Visual Studio 2026: Why do C++ keyword color settings (User Keywords / new/delete) not apply?

I’m trying to customize C++ syntax coloring in Visual Studio 2026.

Specifically, I’m attempting to change the color of C++ keywords such as:

int, void, float, new, delete

I have tried the following:

• Tools → Options → Environment → Fonts and Colors

• Set C/C++ User Keywords to red

• Set new/delete operator to red

• Restarted Visual Studio

• Verified that other items (e.g. cursor, comments) do change color

However, the C++ keywords remain unchanged (blue), while non-keyword items are affected.

I am using Visual Assist, but I have also tested with Visual Assist disabled and observed similar behavior.

From what I can tell, newer versions of Visual Studio appear to use semantic classification for C++ keywords, which may override Fonts and Colors settings.

Questions:

1. Are C++ keywords no longer configurable via Fonts and Colors?

2. Is there any supported way (UI, config, or theme) to override keyword colors, or is a theme extension the only option?

Visual Studio version: 18.1.1
OS: Windows 11