Customization is one of the primary reasons behind the success of Windows. Windows 11/10 has a dedicated setting panel to personalize your PC varying from changing the overall Theme to modifying selective colors. Windows mainly also let you change the taskbar color alone. The Taskbar is one of the critical components of Windows, which users regularly view. However, some users cannot change the Taskbar’s color, or basically, the taskbar color setting appears to be greyed out. In this post, I will guide you on how to fix Windows 11/10 taskbar color not changing.
How To Fix Windows 11/10 Taskbar Color Not Changing
There could be a lot of reasons behind the Taskbar’s color-changing option being greyed out. Here’s the list of methods we will follow to resolve the issue.
- Adjust Color Settings
- Change Theme
- Disable Automatic Accent Color
These methods should resolve the issue from adjusting the color settings on Windows 11/10 to disabling automatic accent color.
1] Adjust Colour Settings
With Windows, there are three ways to customize accent colors: users can either set it to use the predefined dark or light Theme, which applies to all Windows items, including Start Menu, Taskbar, etc. Alternatively, it lets users completely customize the colors according to their wishes. Users can set the Windows to use the dark mode, while the apps can be set to the light Theme or vice versa.
Surprisingly, if one selects the Light Theme in the Color option, users cannot change the taskbar color, or it happens to be greyed out. Here’s how to fix the issue:
In Windows 11
- Go to Settings (Win + I) > Personalization > Colors.
- Switch to Dark Theme in the Choose your mode section.
- Expand the Accent Color section, and you can now change the accent color on Start and Taskbar.
It is essential to understand that changing accent color for the Taskbar is only available when using Dark mode. It is not available when in Light or Custom mode.
In Windows 10
- Open Settings Panel in Windows 10 (Win + I)
- Navigate to Personalization > Colors.
- Under Choose Your Color, either set it to be Dark or Custom. In case you choose custom: you’ll find two more options. Choose Your Default Windows Mode and Choose your default apps mode. You can choose to keep the app mode to either dark or light.
- Scroll down under the same page to find Start, Taskbar, and action center, and check the checkbox present right next to it.
- Now, choose your Taskbar accent color from the panel present above it.
2] Change Theme
Using third-party themes in Windows could also be the reason behind not changing the Taskbar’s color. Changing back to the default Windows theme could help, here’s how:
- Open Settings Panel in Windows 11/10 (Win + I)
- Navigate to Personalization > choose Themes
- Click on the default Windows theme to apply it.
- Restart your PC, head over to Settings > Personalization > Colors> Scroll down under the same page to find Start, Taskbar, and action center
- Check the checkbox present right next to it or toggle it on. Next, choose your Taskbar accent color from the panel present above it.
The issue should have been solved, in case not check out the other methods mentioned below.
3] Disable Automatic Accent Color
Windows offers an option under Settings wherein it automatically adjusts the accent color of the Taskbar and more based on the background. It may be a prime reason behind the issue where users may not change the Taskbar’s color. Disabling it could help; here’s how to do so:
- Open Settings Panel > Personalization > Colors.
- Scroll down under the same page to find Choose your Accent Color.
- Here you’ll find an option stating Automatically pick an accent color from my background. Disable it, and you should be good to go.
Best Tips to Customize Windows 11/10 Taskbar for productivity
The Taskbar is one of the core Windows experiences and the placeholder for almost every open window. While you can pin apps, keep tons of open windows, and know some of the tips to improve productivity. So here are some of the best tips to customize the Windows taskbar.
How Do I Reset My Taskbar Color?
You cannot set a dedicated color for Taskbar, which is different from Windows Theme. Instead, you can choose a different theme or different accent color for the Taskbar. You will need to go to Settings > Personalization > Color and change the accent color.
Why Is My Taskbar a Different Color?
It is different because it is changed based on the color of the wallpaper or is using the accept color, which is transparent. So if you select Blue color, you may not be the exact blue, but a shade of it.
With that said, How many of you use a third-party theme with Windows 11/10? Do let us know by dropping a comment down below.