How to Change Taskbar Background Color on Windows 10

Changing the taskbar background color on Windows 10 can be a fun and personal way to customize your computer’s appearance. The taskbar is a prominent feature on the desktop and is often the first thing users interact with when using their computers. By changing the taskbar background color, you can create a more personalized and visually appealing desktop experience.

In this blog post, we will explore different methods to change the taskbar background color on Windows 10. We will discuss step-by-step instructions for each method, along with their pros and cons. Additionally, we will provide alternative solutions and bonus tips for further customization. Let’s get started!

The Challenge of Changing Taskbar Background Color

• Windows 10 offers limited built-in options for changing the taskbar background color.
• Modifying the taskbar background color requires accessing the Windows registry, which may be intimidating for some users.
• Not all third-party software or methods for changing the taskbar background color are reliable or compatible with all versions of Windows 10.

Video Tutorial:

Method 1. How to Change Taskbar Background Color using Windows Settings

To change the taskbar background color using Windows Settings, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize" from the context menu.
2. In the Personalization settings window, click on "Colors" in the left-hand menu.
3. Scroll down to the "Choose your color" section and toggle the "Automatically pick an accent color from my background" switch to off.
4. Select the desired color from the list of predefined colors, or click on "Custom color" to choose a custom color using the color picker.
5. The taskbar background color will change immediately after selecting a color.

Pros:

1. No additional software or technical knowledge is required for this method.
2. Color changes are visually applied in real-time, allowing for quick customization.
3. Reverting to the default taskbar color is as simple as selecting "Windows colors" in the color selection menu.

Cons:

1. The color options provided by Windows settings are limited and may not match a user’s specific preference.
2. Custom color selection relies solely on the color picker, which may not accurately represent the desired color on the taskbar.
3. This method does not provide advanced customization options or the ability to set gradients or patterns as the taskbar background.

Method 2. How to Change Taskbar Background Color using Third-Party Software

To change the taskbar background color using third-party software, follow these steps:

1. Download and install a trusted third-party software solution for customizing Windows 10, such as "CustomizerGod" or "Classic Shell".
2. Launch the software and navigate to the taskbar customization options.
3. Select the desired color or customize the taskbar background using the available options.
4. Apply the changes and restart the computer if required.

Pros:

1. Third-party software often provides more extensive customization options than the built-in Windows settings.
2. Advanced features like setting gradients, transparency, or patterns as the taskbar background are usually available.
3. Some software solutions also allow for taskbar customization on a per-application basis.

Cons:

1. Using third-party software introduces a potential security risk, as it requires installation from an external source.
2. Not all third-party software solutions are free, and some may have limited functionality in their free versions.
3. Compatibility issues with different versions of Windows 10 or conflicts with other software may arise.

Method 3. How to Change Taskbar Background Color using Windows Registry

To change the taskbar background color using the Windows Registry, follow these steps:

1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows + R, typing "regedit" (without quotes), and pressing Enter.
2. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize
3. In the right-hand pane, right-click and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name the new DWORD value "ColorPrevalence" (without quotes), and press Enter.
5. Double-click on "ColorPrevalence" and change the value data to "1".
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes.

Pros:

1. This method allows for advanced customization beyond the options provided by Windows settings.
2. Taskbar background color changes made through the registry are system-wide and persist even after restarting.
3. It is possible to set gradients, patterns, or even use images as the taskbar background by modifying registry values.

Cons:

1. Modifying the Windows Registry can be risky and may lead to system instability or unintended consequences if not done correctly.
2. This method is not recommended for novice users or those who are unfamiliar with working in the Registry Editor.
3. Mistakes or changes made to incorrect registry values can potentially cause issues that require expert assistance to resolve.

Method 4. How to Change Taskbar Background Color using Third-Party Themes

To change the taskbar background color using third-party themes, follow these steps:

1. Download and install a third-party theme customization tool, such as "UXTheme Patcher" or "Stardock WindowBlinds".
2. Select a compatible theme that allows for taskbar background color customization.
3. Apply the theme and restart your computer if required.

Pros:

1. Third-party themes provide extensive customization options, including the taskbar background color.
2. Advanced features like animated taskbar backgrounds or unique visual effects may be available.
3. Taskbar customization is often just one aspect of a broader theme package, allowing for the complete transformation of the desktop.

Cons:

1. Using third-party themes may require additional software installation and potentially introduce security risks.
2. Compatibility issues with different versions of Windows 10 or conflicts with other software may arise.
3. Some themes may not be compatible with specific hardware configurations, potentially causing stability or performance issues.

Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Change Taskbar Background Color

If you encounter difficulties in changing the taskbar background color or prefer alternative customization options, consider the following solutions:

1. Use third-party software to customize other aspects of the Windows 10 desktop, such as wallpaper, icons, or cursor styles.
2. Explore alternative methods to change the taskbar appearance, such as enabling or disabling specific taskbar features, resizing the taskbar, or changing the taskbar position on the screen.
3. Consider using virtual desktops or workspace managers to separate and organize different tasks or applications, reducing the prominence of the taskbar.

Bonus Tips

For further customization of your Windows 10 taskbar, consider these bonus tips:

1. Use high-quality wallpapers that complement or contrast with the taskbar background color for a visually appealing desktop experience.
2. Experiment with different transparency levels or effects for the taskbar to create a unique and dynamic appearance.
3. Explore additional third-party software solutions specifically designed for taskbar customization, as they may provide additional features or easier-to-use interfaces.

5 FAQs about Changing Taskbar Background Color

Q1: Can I change the taskbar background color to match my desktop wallpaper?

A1: Yes, you can select a color from your wallpaper or manually choose a custom color using the color picker in Windows settings.

Q2: Do changes made to the taskbar background color affect other Windows users on the same computer?

A2: Changes made to the taskbar background color are user-specific and do not affect other Windows users on the same computer.

Q3: Is it possible to revert to the default taskbar background color?

A3: Yes, you can revert to the default taskbar background color by selecting "Windows colors" in the color selection menu in Windows settings.

Q4: Can I set a different taskbar background color for each monitor in a multi-monitor setup?

A4: While not possible with the built-in Windows settings, some third-party software solutions may offer the ability to set different taskbar background colors for each monitor.

Q5: Will changes made to the taskbar background color persist after updating Windows?

A5: Changes made to the taskbar background color through Windows settings should persist after updating Windows, while changes made through the registry or third-party software may require reapplying after an update.

In Conclusion

Changing the taskbar background color on Windows 10 is a simple yet effective way to personalize your computer’s desktop experience. While Windows settings provide basic color customization options, third-party software and registry modifications offer more advanced features for creating a unique and visually appealing taskbar. Remember to exercise caution when modifying the Windows registry and ensure that any third-party software is from a trusted source. With the methods and tips discussed in this blog post, you can take control of your taskbar’s appearance and create a desktop environment that reflects your personal style.