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Show accent color on start and taskbar

Carla Vala 20 Reputation points
2025-07-10T03:07:16.4833333+00:00

After Windows 11 update KB5056580 on 2025-07-08 the "Show accent color on start and taskbar" setting" in Personalization>Colors is greyed out until I turn on dark mode. This update changed all my themes. I surely don't want dark mode but the color on "Start" is horrible. How do I resolve this? Is it a bug? Thanks in advance for any help.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
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  1. Chen1018 13,870 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-07-10T03:48:05.24+00:00

    Hi there,

    I'm Cherrelyn, , and I completely understand how frustrating it is when a Windows update unexpectedly changes your theme settings. After the July 8 update (KB5056580), Microsoft made it so the “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” option is only available in dark mode and which is why it's greyed out unless dark mode is enabled. This isn’t necessarily a bug but a design change many users have found inconvenient. Unfortunately, there's currently no built-in way to enable accent color on Start and taskbar in light mode. As a workaround, you can temporarily switch to dark mode, enable the accent color, and then return to light mode and though it may not fully retain the change.

    I hope Microsoft listens to feedback and brings back more flexibility in a future update.

    Warm regards,

    Cherrelyn

    2 people found this answer helpful.

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  1. Chen1018 13,870 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-07-10T04:21:42.6166667+00:00

    Hi Carla,

    Thank you for sharing your workaround setting the mode to Custom and switching just the Windows mode to Dark is a clever and effective way to re-enable the accent color without fully committing to dark mode everywhere. To get your accent color back on active title bars, you can go to Settings > Personalization > Colors, then scroll down and enable “Show accent color on title bars and windows borders.” I completely agree it would be great to have more consistency and user control without these sudden changes. Hopefully Microsoft takes this feedback seriously in future updates.

    Warm regards,

    Cherrelyn

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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