How am i supposed to set my taskbar and start menu to white (Windows 11)?

Pedro Henrique 20 Reputation points
2026-06-04T22:40:51.44+00:00

I remember very clearly that when i first installed Windows 11 it was white themed, including the start menu. But no matter what i do i cannot get this combination back, only a white taskbar (on light mode exclusively), but the start menu is locked to this dark gray. And if i try to change it on dark mode it says white is not supported.

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Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Start Menu
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Answer accepted by question author
John DeV 170.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-06-04T23:23:09.62+00:00

Hi, good day!

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

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.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-04T22:41:10.3433333+00:00

    Windows 11 does not support a fully white Start menu background when the system is using dark or custom color modes. The Start menu and taskbar color behavior is controlled by the Windows color mode and cannot be independently forced to pure white.

    To get the lightest available combination that Windows 11 currently allows:

    1. Open Settings → Personalization → Colors (or use the shortcut [Colors](ms-settings:colors)).
    2. Under Choose your mode, select Light.
      • In light mode, the taskbar uses a light theme, but the Start menu still uses the modern light/gray style defined by Windows and cannot be changed to pure white.
    3. If using Dark or Custom mode, Windows will not let the Start menu use a white background; this is by design. The note in the documentation states that light mode does not personalize the color of the Start menu and taskbar, and dark/custom modes are required for accent-color personalization instead.

    There is no built‑in setting in Windows 11 to restore an older “all‑white” Start menu; only third‑party utilities could approximate that, and those are outside the built‑in options.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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