How to Enable Dark Mode in Microsoft Edge

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Microsoft Edge, the modern web browser developed by Microsoft, comes equipped with a feature that many users highly demand: dark mode. This feature can make browsing much more comfortable, especially at night or in low-light settings. Enabling dark mode can help reduce eye strain and save battery life on a device with an OLED screen. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various steps and methods to enable dark mode in Microsoft Edge, ensuring that you can personalize your browsing experience to suit your preferences and needs.

Why use dark mode?

Before we proceed further, let's find out why dark mode has become so popular. Here are the reasons:

• Reduces eye strain: The bright white light of the screen can be a strain on the eyes, especially in dark environments. Dark mode helps reduce this effect.
• Battery conservation: For devices with OLED and AMOLED displays, using a dark theme can save battery life, as these screens consume less power when displaying dark colors.
• Better visuals: For many people, dark mode is simply more aesthetically pleasing. It offers a sleek, modern look that many users love.
• Better focus: Dark mode can help reduce visual distractions, making it easier to focus on the content at hand.

Enabling dark mode in Microsoft Edge

There are multiple ways to enable dark mode in Microsoft Edge. These include using the built-in settings of the Edge browser, using system-wide settings on Windows 10 or later, and using browser extensions for a more customized dark theme. Let's explore each of these methods in detail.

Method 1: Using Microsoft Edge browser settings

Microsoft Edge has its own dark mode that you can enable through the browser settings. Here are the steps to switch to dark mode using Edge settings:

1. Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
2. Click the three-dot menu button located in the upper-right corner of the browser. This button is commonly referred to as the "Settings and more" menu.
3. Select Settings from the dropdown that appears.
4. In the Settings panel, click Appearance from the menu on the left.
5. In the Appearance settings, you will find the Theme section. Here, you can choose Dark from the available options.

Once you select Dark, the entire browser theme will change to a darker color palette. This change will affect the menu bar, toolbars, and other interface elements of Edge.

Method 2: Using system-wide dark mode (Windows 10 or later)

If you're using Windows 10 or later, you can enable dark mode for all compatible apps, including Microsoft Edge, through the system settings. Here's how to do it:

1. Click the Start menu button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Select Settings (gear icon) from the Start menu.
3. In Windows Settings, click on Personalization.
4. In Personalization, select Colors from the left sidebar.
5. Scroll down to find the Choose Your Color section. Here, you can choose Dark from the dropdown menu.

By selecting Dark under Choose your color, your entire system, including apps that support dark mode, will switch to the dark theme. This method affects not only Edge but also other apps and interface elements in Windows.

Method 3: Using an extension for a customized dark mode

For users seeking more customization or wanting to apply a dark theme to specific web content, browser extensions can be an excellent solution. Here's how you can use extensions to enable dark mode in Edge:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Visit the Microsoft Edge add-ons website by typing "https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons" in the address bar and pressing Enter.
3. In the search bar on the add-ons page, type "dark mode" and press Enter.
4. A variety of dark mode extensions will appear in the search results. You can check them out and choose one based on your needs.
5. Click the extension you want to use, then click the Get button to install it.
6. Once installed, follow any additional prompts or instructions provided by the extension to activate dark mode for websites and web content.

Extensions provide flexibility and customization, allowing users to customize their dark mode experience across different websites and content types.

Troubleshooting common problems

Enabling dark mode is generally easy, but you may encounter some issues or have specific needs. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Issue 1: Dark mode is not applying on some websites

Sometimes, the default dark mode may not work perfectly on all websites. This inconsistency may be due to limitations in the website design or the browser's implementation. To work around this issue:

• Experiment with various dark mode extensions that offer website-specific customization options.
• Check the settings of your current dark mode extension, as some extensions allow you to manually configure settings for particular sites.

Problem 2: Problem reading in dark mode

There may be text readability issues when dark mode is enabled. If text on some websites becomes hard to read or blends into the background:

• Consider adjusting the contrast and brightness settings if your device or screen allows it.
• Use the browser's built-in reading mode, if available, which can temporarily convert web pages into a more readable format.

Problem 3: Switching between dark and light mode

You may want to easily switch back and forth between dark and light mode. Here's how:

• Create a shortcut or bookmark in your Favorites bar for easy access to Appearance settings in Edge or Color settings in Windows.
• If using an extension, configure a hotkey or quick toggle feature (if available) to quickly change modes.

Future considerations and Edge enhancements

As browsers have evolved, so have our ways of interacting with them. The future of dark mode in Microsoft Edge and other browsers may include the following features:

• Automatic dark mode that adjusts based on the time of day.
• Improved algorithm for detecting optimal color contrast on websites.
• More advanced AI enhancements that provide a personalized viewing experience based on user habits and preferences.

Staying up to date on Microsoft Edge updates and exploring new features will allow you to get the most out of your browsing experience. Dark mode is just one aspect of what modern browsers have to offer, and taking advantage of it effectively can increase both your convenience and productivity online.

Conclusion

Enabling dark mode in Microsoft Edge is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your browsing experience by reducing eye strain and providing a more attractive interface. Whether you choose to use built-in settings, system-wide settings, or extensions for additional features, Microsoft Edge offers many ways to tailor your online environment to your needs. By following the methods and troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly integrate dark mode into your daily browsing activities.

Dark mode remains a favorite among users across a wide range of devices and platforms. As Microsoft continues to innovate and improve Edge, more advanced customization options and features are likely to become available, further enhancing our ability to create personalized and comfortable digital spaces.

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