How to add custom color theme to Start Menu of Windows 10

The Windows Start Menu has been our go-to point for accessing most of our computer applications. Over the years with different versions of the Windows operating system, Microsoft has been refreshing its design and updating how it works. Yes, from size to structure to function, this Start Menu kept on transforming – both in terms of looks and in terms of functions. If you want to change the default look of your Windows Start Menu, this blog could interest you.

With the default Windows settings, the Windows 10 Start Menu displays icons on the left side and the application tiles on the right side. It also allows for displaying Live tiles which present updated real-time information like the Weather application. The username appears at the top and the power button along with Settings, Pictures, and Documents appears in the left bottom corner of the menu. Overall, the Windows 10 Start Menu is clean and organized.

However, unlike older versions of Windows, this version does not show color instead picks up an accent color from the desktop background – Hence, the Start Menu always wears a dark theme.

Add custom color theme to Windows 10 Start Menu

You can use Windows personalization settings to add a custom color theme to the Windows 10 Start Menu. Below mentioned are a few methods:

1. Using Personalization Settings
2. Using Control Panel

1] Using Personalization Settings

You can use Windows personalization settings to alter the color of your Start Menu by following the below steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Now hit Personalization
3. From the left pane select the Colors option.
4. Scroll down to the ‘Show accent color on the following surfaces’ section
5. Check the Start, taskbar, and action center option.

Your Start Menu, taskbar, and action center will now start picking the accent color instead of the default color.

This option is great for those who frequently change their desktop backgrounds or have a slideshow for their desktop background. By allowing Windows to select accent color, you can ensure that your Start Menu is always mix-matching with your background.

To add a custom color theme to Start Menu follow the next steps.

In the same Settings > Personalization > Colors window, uncheck the Automatically pick an accent color from my background option and select the color of your choice from the Windows colors option.

Done! This will add a custom color theme to Start Menu.

Guide to customize Windows 10 Start Menu and Taskbar

2] Using the Control Panel

1. Go to Settings
2. Now click Personalization, and from the left pane select the Colors option.
3. Scroll down to the ‘Show accent color on the following surfaces’ section and check the Start, taskbar, and action center option.
4. Now, press Win + R key to open the Run dialog.

Now type the following command in the dialog box and press the Enter key:

shell:::{ED834ED6-4B5A-4bfe-8F11-A626DCB6A921} -Microsoft.Personalization\pageColorization

This command will open the Color and Appearance window.

Select the color of your choice and click Save Changes.

If you do not like the default colors available, try creating your own by using the color mixer below. To create custom colors, drag the hue, saturation, and brightness sliders to the desired location; this will create your perfect shade.

Another quick way to add custom colors to your Start Menu is to install a new theme. Microsoft offers plenty of themes on their website, each one uses specific colors that apply to the Start Menu as well. Do try them out!