Windows 10 Start Menu & Action Center Black - Custom Accent Color
Customizing Windows 10 Color Schemes: A Registry Adjustment
Many Windows 10 users find the unified color setting for the taskbar, Start menu, and Action Center restrictive. Currently, the operating system doesn't offer individual color customization for these elements.
However, a simple modification to the Windows Registry can provide a degree of control, allowing for a more personalized appearance.
Understanding the Limitation
The standard Windows 10 Personalization settings apply a single accent color across the taskbar, Start menu, and Action Center. This means altering one element's color automatically changes the others.
While separate options exist for active window title bars, and even inactive ones via another Registry tweak, granular control remains limited without further adjustments.
Achieving Partial Customization
It is possible to maintain a black background for the Start menu and Action Center while still utilizing your chosen accent color for the taskbar and window title bars.
This is accomplished through a targeted Registry edit, offering a compromise for those seeking a more tailored visual experience.
This method doesn't provide complete individual control, but it offers a significant improvement over the default unified color scheme.
- The Registry hack allows for a partial separation of color controls.
- Users can retain a dark theme for specific areas while highlighting others.
Maintaining Black Start Menu and Action Center Backgrounds via Registry Edit
Achieving a black background for your Start Menu and Action Center in Windows requires a modification to a specific setting within the Windows Registry. Prior to initiating this edit, it is recommended to configure your personalization preferences.
Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Colors. Select a desired accent color and ensure the "Show color on Start, taskbar, and action center" option is enabled.
With these initial settings in place, you are prepared to access the Registry.
Related: Procedures for Backing Up and Restoring the Windows Registry
A cautionary note: The Registry Editor is a potent system tool, and improper use can lead to system instability or render your system unusable. This particular adjustment is relatively straightforward, and adherence to the provided instructions should prevent issues. However, if you are unfamiliar with its operation, familiarize yourself with Registry Editor usage before proceeding. It is also advisable to back up the Registry (and your entire computer!) before implementing any changes.
Launch the Registry Editor by typing “regedit” into the Start menu search bar. Press Enter to open the Registry Editor and grant it permission to modify your PC’s settings.
Within the Registry Editor, utilize the left-hand navigation pane to locate the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize
On the right panel, double-click the ColorPrevalence value to access its properties window.
Within the value’s properties window, modify the "Value data" field to 3 and then click "OK."
You may now close the Registry Editor. A system restart is not required; the changes should take effect immediately. Verify the black backgrounds by opening your Start Menu or Action Center.
Be mindful when altering Personalization settings after applying this Registry modification. While no system errors will occur, the Registry value may be reset, necessitating a reapplication of the setting. The behavior is as follows:
- Your chosen accent color can be altered at any time without impacting the Registry setting.
- Toggling the "Show color on title bar" setting will not affect the Registry setting.
- Disabling the "Show color on Start, taskbar, and action center" option will revert the
ColorPrevalencevalue to 0, resulting in black backgrounds for all three elements. Re-enabling the option will set the value to 1, applying your accent color. You will need to revisit the Registry and set the value to 3 to restore the black backgrounds.
Conversely, if you wish to undo the Registry modification, you do not need to return to the Registry Editor. Simply adjust the corresponding option within your Personalization settings.
Utilize Pre-Configured Registry Modifications with a Single Click
For users who prefer to avoid manual adjustments within the Windows Registry, we have developed a pair of convenient registry hacks for simplified application.
Hacks for Customizing Start Menu and Action Center Appearance
The "Make Start and Action Center Black" hack modifies the ColorPrevalence setting to a value of 3. Conversely, the "Restore Start and Action Center Backgrounds" hack reverts this value back to 1.
Both of these modifications are packaged within a downloadable ZIP archive. To implement a hack, simply double-click the desired file and follow the on-screen instructions.
Following the application of the chosen hack, a system restart or toggling of a color preference will be necessary to activate the changes.
Start and Action Center Background Hacks are readily available for download.
Understanding the Underlying Mechanism
These hacks essentially represent a streamlined version of the Personalize subkey. They isolate the ColorPrevalence value, as previously discussed, and export it as a .REG file.
Executing either of these hacks directly configures this value to the corresponding numerical setting.
Further Exploration: Creating Your Own Registry Hacks
If you find yourself frequently adjusting Registry settings, investing time in learning how to make your own Registry hacks can prove highly beneficial.
This allows for greater customization and efficiency in managing your Windows environment.
Related: A guide to crafting personalized Windows Registry Hacks.
