Windows 11 Dark Mode is not fully applying to the Start Menu search bar. The search box remains white while the rest of the UI is dark themed.

Issue: This issue has been present since the day I installed Windows 11. The Start Menu search bar is not following the correct theme behavior in Windows 11. When I use Light Mode or Dark Mode, everything works correctly. However, when I switch to Custom Mode with Windows Mode set to Dark and App Mode set to Light, the Start Menu search bar appears in Light Mode instead of Dark Mode.

Since the Start Menu is part of the Windows interface, the search bar should follow the Windows Mode (Dark) setting and display a dark background. This issue only occurs in Custom Mode and appears to be a theme or UI rendering bug.

Please help me fix this issue. My Windows version is: Edition: Windows 11 Pro

1. Version: 25H2
2. Installed On: January 10, 2026
3. OS Build: 26200.8524
4. Windows Feature Experience Pack: 1000.26100.315.0..

Hi, good day!

• When was the last time it worked properly?
• What is your current Windows operating system and version?

Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: winver

Press Enter

Please take a screenshot of the resulting window and post it in your next response.

Please try the method below if it helps.

Press Windows key+R to open Run then copy and paste the path below to open the old Personalization.

shell:::{ED834ED6-4B5A-4bfe-8F11-A626DCB6A921}

Press Enter

Under Windows default, select Windows or Windows (light)

Restart your computer then set it to Dark theme again.

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below instead of Yes or No button.