Enter.
- Navigate to the key: Next, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM.
- Create a new DWORD value: Then, right-click in the right pane, choose “New,” and select “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
- Name the value: Name it “ColorPrevalence.”
- Modify the value: After that, double-click on “ColorPrevalence,” change the base to “Hexadecimal,” and enter the desired color code in hexadecimal format (e.g., FF0000 for red).
- Close Registry Editor: Finally, close Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Note: To find the hexadecimal color code, you can use online color pickers or color conversion tools.
Additional Tips
- Experiment with different colors: Try various accent colors to find the perfect match for your taste.
- Consider your wallpaper: The accent color can complement or contrast with your desktop background.
- Explore other personalization options: Windows 11 offers various customization options beyond accent color, such as themes, backgrounds, and sounds.
By following these methods, you can easily customize the appearance of your Windows 11 PC and change the accent color to match your personal style.
How to create a custom Accent Color in Windows 11 ?
To create a custom Accent Color in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- First, open Settings – Click the Start button and select the gear icon, or press Windows + I.
- Next, click on “Personalization” in the sidebar.
- Then, click on the “Colors” option.
- Under “Accent color,” select “Manual.”
- After that, click on “Custom color” below the Accent color palette.
- A new window will open with a color picker. Adjust the hue, saturation, and brightness to create your desired custom Accent Color.
- Apply Changes – Finally, your custom Accent Color will be applied immediately.
By following these steps, you can create a unique and personalized Accent Color that suits your preferences and enhances your Windows 11 experience.
How to change Windows 11 Accent Color in Dark Mode ?
To change the Windows 11 Accent Color in Dark Mode, follow these steps:
- Open Settings – First, click the Start button and select the gear icon, or press Windows + I.
- Next, click on “Personalization” in the sidebar.
- Then, click on the “Colors” option.
- Under “Choose your mode,” select “Dark.”
- After that, under “Accent color,” select “Manual.”
- Now, choose a new Accent Color from the available palette or click on “Custom color” to create a custom Accent Color.
- Apply Changes – Finally, your new Accent Color will be applied immediately in Dark Mode.
These steps will help you change the Accent Color in Windows 11 while using Dark Mode, allowing you to personalize your computing experience even in low-light environments.
Also Check: What are the shortcuts for sleep in Windows 11 ?
Conclusion
Customizing the Accent Color in Windows 11 is a simple and effective way to personalize your computing experience. Whether you prefer bold, vibrant hues or soft, subtle tones, Windows 11 offers various options to choose from.
Furthermore, by following the step-by-step guide provided in this blog, you can easily change the Accent Color using the Settings app, Quick Settings menu, or Start menu. For advanced users, the registry method allows you to create a custom Accent Color.
Additionally, experiment with different colors and consider your desktop background to find the perfect match.
Finally, remember, a small change in Accent Color can make a big difference in your daily computing routine. Enjoy the freedom to express your personal style with Windows 11’s customization options.
Source: [ microsoft, elevenforum, prajwaldesai, superuser ]
Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)
Changing accent color without Windows 11 activation is limited. You might try theme packs or registry tweaks, but success isn’t guaranteed and can be risky. For full customization, activating Windows is recommended.
To enable accent color on Start and taskbar in Windows 11, go to Settings > Personalization > Colors. Switch “Choose your mode” to Dark. Then, toggle on “Show accent color on Start and taskbar”. This option might be unavailable in Light mode.
To get the accent color on Windows 11, go to Settings > Personalization > Colors. Choose “Light” mode for better accent visibility. Select “Automatic” for a color based on your wallpaper, or choose a specific color manually. You can also create a custom accent.
