DEV Community: Narendhiran Vijayakumar

How to Add a Local Account in Windows 11?

Narendhiran Vijayakumar — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:55:00 +0000

A local account in Windows 11 allows users to access their device without a Microsoft account, offering greater privacy and flexibility. Local accounts are useful for creating separate profiles with restricted permissions, and they don’t require an internet connection to log in. Local accounts provide a more secure and private way to access your device. They store settings and data locally, without syncing information to the cloud. Additionally, a local account is ideal for users who prefer offline access or need an account without linking a Microsoft email address. In this tutorial, i have shared multiple methods to add a local account in windows 11 pc and laptops.

Creating a local account provides a secure way to access Windows 11 without syncing with Microsoft’s cloud services. This can be beneficial for privacy-focused users or for creating separate accounts with restricted permissions, making it ideal for shared or guest devices.

Method 1: Using the Settings App

The Settings app provides an easy way to add a local account without linking to Microsoft. Here’s how:

Open Settings by pressing Winkey + I.
Go to Accounts in the left sidebar.

Choosing Accounts from the Windows Settings

Select Other users.

Choose Other Users

Under Other users , click Add account.

Choose Add Account button

In the Microsoft account prompt, select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.

Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information option

Choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.

Choose Add a user without a Microsoft account

Enter a username and, if desired, create a password for the local account.

Adding Local Account

Click Next to complete the setup.

The local account will now appear in the Other users section, and it’s ready to use without requiring a Microsoft account.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

For users who prefer the Command Prompt , this method provides a straightforward way to add a local account:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator by typing “cmd” in the search bar, right-clicking it, and selecting Run as administrator.

Open Command Prompt using Run as Administrator

To create a new local account, type the following command:
- net user NewLocalUser /add
Replace “NewLocalUser” with the desired username for the account.

Adding Local User using Command

To set a password for the account, use the command:
- net user NewLocalUser YourPassword

Setting Local Account Password via Command Prompt

Replace “YourPassword” with your preferred password.
Press Enter, and the local account will be created.

This method quickly adds a local account, ideal for users familiar with command-line tools.

Method 3: Using PowerShell

PowerShell offers another way to create a local account, perfect for those who prefer scripting:

Open PowerShell as Administrator by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Windows Terminal (Admin).

Opening PowerShell as Admin Mode

Enter the following command to create a local account:
- New-LocalUser -Name "LocalUserName" -Password (Read-Host -AsSecureString "Enter Password") -AccountNeverExpires
Replace “LocalUserName” with your desired username. PowerShell will prompt you to enter a password securely.

Adding new local user account using powershell

Press Enter, and the account will be created.

Note: PowerShell is an advanced tool, but this command simplifies creating a local account with a secure password prompt.

Method 4: Using Local Users and Groups

Note: This method is available only in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

The Local Users and Groups tool offers a more visual way to manage user accounts, including local accounts:

Press Winkey + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and press Enter to open Local Users and Groups.

Executing lursrmgr.msc using Run Window

In the Users section, right-click and select New User.
Enter the username and password if desired. Uncheck User must change password at next logon to prevent a password prompt.
Click Create to finalize the account.

Adding a local account in Windows 11 is a simple and practical solution for users who prefer offline access, privacy, or want to set up separate accounts on their device. With the methods provided Settings app , Command Prompt , PowerShell , and Local Users and Groups , you can quickly create a local account and customize access as needed. Each method is easy to follow and offers flexibility to suit all user levels.

That’s it.

–Narendhiran V

References:

Microsoft Answers. How to create a Local account in Windows 11?. Retrieved from Microsoft Answers on [24.2.25].
Microsoft Supports. Manage User Accounts in Windows. Retrieved from Microsoft Supports on [24.2.25].
Reddit Community. How to make a local account in Windows 11. Retrieved from Subreddit on [24.2.25].

How to Change Account Picture in Windows 11?

Narendhiran Vijayakumar — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 04:49:00 +0000

Changing your account picture in Windows 11 is a quick way to personalize your experience. Your account picture appears on the sign-in screen, Start menu, and in various apps which will making it as a reflection of your identity on the device. In this simple tutorial, I have provided the easy instructions for updating your account picture using various methods that includes: via settings app or control panel or Microsoft account or Photos app!. Updating your or change account picture gives a personal touch to your user profile. Whether you prefer a professional photo, an avatar, or something fun, your account picture is visible when logging in, making it a great way to add personality to your Windows 11 experience.

Quick Solution:

From Microsoft Support: Goto settings -> Choose Accounts -> Your Info, -> Under “ Adjust your photo ” option -> Choose a file option -> You can choose your image via “ Browse files ” or “Camera” or “Available Images”. This is one of the quickest and easiest way to change or update your account picture from your device.

Method 1: Using the Settings App

The Settings app in Windows 11 offers a straightforward way to change your account picture. Follow these steps:

Open Settings by pressing Winkey + I.
Go to Accounts in the left sidebar.
Select Your Info.

Your Info from windows settings

Under the Account settings section, you’ll see Adjust your photo.

Updating your photo from windows settings app

Click Browse files to upload a new picture from your device or Open camera to take a photo directly.
Select your desired image, and it will automatically become your new account picture.

Tip: Make sure to use a square image for the best appearance on your profile.

Method 2: Using Your Microsoft Account

If you’re logged in with a Microsoft account , changing your account picture on the Microsoft website will sync it across your Windows 11 device and other connected Microsoft services:

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com.
Sign in with your Microsoft account.

Sign in with Microsoft account

Under Your info , you’ll see your current profile picture. Click Change picture.

Change Photo option

Choose Add a new picture and upload an image from your computer.

Crop and adjust the image as desired, then save it.

Note: Changes made here may take some time to sync across all Microsoft services and your Windows 11 device.

Method 3: Using the Control Panel

The Control Panel offers an alternative way to change your account picture, especially for users with a local account:

Open Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and selecting it.

Open Control Panel from Start menu

Go to User Accounts > User Accounts option.

Choose User Accounts Option

Again Choose User Accounts option

Choose the Make Changes to my account in pc settings.
It will launch the settings app and follow the steps mentioned the method 1 mentioned above.

This method is particularly useful for users familiar with legacy settings in Windows.

Method 4: Using the Photos App

For a creative approach, you can use the Photos app to set any image as your account picture directly:

Open the Photos app by searching for it in the Start menu.

Open Photos App

Browse your photos and select the image you want as your account picture.
Right click on the image, and from the dropdown menu, select Set as > Set as account picture.
Confirm, and your account picture will be updated instantly.

This method allows you to select and edit images within the Photos app before setting them as your account picture.

That’s it.

–Narendhiran V.

References:

Microsoft Support. Change Your Account Picture in Windows. Retrieved from Microsoft Support on [10.2.25].
Microsoft Answers. Change Sign In Picture. Retrieved from Microsoft Answers Forum on [10.2.25].
Reddit Community. Change Account Picture in Windows 11. Retrieved from Reddit Community WinSides on [10.2.25].
Youtube Community. How To Change Windows 11 User Account Picture [Guide]. Retrieved from Youtube Community MDTechVideos on [10.2.2025]

Turn On or Off Accent Color on Title Bars and Windows Borders in Windows 11!

Narendhiran Vijayakumar — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:56:29 +0000

Windows 11 allows users to customize the appearance of title bars and window borders by applying an accent color. Enabling accent colors here can add a pop of personalization to your experience, creating a visually cohesive look across your applications and desktop. Adding an accent color to title bars and windows borders enhances the look of your applications and making them feel part of a unified theme. Accent colors provide visual consistency and can help you easily identify active windows, making multitasking more straightforward. In this tutorial, I will guide you through each available method to turn on or off accent colors on title bars and windows borders which will ensure you have all the information needed for customization.

Method 1: Using the Windows Settings

The easiest way to enable or disable accent colors is through the Windows Settings app. Here’s how:

Open Settings by pressing Winkey + I.
Navigate to Personalization > Colors in the left pane.

Choosing Colors from Personalization settings

Scroll down and locate the option for “Show accent color on title bars and window borders.”

Scroll down to find show accent color on title bars and window borders

Toggle the switch On to enable accent color or Off to disable it.

Enabling this option will add border colors to the file explorer

Select Your Preferred Accent Color in the Choose your color section. You can pick a color manually or let Windows automatically choose a color based on your background.

Choosing the Accent color

Method 2: Using Registry Editor

Important: Editing the registry can potentially cause issues if not done correctly. Back up your registry before proceeding.

If you don’t have access to the Settings app or prefer a more advanced method, you can modify the accent color setting through the Registry Editor :

Press Winkey + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and press Enter.

Launching Registry editor using Run Window

In the Registry Editor , navigate to:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM

Navigate to the address of DWM

Locate AccentColorInactive and ColorPrevalence keys. If they don’t exist, create them by right-clicking, selecting New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and naming them accordingly.

Locate DWORD Values.

Set the values as follows:
- ColorPrevalence : Set to 1 to enable accent color or 0 to disable.
- AccentColorInactive : Adjust the color values if desired.

Assigning values to the DWORD Values

Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Method 3: Using Group Policy Editor

Note: The Group Policy Editor is available only on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education versions.

The Group Policy Editor provides more administrative control for enabling or disabling accent colors on title bars:

Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.

Launching GP Editor using Run Window

Go to the following path:
- User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop > Desktop Window Manager
Find “Force a specific color for title bars” and double-click it.
Choose Enabled or Disabled to control the accent color on title bars.
Select Apply and then OK to save your changes.

Method 4: Using PowerShell

For users comfortable with command-line tools, PowerShell offers an efficient way to turn the accent color on or off:

Click the Start Menu and search for PowerShell
You need to choose the “ Run as Administrator ” option to launch the powershell in admin mode.

Opening PowerShell as Admin Mode

Enter the following command to enable the accent color:
- Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM" -Name ColorPrevalence -Value 1

Enabling It via powershell command

To disable the accent color, enter:
- Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM" -Name ColorPrevalence -Value 0

Disabling It via powershell command

Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Tools

If you prefer an easier approach, several third-party tools allow for Windows 11 customization, including accent colors for title bars and window borders. These tools offer an intuitive interface for adjusting settings without manually editing the registry or policy files.

Examples include Winaero Tweaker or Open-Shell, which allow you to toggle accent colors and access a range of customization options.

That's it.
-Narendhiran V

Conclusion

Customizing title bars and window borders with an accent color in Windows 11 allows for a more personalized user experience. Using the methods outlined above, you can enable or disable accent colors based on your preferences. From the Settings app to PowerShell and third-party tools, there’s a method for every user level to create a cohesive, visually appealing Windows interface.

Content References:

Microsoft Answers Community. Title Bars have lost accent color. Retrieved from Microsoft Support on [04.2.25].
Youtube Community. How to Show Accent Color on Title Bars and Borders in Windows 10. Retrieved from Youtube Video on [04.2.25].
Reddit Community: Turn On or Off Show Accent Color on Title Bars. Retrieved from Reddit Post on [04.2.25].

How to Use Access Keys for XAML Context Menu in File Explorer in Windows 11?

Narendhiran Vijayakumar — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:29:47 +0000

Windows 11 introduces a modern XAML-based context menu in File Explorer, designed to improve accessibility and user experience. Among its features, access keys allow users to navigate the context menu more efficiently. Access keys are keyboard shortcuts that allow users to quickly navigate the context menu by pressing specific keys. In Windows 11’s XAML context menu , access keys provide a seamless way to interact with menu items without using a mouse. By pressing an access key, you can execute a command directly, saving time and boosting productivity. In this tutorial, I’ve shared multiple methods to use access keys for XAML Context Menu in File Explorer in windows 11.

You can find more information about Context Menu (XAML) from the official Microsoft Learning website. There they have mentioned, how to do the following things:

Create desktop-style context menus.
Nested/cascading menus.
Support for desktop and mobile.
Support for Icons.

You can either visit the official github otherwise you can download xaml files directly from the official Microsoft Learning portal.

Method 1: Using Shift + F10 Shortcut

If you’re a keyboard enthusiast or working on a device where right-clicking is inconvenient, you can open the XAML context menu using the Shift + F10 shortcut. This method works as follows:

Select a file or folder in File Explorer.
Press Shift + F10 to open the context menu without a mouse.

Using shift + f10 to access the XAML context menu

Use the access keys displayed next to each option to perform your desired action.
Press Enter if needed to confirm any prompts.

This method is ideal if you prefer using keyboard shortcuts over a mouse, particularly for quick access to context menu options.

Method 2: Using the Keyboard to Open the XAML Context Menu

The XAML context menu appears when you right-click in File Explorer, and using access keys here is straightforward. Here’s how:

Open File Explorer by pressing Winkey + E.

Launching File Explorer using Winkey + E

Right-click on any file, folder, or area within File Explorer to open the XAML context menu.

Right Clicking the File Explorer Folder

Observe the access key hints next to each menu item. These will appear as underlined letters or symbols, indicating the access key for each command.
Press the corresponding access key for the action you want to execute. For example, pressing D might delete a file, while C could copy it.

Pressing the corresponding the keys

Confirm your action if prompted, and the command will be executed immediately.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with commonly used access keys in the context menu to speed up repetitive tasks.

Method 3: Using Alt Keys with Access Keys

The Alt key can be used in combination with access keys in certain situations to navigate File Explorer. Here’s how:

Press Alt to activate the menu and view available keyboard shortcuts in File Explorer.
After pressing Alt, use access keys to quickly navigate through menu options, such as Alt + F for the File menu, then select specific options within the XAML context menu.

Note: The Alt key may not work directly within the XAML context menu, but this method is useful when navigating between File Explorer’s main menu options.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Tools to Customize Access Keys

If you’re looking to customize access keys or add more functionality to the XAML context menu, several third-party tools can help you achieve this. Here are a few options:

AutoHotkey: Allows you to create custom keyboard shortcuts for specific commands, including actions within the XAML context menu.
PowerToys: A Microsoft tool that enhances productivity with features like a shortcut guide, making it easier to view and remember Windows shortcuts.

These tools can provide advanced customization, enabling you to assign custom access keys to menu items for faster navigation. Access keys provide a faster and more efficient way to work with the context menu in File Explorer, especially if you frequently interact with files and folders. They minimize the need for mouse clicks, allowing for smooth, keyboard-only navigation. This is particularly beneficial for users looking to improve accessibility or speed up workflows in a professional setting.

That’s it.

–Narendhiran V

Conclusion

Using access keys for the XAML context menu in File Explorer can significantly enhance your productivity by providing a faster way to interact with files and folders. The above methods cover all available options, from basic keyboard shortcuts to advanced customization tools. Whether you’re new to access keys or looking for ways to further streamline your File Explorer experience, these methods will help you get the most out of Windows 11’s XAML context menu.

References:

Microsoft Learning. Context menu (XAML) sample. Retrieved from Microsoft Learning on [18.2.25].
Github Web Portal. Windows-universal-samples/Samples/XamlContextMenu at main · microsoft/Windows-universal-samples · GitHub. Retrieved from Github on [18.2.25].
Youtube Tutorial. How To Enable XAML Context Menu in Windows 11 Canary Channel Build 25314. Retrieved from Youtube Video on [18.2.25].

Turn On or Off Show Accent Color on Start menu and Taskbar in Windows 11?

Narendhiran Vijayakumar — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 04:25:29 +0000

Windows 11 offers several customization features which includes the ability to display accent colors on the Start menu and taskbar. This feature can enhance your user interface’s aesthetic and provides a more personalized experience. In this tutorial, I’ve shared you through multiple methods to enable or disable accent colors on the Start menu and taskbar in Windows 11. I have added 4 effective methods for ensuring you can customize your device according to your needs.

Displaying an accent color on the Start menu and taskbar allows you ( Windows 11 users ) to match the overall theme or brand colors and creating a cohesive look across the interface. Additionally, by doing this you can switch between dark and light themes. The accent color can visually complement the selected mode. Let’s get into the tutorial.

As an windows users, you can personalize your colors in your pc! As Microsoft Support explains, the steps involves changing the Personalization settings in Windows. Learn More.
You can also change accent colors settings in your windows 11 pc as per your needs. As Microsoft Learn explains the steps involves changing the accent settings in window. Learn More here.

Methods to Turn On or Off Show Accent Color on Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 11

We’ll cover all the possible methods, so you have flexibility in choosing the one that suits you best.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

The Settings app provides the most straightforward way to enable or disable the accent color on the Start menu and taskbar. Follow these steps:

Open Settings: Press Winkey + I on your keyboard to launch the Settings app.
Navigate to Personalization > Colors.

Colors option in Personalization Settings Menu

Scroll down to find the “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” option.

Scroll to find the show accent color on Start and taskbar option

Toggle the switch to On if you want to show the accent color, or Off if you want to disable it.

Enabling Show Accent Color on Start and Taskbar option

Select Your Accent Color: You can manually pick an accent color or let Windows automatically select one based on your background.

Choosing Accent color using Manual or automatic setting

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor

Note: The Group Policy Editor is only available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

If you’re comfortable using the Group Policy Editor, this method allows for more granular control:

Open the Run dialog box using Winkey + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

Launching GP Editor using Run Window

Navigate to the following path:
- User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar

Navigating to Start Menu and taskbar folder in GP Editor.

Locate “Force a specific Start background color.”
Double-click the policy setting, and choose Enabled or Disabled based on your preference.
Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Enabling specific Start background color in GP editor

Method 3: Using the Registry Editor

Important: Modifying the registry can cause system issues if not done correctly. Consider backing up your registry before making any changes.

If the above methods are not available, you can change the accent color settings using the Registry Editor :

Open the Run dialog by pressing Winkey + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Open Registry editor using Run Command

Navigate to the following key:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize

Navigate to the address

Locate the ColorPrevalence value. If it doesn’t exist, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it ColorPrevalence.
Set the value to:
- 1 to enable the accent color on the Start menu and taskbar.
- 0 to disable it.
Click OK and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Set the DWORD Value to 1

Method 4: Using Third-Party Tools

If you prefer a simpler way without manually editing settings, several third-party customization tools can help you manage accent colors. These tools offer a user-friendly interface for toggling options and other features like customizing Start menu layouts or adding animations.

Example tools include Winaero Tweaker or Start11, which allow for deeper system customization, including enabling or disabling accent colors.

That’s it
-Narendhiran V

Conclusion

Customizing accent colors on the Start menu and taskbar can significantly enhance the look and feel of your Windows 11 experience. By following the methods above, you can easily turn on or off the accent colors based on your preferences. Whether you use the Settings app , Group Policy Editor , Registry Editor , or third-party tools , you’re equipped to personalize your Start menu and taskbar effectively. If you have any queries related to the above topic and then feel free to comment us below! Find more interesting tutorials on our Homepage: Win11-Verse.com

References :

Microsoft Support. Personalize Your Colors in Windows. Retrieved from Microsoft Support on [2.2.25].
Microsoft Learn. Colors in Windows. Retrieved from Microsoft Learn on [2.2.25].

Check if You Are Using a Local Account or Microsoft Account in Windows 11!

Narendhiran Vijayakumar — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 11:40:08 +0000

Windows 11 allows users to sign in with either a local account or Microsoft account. Knowing which type of account you’re using can help you understand the features available, including access to Microsoft services, cloud syncing, and personalization options.

There are important differences between a local account and a Microsoft account :

Local Account: Offers offline-only access, with no connection to Microsoft services. It’s ideal for privacy focused users who don’t need cloud syncing.
Microsoft Account: Allows access to Microsoft services like OneDrive, Office, and the Microsoft Store, with data syncing across devices.

By identifying your account type, you can better manage your Windows experience based on your needs. This tutorial will explain how to determine if you’re signed in with a local account or Microsoft account in Windows 11 which covers multiple methods for accuracy.

Quick Solution:

From Microsoft Answers: You need to goto Settings -> Accounts > Your info, does it say local or Microsoft account email. If it says local then your account is local account, otherwise your account is Microsoft account.

# Method 1: Using the Settings App

The Settings app provides a quick way to check your account type. Here’s how:

Open Settings by pressing Winkey + I.
Navigate to Accounts on the left sidebar.
Click on Your info.

Open Your Info option in windows settings

Under your name and email, check for one of the following:
- Microsoft Account : If you see your email address with “Microsoft Account” labeled, you’re signed in with a Microsoft account.
- Local Account : If it says “Local Account” instead of an email address, you’re signed in with a local account.

It is a Administrator Local user account

This is the simplest method, providing a clear indication of your account type.

# Method 2: Checking Account Type from the Control Panel

If you prefer the Control Panel interface, you can verify your account type from there:

Open Control Panel by searching for it in the Windows search bar.

Open Control panel from Start Menu

Go to User Accounts and then click on User Accounts again.

Click on the User Accounts Option

Again click the user accounts option

Here, you’ll see your account name and type:
- If it’s a Microsoft Account , you’ll see your email address displayed under your account name.
- If it’s a Local Account , only your username will appear without an associated email.

Administrator Local User account from control panel

Note: This method works well if you’re accustomed to using Control Panel for account settings.

# Method 3: Using the Start Menu

The Start Menu also provides clues about your account type:

Open the Start Menu by clicking the Start button or pressing the Windows key.
Click on your profile icon in the lower-left corner.

Click the Profile Icon from the start menu

If you see Manage Microsoft Account , you’re using a Microsoft account. If there’s no option related to a Microsoft account, then it’s likely a local account.

This is Microsoft Account Found from Start Menu

This quick check is handy if you’re already navigating the Start Menu and want to confirm your account type.

# Method 4: Using Command Prompt

For advanced users, the Command Prompt provides an alternate way to confirm your account type:

Open Command Prompt by typing “cmd” in the search bar and selecting Run as administrator.

Open Command Prompt using Run as Administrator

Type the following command and press Enter:
- whoami /user
Observe the output. If it includes your Microsoft email address, you’re using a Microsoft account. If it displays only a local username, you’re signed in with a local account.

Command Prompt to find account is microsoft or local one

Tip: This method is helpful for users comfortable with command-line tools who want quick results.

# Method 5: Using PowerShell

PowerShell also allows you to check your account type quickly:

Open PowerShell as Administrator by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Windows Terminal (Admin).

Opening PowerShell as Admin Mode

Enter the following command and press Enter:
- Get-LocalUser | Where-Object { $_.Name -eq $env:UserName }
If your username appears as a Microsoft account email , you’re logged in with a Microsoft account. If only your username appears, it’s a local account.

Powershell command to find account is microsoft or local one

This method is ideal for users familiar with PowerShell, offering a straightforward alternative to the Settings app.

That’s it.

–Narendhiran V

Conclusion

Determining whether you’re using a local or Microsoft account in Windows 11 is simple with the methods outlined above. Whether you check through Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or the Start Menu , each method provides a clear answer. Knowing your account type helps you manage your device efficiently, especially if you’re considering switching to a Microsoft account for cloud benefits or sticking with a local account for privacy. Find more informational tutorials on our Homepage: win11-verse.com.

References:

Microsoft Answers. Do I have a local account or Microsoft account on Windows?. Retrieved from Microsoft Answers on [10.2.25].
Reddit Community. Check Account is Local Account or Microsoft Account?. Retrieved from Winsides Reddit Community on [10.2.25].
Youtube Tutorials. Do I Have a Local Account or a Microsoft Account on Windows 10. Retrieved from Youtube Channel CNATT Community on [10.2.25].
BitDefender Forums. How to check if you’re logged into Windows with an administrator account?. Retrieved from Forum BitDefender on [10.2.25].

How to Clear Recent Colors in Windows 11?

Narendhiran Vijayakumar — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 07:05:59 +0000

Windows 11 offers many customization features, and one of those is its recent colors history. When you change accent colors frequently, Windows stores your recent color choices for quick access. However, you may want to clear this list for a fresh start or privacy reasons. In this tutorial, I will take you through multiple methods to clear recent colors history in Windows 11, offering both simple and advanced solutions. Clearing your recent colors history in Windows 11 can help you reset the look and feel of your device, especially if you experiment with different colors often. It can also prevent others from seeing your previously selected colors if you share your computer.

Windows allows users to create and delete custom theme colors. As Microsoft Support explains, the process involves modifying the color settings in Windows. Learn more.

Method 1: Clear Recent Colors History via Registry Editor

One effective way to clear the recent colors history is by using the Registry Editor. This method involves modifying Windows registry values, so proceed carefully.

Open Registry Editor
- Press Winkey + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and press Enter.

Running Regedit Command in Run Window

Navigate to the Colors Key
- Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\History\Colors.

Accent Color history from registry files.

Delete the Recent Color Entries
- In the Colors folder, you’ll see entries representing recent colors. Right-click each entry and select Delete to clear the history.

Deleting Registry files of Recently used accent colors

Close Registry Editor
- Once you’ve deleted all the entries, close Registry Editor. Windows will now remove the recent colors from the history.

Keep in Mind: Be cautious when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can impact your system.

Method 2: Use Windows PowerShell

PowerShell offers a quick and advanced method for users comfortable with command-line tools. This method deletes recent colors history using a single command.

Click the Start Menu and search for PowerShell
You need to choose the “ Run as Administrator ” option to launch the powershell in admin mode.

Opening PowerShell as Admin Mode

or you can follow the below keyboard shortcut to launch powershell.

Open Windows PowerShell
- Press Winkey + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
Run the Command
- Type or paste the following command:
- Remove-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\History\Colors" -Name *
- Press Enter to execute the command.
Verify the Changes
- Open Settings and check the recent colors section. You’ll see that the history is cleared.

Important: Make sure to run PowerShell as an administrator for this command to work properly.

Method 3: Clear Recent Colors by Resetting Personalization Settings

If you prefer not to use the Registry Editor or PowerShell, resetting personalization settings is another option. This method may reset other customizations along with color history.

Open Settings
- Press Winkey + I to open Settings, then go to Personalization.
Reset Colors and Theme
- Change your theme to a default Windows theme under Themes. This can reset personalization settings, including recent colors.

Choosing default theme to reset accent color settings

Verify the Change
- Go back to the Colors section in Settings to confirm that the recent colors history is cleared.

Note: This method may revert some of your personalization settings, so you may need to reapply certain themes or adjustments.

That’s it.

-Narendhiran V

Take Away:

Clearing recent colors history in Windows 11 is simple with the right steps. Whether you use Registry Editor , PowerShell , Settings , or third-party apps , each method provides a way to start fresh and remove past color choices. Try these methods to keep your color options clear and organized in Windows 11. If you have any queries related to the above topic and then feel free to comment us below! Find more interesting tutorials on our Homepage: Win11-Verse.com

References :

Microsoft Support. Create or delete a custom theme color. Retrieved from Microsoft Support on [31.1.25].