How to Enable Dark Mode in Windows

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

WindowsDark ModeAppearanceSettingsOperating SystemMicrosoftPCLaptopSoftwareUser Interface

Dark mode is becoming increasingly popular among users who prefer a darker interface for extended use of their device, as it is easier on the eyes in low-light environments and can save power on battery-powered devices with OLED screens. In this detailed article, we will explore in detail how to enable and customize dark mode in Windows, breaking it down step-by-step to ensure clarity and complete understanding.

Understanding dark mode in windows

Dark mode changes the overall appearance of your Windows interface, changing the background color from a typically bright color scheme to a darker one. This feature affects many aspects of the Windows environment, including the taskbar, window backgrounds, and system menus, providing a unified dark appearance across the operating system.

Steps to enable dark mode in windows

The process to enable dark mode in Windows is simple and involves just a few clicks in the Windows Settings menu. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to enable dark mode on your Windows machine:

Step 1: Open the settings menu

The first step to enabling dark mode is to access Windows Settings. This can be done by clicking the Start menu icon located in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key on your keyboard. Once the Start menu opens, click the Settings icon, which looks like a gear.

Step 2: Go to personalization

In the Settings menu, you will see several options available. Find the option labeled Personalization and click on it. This section allows you to change the way your Windows environment looks and feels.

Step 3: Access the color settings

Once you are in the Personalization window, look at the left-side panel where there are various options like background, color, lock screen, themes, etc. Click on the Colors tab to proceed to the color settings.

Step 4: Choose your colour

In the Color section, you will find a dropdown menu under Choose your color. By default, it may be set to Light or Custom. Click on the dropdown menu and select Dark. This will instantly change the entire system theme to dark mode.

Customizing dark mode

Once you enable dark mode, Windows allows further customization to tailor your experience to your preferences. You can modify individual settings to decide how dark mode affects specific elements of the operating system.

Custom mode

If you want more control over the interface colors, you can select Custom from the Choose your color dropdown. This setting allows you to set different modes for Windows default surfaces and application modes, enabling a mix of light and dark themes to suit your needs.

<!-- Example of using custom mode -->
1. Make sure you are in the Colors section under Personalization as mentioned earlier.
2. Select Custom from Choose your color.
3. Two new options will appear: 
   - Default windows mode: choose dark or light.
   - Default app mode: Again, choose dark or light.
4. Adjust these settings as desired.

For example, you may prefer a light theme for apps, but want to keep the Windows interface (taskbar and Start menu) in dark mode, to provide flexibility and a personalized experience.

Accent colors

Even with a dark theme, you may want to use color to add visual interest to certain elements, such as window borders, title bars, and Start menu tile icons. Here's how you can customize the accent color:

<!-- Steps to change accent color in dark mode -->
1. Select a color from the palette under Choose your accent color in the Colors section.
2. You can allow Windows to automatically pick an accent color from your background by checking the option to automatically pick an accent color from your background.
3. Use the toggle options to show the accent color on Start, taskbar, action center, and title bars if needed.

Choosing the right accent color helps break the monotony of a single-color dark theme, and adds a personal touch to the look and feel of your system.

Benefits of using dark mode

Adopting dark mode offers several benefits, suited for both visual aesthetic reasons and functional purposes:

• Reduces eye strain: Dark mode can reduce eye strain, especially in low light conditions. A consistent color scheme with a dark background and light text reduces glare and maintains visual comfort even for long periods of use.
• Energy efficiency: On devices using OLED or AMOLED displays, dark mode can help preserve battery life, as black pixels consume less power, increasing battery efficiency.
• Concentration and readability: With less glare, users may find it easier to focus on content, be it text or visuals, creating a conducive environment for reading or working.
• Modern aesthetic: Many users appreciate the sleek, sophisticated look of Dark Mode, which feels modern and stylish, and works well in a variety of settings.

Limitations of dark mode

While dark mode offers many benefits, it's important to acknowledge some limitations that may impact specific user preferences:

• Readability issues: During prolonged reading, some individuals may have more difficulty reading material against a dark background, which may slow reading speed or cause eye discomfort.
• Color distortions: Some apps or websites may not display accurately due to inverted colors, which may affect some colors or shades during dark mode activation.
• Incompatible applications: While Dark Mode is supported system-wide, some third-party applications may not support or comply with Dark Mode, causing inconsistencies in the overall user interface experience.

Conclusion

Enabling dark mode on Windows gives users an alternative interface that enhances visibility and aesthetics in particular situations while providing energy-saving benefits. As you go through the steps given, you can take advantage of the extensive capabilities of Windows customization to suit your personal preferences. When adopting dark mode, remember to consider scenarios where a lightweight interface may be necessary, especially with regard to readability and specific visual needs.

By understanding and applying the techniques outlined above, you will be well equipped to optimize your Windows environment, ensuring a pleasant, user-friendly computing experience.

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