Transform Your Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide to a Fully Black Start Menu and Taskbar

With the rising trend of customization among Windows enthusiasts, especially in Windows 11, many users are seeking ways to personalize their interface further than just the default dark mode. A common request among users is for a completely black Start menu and taskbar. While Microsoft does offer a dark theme, the option for a completely black UI element, like the Start menu, requires a bit more effort. This article will explore how you can achieve this personalization through registry tweaks and scripts, offering a comprehensive guide for those looking to delve deeper into Windows customization.

Understanding Windows 11 Customization​

Windows 11 was designed with aesthetics in mind, incorporating sleek lines and softer aesthetics compared to its predecessors. However, as appealing as these design choices may be, they may not satisfy every user’s needs for visual preferences. The customization landscape for Windows often involves third-party applications like StartAllBack or Start11, which enhance the user interface for tasks like changing the look of the taskbar or the Start menu.

Why Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar?​

Customization, particularly adjusting the Start menu and taskbar's color scheme, serves several purposes:

• Aesthetic Appeal: A solid black theme can create a more cohesive look for users who prefer darker elements, especially when working in low-light environments.
• Readability: For some users, high-contrast interfaces can be easier on the eyes, thus improving readability.
• Unique Experience: Users have different preferences and styles. Tailoring the interface to personal liking can enhance the overall Windows experience.

Available Options​

While there are many methods to change interface elements, not all require third-party software. In this guide, we will focus on using the Windows Registry, a skeleton that governs various settings within Windows.

Method 1: Use Registry Tweaks for a Completely Black Start Menu​

Modifying the Windows Registry is the most direct way to alter the color scheme of the Start menu and taskbar, leading to a fully black appearance. Below are the steps you need to follow:

Step-by-Step Guide​

• Open Settings:
• Start by opening the Settings app on your Windows 11 device.
• Navigate to Personalization > Colors.
• Toggle on "Show accent color on Start and taskbar". [*Create the Registry Script:
• Open Notepad as an administrator.
• Copy and paste the following script:
  Code:

  plaintext 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 "StartColorMenu"=dword:00000000 "AccentColorMenu"=dword:00000000

  [*Save the File:
• Save the file with a .reg extension, for example, black.reg. [*Run the Registry Script:
• Double-click the saved .reg file.
• Confirm the User Account Control prompt, and then accept all dialog boxes that appear.
• You should see your Start menu and taskbar change to a completely black color.

Benefits of This Method​

[*Simplicity*: It’s straightforward and doesn’t require any additional software installation. [Shareability**: Once created, the .reg file can be shared with others, making it easy for friends or colleagues to replicate the changes.

Risks and Precautions​

Using the Registry Editor can be risky. Incorrect changes to the registry may lead to system instability or malfunctions. Always back up the registry before making changes:

• Open Registry Editor (regedit from the Run dialog).
• Click File → Export.
• Save your current registry file to enable recovery in case of any errors.

Method 2: Manual Registry Changes​

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, you can adjust registry values directly:

Steps to Manually Edit the Registry​

• Open Registry Editor:
• Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and hit Enter. [*Navigate to the Key:
• Follow the directory path:
  Code:

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

  [*Make Changes:
• Change the values of AccentColorMenu and StartColorMenu to 0.
• Set AccentPalette binary data to 32 pairs of zeroes (fill with 0s). [*Restart Your PC:
• After making these changes, restart your computer to see the effect.

Considerations and Consequences​

It’s important to note that modifying your Start menu and taskbar to appear completely black does not affect other system UI components. This can lead to inconsistencies, as other elements may still use the default colors, potentially reducing the overall aesthetic you seek. For example, notifications that indicate the date may be reduced to a simple black dot instead of a highlighted date representation.

The Right Audience​

Understanding your audience when making such customizations is crucial. Users who are adventurous and enjoy experimenting with features might appreciate the control that comes with adjusting the registry. However, less experienced users may find it intimidating or risky, especially if they encounter issues.

Conclusion​

Customizing the Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar to be completely black is entirely achievable through simple registry tweaks. While the visibility of Windows customization tools has increased, utilizing the built-in functionality of Windows ensures you can achieve drastic alterations without needing third-party applications for every tweak. This hands-on approach not only enhances your personalization but may also yield a sense of achievement as you redefine your user experience on Windows 11. If you choose to embark on this customization journey, always remember to back up your settings before proceeding, ensuring a smooth experience. For further exploration of Windows customization, visit our detailed guides on various user experiences and tips to maximize your operating system's potential. Source: XDA Developers - Dark mode not enough? Here's how you can make the Windows 11 Start menu completely black