Can’t Change Color of Taskbar on Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It

The taskbar stays grey or does not use chosen accent colors, with the “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” option often showing as greyed out when you try to personalize. This issue happens because Windows is set to Light mode, which turns off changing the taskbar color.

The most common cause is having Windows set to Light mode; other causes are using Custom mode without switching Windows to Dark mode.

Now that you know the two main causes that can prevent you from changing the color of your taskbar, follow the instructions below to address both scenarios.

1. Activate your Windows 11 Installation

With Windows 11, Microsoft has gone even further in encouraging users to activate their operating system with a valid product key.

Now, on top of displaying the pop-up that tells you your Windows version is not activated, you’re also prevented from making customization changes that aren’t part of the default look.

1. Press the Start button and search for Activation Settings, then press Enter.

   

2. After the Activation settings appear, on the right side of where it says Activation state, you will see whether your Windows is activated.

   

3. If you find that your Windows installation is not activated, click on the Change button and enter a valid license key.

   

   Note: If you have a working Windows 10 license key, you can also use it to activate Windows 11.

4. Once you manage to activate Windows 11, reboot your PC and see if the problem is now fixed.

2. Make the switch to Dark Mode

If you previously confirmed that you have an activated copy of Windows, there’s one more likely cause to check.

If you’re trying to modify the accent color of Start and Taskbar only to find the option greyed out, it’s most likely because you’re using Light Mode—this mode doesn’t expose that customization.

1. Open the search option and search for Settings, then open it.

   

2. Next, in the left-side list, click on Personalization, then click on Colors.

   

3. Under Choose your mode, expand the drop-down menu and select Dark.

   

4. Now the Show accent color on Start and Taskbar option will be available. Turn it on, then choose your preferred accent color.