Windows 10 lets you change the taskbar color to match your wallpaper, your favorite color, or a clean dark look. The key setting is easy to miss, though: the taskbar only takes on a custom color when Windows is in Dark mode (or Custom mode with Dark for Windows), and the option stays grayed out in Light mode. This guide covers every way to change the taskbar color, why the setting might be unavailable, and how to make the taskbar transparent or reset it.
Quick Answer
Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors. Set Choose your color to Dark (or Custom with Dark as the default Windows mode), pick a color under Windows colors, and check Start, taskbar, and action center. The taskbar changes immediately.
Step-by-Step: Change the Taskbar Color
- Right-click the desktop and choose Personalize, or press Windows key + I and click Personalization.
- Click Colors in the left pane.
- Under Choose your color, select Custom.
- Under Choose your default Windows mode, select Dark. (Your apps can stay Light under Choose your default app mode.)
- Under Windows colors, click a color tile, or click Custom color to choose any shade with the color picker or a hex code.
- Scroll to Show accent color on the following surfaces and check Start, taskbar, and action center.
Optionally, check Title bars and window borders to use the same color on window title bars.
Let Windows Pick a Color From Your Wallpaper
On the same Colors page, check Automatically pick an accent color from my background. Windows chooses a color based on your wallpaper and updates it when the background changes, which works well with a slideshow.
Make the Taskbar Solid Black or Dark Gray
For a neutral dark taskbar, set Windows mode to Dark and uncheck Start, taskbar, and action center. The taskbar uses the standard dark theme color instead of an accent color.
Make the Taskbar Transparent
On the Colors page, turn on Transparency effects for a slightly see-through taskbar. Windows 10 does not offer a fully transparent taskbar setting. Third-party tools can add more transparency, but only install software from a trusted source.
Why Is "Start, taskbar, and action center" Grayed Out?
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Windows mode is Light | Choose Dark or Custom with Dark for Windows mode |
| A high contrast theme is on | Go to Settings > Ease of Access > High contrast and turn it off |
| Windows is not activated | Personalization settings are locked until Windows is activated (Settings > Update & Security > Activation) |
| Managed work or school PC | Your organization may control appearance settings; contact IT |
| Older Windows 10 version | Install updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update |
Use a Theme to Change the Taskbar
Themes change the wallpaper, accent color, and sounds at once. Go to Settings > Personalization > Themes, pick a theme, or click Get more themes in Microsoft Store. After applying a theme, return to Colors to confirm the taskbar option is checked.
Other Taskbar Appearance Settings
Under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, you can also:
- Use small taskbar buttons.
- Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop or tablet mode.
- Move the taskbar to the left, right, or top of the screen.
- Choose how taskbar buttons are combined.
- Pick which icons appear in the notification area.
How to Reset the Taskbar Color
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors.
- Set Choose your color to Light or Dark as you prefer.
- Uncheck Start, taskbar, and action center.
- Select the default blue accent color if you changed it.
Or apply the default Windows theme in Personalization > Themes.
If the taskbar color option is grayed out, you may need to turn off dark mode first or use Custom mode.
Change colors, sounds and more with a Windows 10 theme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a custom color that is not in the list?
Yes. Click Custom color and use the picker or enter RGB or hex values.
Why does my custom color look different on the taskbar?
Windows may slightly adjust colors for readability, and transparency effects blend the color with what is behind the taskbar. Turn off transparency to see the exact shade.
Can the taskbar be a different color from Start and the action center?
Not with built-in settings. The option applies to all three surfaces together.
Does this work in Windows 11?
Windows 11 has a similar option in Settings > Personalization > Colors, called Show accent color on Start and taskbar, which also requires Dark mode for Windows.
Summary
- Open Settings > Personalization > Colors.
- Set Windows mode to Dark (Custom lets apps stay Light).
- Pick an accent color or let Windows choose one from your wallpaper.
- Check Start, taskbar, and action center.
- If the option is grayed out, check the Windows mode, high contrast, and activation.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.