How to change menu highlights in Windows 11?

How to Change Menu Highlights in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

What are Menu Highlights in Windows 11?

Menu highlights, also known as accent colors, are a visual customization option in Windows 11 that allows users to change the color scheme of various UI elements, such as the Start menu, taskbar, and explorer. These highlights can be adjusted to match your personal preferences, favorite sports team, or company brand colors to give your Windows 11 experience a unique touch.

Why Change Menu Highlights in Windows 11?

Changing menu highlights in Windows 11 offers several benefits, including:

• Personalization: Make your Windows 11 experience more personalized to your taste and preferences.
• Brand Identity: Use accent colors to match your company or organization’s brand colors, ideal for business or work settings.
• Accessibility: For users with visual impairments, changing menu highlights can improve readability and contrast.
• Fun and Creativity: Experiment with different colors to give your Windows 11 a unique look and feel.

How to Change Menu Highlights in Windows 11

Changing menu highlights in Windows 11 is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

Method 1: Change Menu Highlights via Settings App

1. Open Settings: Open the Settings app by clicking on the gear icon in the Start menu or searching for "Settings" in the taskbar search bar.
2. Click on Personalization: In the Settings app, click on the "Personalization" option.
3. Click on Colors: In the Personalization window, click on the "Colors" option.
4. Select a Theme or Custom Color: Choose from the available themes or select "Custom" to create your own color combination.
5. Adjust Accent Color: Adjust the accent color to your desired shade using the color slider or click on the "Choose your color" button to select a custom color.
6. Save Changes: Click "Save" to apply the changes.

Method 2: Change Menu Highlights via Registry Editor

For advanced users, you can also change menu highlights using the Registry Editor:

1. Access the Registry Editor: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type "regedit," and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Target Key: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionThemes._restart
3. Create a New String Value: Right-click on the "Colors" key and select "New" > "String value."
4. Name the Value: Name the value "AccentColor" and set the value data to the desired hex code (e.g., #FF0000 for red, #008000 for green).
5. Save the changes: Close the Registry Editor.

Tips and Variations

• Hex Code vs. Color Picker: If you’re not familiar with hex codes, you can use the built-in color picker in the Settings app to select a color and get the corresponding hex code.
• Multiple Accent Colors: You can have multiple accent colors by creating separate values in the Registry Editor (e.g., "AccentColor1," "AccentColor2," etc.).
• Disable Accent Colors: If you want to remove accent colors, set the value to 00 00 00 00 (black).

Conclusion

Changing menu highlights in Windows 11 is a simple process that allows for personalized and creative customization. Whether you’re looking to match your brand colors, experiment with new looks, or simply personalize your Windows 11 experience, the steps above will guide you through the process. Remember to keep an eye on the Windows 11 blogs and community forums for new features and updates related to menu highlights and customization!