Windows 11 Users Can Customize Start Menu and Taskbar to Black

Windows 11 users seeking to personalize their experience have a variety of options at their disposal. While third-party applications such as StartAllBack and Start11 offer extensive customization capabilities, many users may find that they can achieve their desired look without additional installations. For instance, changing the Start menu and taskbar to a sleek black can be accomplished through simple registry tweaks.

How to Make the Start Menu and Taskbar Completely Black

Doing it the Easy Way

For those who prefer a straightforward approach, modifying the Windows Registry can be done using the Registry Editor or by creating scripts in Notepad. This method not only simplifies the process but also saves time and effort. To achieve a black Start menu and taskbar, users need to follow a few steps.

Begin by opening the Settings app and navigating to Personalization > Colors. Here, toggle the options for Show accent color on Start and taskbar and Show accent color on title bars and window borders.
Next, copy and paste the following script into a new Notepad file and save it as black.reg:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Accent] 
"AccentPalette"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 
"StartColorMenu"=dword:00000000 
"AccentColorMenu"=dword:00000000

After saving the file, double-click it and confirm any prompts from the Windows User Account Control (UAC). Upon completion, the Start menu and taskbar should transform to a striking black.

This method not only streamlines the process but also allows users to share the black.reg file with others who may wish to make the same change, requiring only that they run the file in File Explorer.

Doing it the Hard Way

For those who enjoy a more hands-on approach, directly using the Registry Editor is an option. However, this method requires careful attention to detail, as even minor errors can lead to system issues. It is crucial to back up the Windows Registry values before making any modifications.

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
Type regedit and click OK.

In the Registry Editor search bar, paste the following directory:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Accent

Change the AccentColorMenu and StartColorMenu values to "0".
Modify the AccentPalette binary data to consist of 32 pairs of 0s.
Restart your PC.

Following these steps will yield the same black appearance for the Start menu and taskbar as the previous method, as both approaches ultimately alter the same registry values.

How to Undo Changes You Made to the Windows Registry

Backing up Windows Registry values is essential for those who may wish to revert their changes. Should you decide to restore the original theme, having a backup allows for a quick and easy restoration process.

Making Windows 11 Start Menu and Taskbar Completely Black Has Consequences

While the allure of a customized black Start menu and taskbar is appealing, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks. Altering these key UI components can lead to inconsistencies, such as the display of a black dot instead of highlighting text or other visual anomalies that might disrupt your user experience.

Ultimately, whether you choose to use third-party applications or delve into registry tweaks yourself, customizing your Windows 11 environment offers a unique way to make your digital workspace truly your own.

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Update: 16 Aug 2024