Turning your Windows 11 taskbar dark is a straightforward way to give your PC a sleek, modern look while also reducing eye strain, especially in low-light conditions. You can easily change the taskbar color by adjusting the system’s personalization settings. Head over to the Settings app, navigate to Personalization, and select Colors. From there, simply enable the dark mode option and your taskbar will transform into a sophisticated shade of black.
How to Make Taskbar Dark in Windows 11
In this section, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to make your Windows 11 taskbar dark. Each step is easy to follow, ensuring that even those new to Windows 11 can achieve this effect.
Step 1: Open Settings
Start by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the Settings app.
The Settings app is where you’ll find all the customization options for your Windows 11 experience. It’s like the control room of your computer, where you can tweak a variety of settings, including visual elements like your taskbar.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
Once in Settings, click on the Personalization option on the left sidebar.
Personalization is your gateway to customizing how your computer looks and feels. From here, you can adjust wallpapers, colors, and more to make your PC truly yours.
Step 3: Select Colors
Under Personalization, click on the Colors option.
This will bring you to a new page where you can see several color options. This is where the magic happens, allowing you to change the color theme of your system, including the taskbar.
Step 4: Choose Dark Mode
Find the “Choose your mode” section and select Dark from the dropdown menu.
Switching to dark mode will immediately change the background of your taskbar and other system elements to a dark theme. It’s not only easier on the eyes but also makes your screen look sharp and professional.
Step 5: Confirm Changes
After selecting Dark, your taskbar should now appear dark.
If your taskbar hasn’t changed, ensure you’ve selected the right option. Sometimes, a quick restart of your system can help apply the changes more effectively.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll notice that your taskbar, along with other system elements, will adopt a dark theme. This change can help reduce glare and make your screen easier to view in dim lighting.
Tips for Making Taskbar Dark in Windows 11
- Consider changing your background to match the dark theme for a cohesive look.
- Use dark mode to extend battery life on laptops, as darker colors use less power.
- Customize your accent colors under the Colors section for a personalized touch.
- Explore different themes in the Microsoft Store for additional customization options.
- Remember that dark mode can also be easier on the eyes, reducing strain during long computer sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t my taskbar turning dark?
Ensure you’ve selected “Dark” under the “Choose your mode” dropdown in the Colors section. A system restart may help apply changes.
Does dark mode affect performance?
Dark mode doesn’t affect performance but might slightly extend battery life on laptops by using less power.
Can I change the taskbar color without changing the entire system?
Yes, you can customize Windows colors without affecting app modes under the Colors settings.
Will dark mode impact all apps?
Not all apps may support dark mode, but many modern apps follow system theme settings.
Is there a shortcut to enable dark mode?
There isn’t a direct shortcut, but you can access the Settings app quickly by pressing Windows + I.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Personalization.
- Select Colors.
- Choose Dark Mode.
- Confirm Changes.
Conclusion
Switching your taskbar to a dark theme in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to personalize your computer. It not only looks stylish but also offers functional benefits like reduced eye strain and potential energy savings on portable devices. This guide has walked you through the steps, ensuring you can easily make this change without any hassle.
Dark mode is gaining popularity for a reason. It’s a small change that makes a big impact on your computing experience. If you find yourself working late into the night or just prefer a more subdued color palette, the dark taskbar is a must-try.
For further reading, explore how other visual settings can enhance your Windows 11 experience. And remember, tech is all about making your digital life more comfortable and enjoyable, so don’t hesitate to explore and experiment with different settings. Happy customizing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.