How To Change The Start Menu Color In Windows 11

With each iteration of the Windows operating system, Microsoft has been introducing a new Start menu. The Start menu is probably the only area of the Windows operating system that has seen so many revamps or overhauls over the last two decades.

The all new Start menu in Windows 11 has its lovers and critics. While the Start menu in Windows 11 is not as customizable as the one in Windows 10, it does offer several options to personalize it. In fact, there is a dedicated page to change the Start menu settings.

If you have been using Windows 11 for a while now, you might want to personalize the Start menu by changing its color. While changing the Start menu color is possible in Windows 11, it’s not very straight-forward.

First of all, Windows 11 does not let you change the Start menu color when you are using the light mode or light theme. In other words, when using the light theme, the accent color is not applied to the Start menu. So, if you wish to change the Start menu color, you need to switch to the dark theme.

This guide shows you how to enable the dark theme and change the Start menu color in Windows 11.

Change the Windows 11 Start menu color

NOTE 1: You cannot change the Start menu color when using the light theme.

NOTE 2: Changing the Start menu color also changes the taskbar color and other areas where accent color is used.

Step 1: Open the Settings app. Navigate to Personalization > Colors.

Step 2: Select Custom from drop-down next to the Choose your mode. Once done, click on Choose your mode to see available options.

Step 3: Next, select the Dark option from the drop-down menu next to the Choose your default Windows mode option. Note that this will not turn on the dark mode for all apps. No need to change the default app mode.

Step 4: Next, select the Manual option from the drop-down next to Accent color (refer to the picture below), click on Accent color to see available colors, and then select an accent color of your choice from the offered collection. If you do not like the default collection of colors, click the View colors button and use the mixer to craft your own color!

Step 5: Finally, scroll down the page and turn on the Show accent color on Start and taskbar option to apply the selected color on the Start menu and taskbar immediately.

Our how to change the Start menu color in Windows 10 guide might also interest you.