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The taskbar on Windows 11 is an essential part of the user interface, providing quick access to frequently used apps and system functions. While the default color of the taskbar is set to black, many users prefer to customize it to match their taste or the wallpaper they have set on their desktop. Unfortunately, the process of changing the color of the taskbar is not as straightforward as it should be, and many users struggle to figure it out. In this article, we will guide you through several methods to change the color of the taskbar on Windows 11, as well as provide tips for troubleshooting if you encounter any issues.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change Colour of Taskbar on Windows 11
There are many reasons why you may want to change the color of the taskbar on Windows 11. Some users may want to customize their desktop to match their preferences, while others may want to improve the overall aesthetic of their Windows 11 experience. Whatever your reason may be, changing the color of the taskbar can give your desktop a fresh look.
Method 1: Using Windows Settings
Changing the color of the taskbar using the Windows Settings is the most straightforward and easiest method. Follow the steps below to do so:
1. Click on the Start button on the bottom left corner of your screen and select "Settings" (gear icon)
2. In the "Settings" window, click on "Personalization"
3. On the left side of the window, click on "Colors"
4. Scroll down to "Show accent color on the following surfaces" and toggle "Start, taskbar, and action center"
5. Choose a color from the list or use the color picker to select a custom color
6. Check the "Transparency effects" box if you want the taskbar to be semi-transparent
7. Your preferred color will now be applied to the taskbar
Pros:
– Easy to use
– No need to install any third-party software
– The changes are immediately applied
Cons:
– Limited customization options
– The changes may not be saved when you restart your computer
Method 2: Using Registry Editor
The second method to change the color of the taskbar involves editing the Windows Registry. Follow the steps below to do so:
1. Press "Windows + R" to open the "Run" dialog box
2. Type "regedit" and hit enter
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize"
4. Right-click on an empty space in the right-hand pane and select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value"
5. Name the new value "UseOLEDTaskbarTransparency"
6. Double-click on the value and set its data to "0"
7. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer
8. Once your computer has restarted, open the "Settings" app and navigate to "Personalization" > "Colors"
9. Select a color from the list or use the color picker to choose a custom color
10. The changes will now be applied to the taskbar
Pros:
– Offers more customization options
– Solves the issues of the taskbar not coloring entirely
Cons:
– Users may accidentally modify other Registry values
– The process requires a computer restart
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Software – TranslucentTB
TranslucentTB is a popular third-party software that allows users to customize the transparency and color of their taskbar. Follow the steps below to use TranslucentTB:
1. Download and install TranslucentTB from https://github.com/TranslucentTB/TranslucentTB/releases
2. Once installed, right-click on the app icon in the system tray and select "Settings"
3. In the "Settings" window, select "Appearance"
4. Choose a color from the list or use the color picker to select a custom color
5. Adjust the "Taskbar Opacity" slider to set the transparency of the taskbar
6. Click "Save"
7. TranslucentTB will now apply your preferred color and transparency settings to the taskbar
Pros:
– Offers the most customization options
– Allows for dynamic transparency based on the background
Cons:
– Requires additional software installation
– May impact system performance
What to Do If You Can’t Change the Colour of the Taskbar on Windows 11
If you encounter any issues when changing the color of the taskbar, try the following solutions:
1. Restart your computer and try again
2. Update your graphics card drivers
3. Disable any third-party software that may conflict with taskbar customization
4. Check if your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11
Bonus Tip
To change the color of the taskbar on Windows 11 even further, you can use a combination of the above methods. For example, you can use both the Windows Settings and TranslucentTB to achieve a more customized look.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I change the color of the taskbar to an image or pattern?
A: Unfortunately, Windows 11 does not have a built-in option to set an image or pattern as the taskbar color. However, you can use third-party software like Rainmeter to customize your desktop further.
Q2: Why does my taskbar color change back to black when I reboot my computer?
A: This could be caused by a bug in Windows 11 or the color settings not being saved correctly. Try restarting your computer again, or use Registry Editor or TranslucentTB to change the taskbar color instead.
Q3: Why can’t I change the color of the taskbar on Windows 11?
A: There could be various reasons why you’re experiencing this issue – outdated system files, missing updates or low-powered hardware. Try restarting and updating drivers, or contact Microsoft Support.
Q4: Can I change the color of the taskbar for only one user account?
A: Yes, you can change the color of the taskbar on a per-user account basis by accessing the Windows Registry and navigating to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize.
Q5: What is the default color of the taskbar on Windows 11?
A: The default color of the taskbar in Windows 11 is black.
Final Thoughts
Customizing the color of the taskbar on Windows 11 is an excellent way to give your desktop a personal and fresh look. While the native method in Windows Settings is the easiest solution, third-party software like TranslucentTB offers even more customization options. Regardless of the method, don’t forget to restart your computer after applying the changes to ensure they take effect. If you encounter any issues, follow the steps we provided or reach out to Microsoft Support to resolve them.