How to Enable Dark Mode in Windows 11

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Dark ModeAppearanceWindows 11SettingsThemeUser InterfacePersonalizationVisualsSteps

Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft. It comes with many new and improved features. One feature that users are particularly excited about is the ability to enable dark mode. Dark mode has become very popular in recent years because it is easier on the eyes, especially in low-light environments, and it can also help save a bit of battery life on devices with OLED screens. This detailed guide will introduce you to the process of enabling dark mode on your Windows 11 system.

Understanding dark mode

Before we learn how to enable dark mode on Windows 11, let's briefly discuss what dark mode is. Dark mode is a user interface setting for applications and the operating system. When activated, dark mode applies a dark theme to the UI, typically involving a dark background and light text. It can reduce the amount of light emitted by the screen, which can be more comfortable for users, especially in low-light environments.

On Windows 11, dark mode applies to the taskbar, Start menu, and all supported apps. It provides a unified and consistent look and feel across all applications that support this feature. This consistency makes it easier for users to transition between different software without any sudden changes in the brightness of their screen.

Steps to enable dark mode in Windows 11

Enabling dark mode in Windows 11 is a straightforward process, and can be done through the Settings app. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can do it:

1. Open the Settings app:
   • To get started, you'll need to open the Settings app. You can do this by clicking the Start button in the lower-left corner of your screen and then selecting Settings. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Win + I to open Settings directly.
2. Go to the Personalization section:
   • Once you're in the Settings app, look for an option labeled Personalization on the left-hand sidebar. Click on it to go to the Personalization settings.
3. Select color options:
   • In the Personalization menu, you will see various options like background, color, themes, etc. Click on Color to open the color settings menu.
4. Change your default Windows mode to dark:
   • In the Colors setting, you will find an option called Choose your mode. Here you will see three options: Light, Dark and Custom.
   • Select Dark from the dropdown menu to enable dark mode for your entire system. If you select "Custom", you will have the opportunity to choose different modes for windows and apps.
5. Adjust additional appearance settings (optional):
   • If you want to further customize your appearance settings, you can adjust accent color settings, transparency effects, and more from the same menu.

Benefits of using dark mode

There are several benefits of using dark mode:

1. Reduces eye strain: When you use your computer in a dark environment, the bright screen can cause eye strain. Dark mode can help reduce this strain by emitting less light.
2. Improved readability: For some users, white text on a dark background is easier to read than black text on a white background. This is especially true in low light conditions.
3. Enhances aesthetic appeal: Many users simply love the look of dark mode. It can give your interface a modern and attractive look.
4. Saves battery life: On devices with OLED screens, dark mode can save battery life, as OLEDs consume more power when displaying white pixels than black pixels.

Customizing dark mode with custom themes

You can further customize dark mode by modifying the theme. Here's how you can create custom themes in Windows 11 to personalize your user experience even more:

1. Create a new theme:
   • Go to Settings → Personalization → Themes.
   • Here, you can click Save Theme. This allows you to save your current color settings as a theme.
2. Use desktop background to:
   • Choose a suitable background for dark mode. Dark backgrounds will blend better and enhance the dark mode effect.
3. Customize window borders and taskbar:
   • Select matching dark colors for the window borders and taskbar to maintain consistency across the interface.

Keeping apps in sync with Windows 11 dark mode

One of the best features of dark mode in Windows 11 is its ability to sync across supported apps. If your system is set to this, many apps, including native and third-party programs, can automatically switch to dark mode. Here's how to make sure apps are using dark mode:

1. Check app settings:
   • Open the relevant app and look for the Settings or Options menu.
   • Among these settings, there may be a specific appearance or theme setting. Make sure it is set to respect the system setting, or set it to dark mode manually if necessary.

Return to lite mode

You might be wondering how you can switch back to light mode if dark mode is no longer suitable for you. The process is pretty similar to enabling dark mode:

1. Go back to Settings → Personalization → Colors.
2. Under Choose your mode, switch from dark to light or choose a custom mode you prefer.

Troubleshoot common dark mode issues

Sometimes users may face issues while working with dark mode. Here are some common issues and solutions:

1. Problem: Some apps are still in light mode:
   • Solution: Make sure that the apps are updated to the latest version as support for system-wide dark mode may be available in new updates.
2. Problem: Color settings not being applied:
   • Solution: Restart your device to apply the settings or try selecting the Dark Mode option again.
3. Problem: Mixed colors in windows:
   • Solution: Double-check your theme settings to make sure all colors are compatible with dark mode, including app-specific settings.

Final thoughts

Switching to dark mode in Windows 11 is a simple process, but it significantly enhances the user experience by providing a visually comfortable and consistent interface. Whether you're working late, interacting with the system for accessibility reasons, or simply prefer the aesthetic, dark mode provides a versatile and useful option for your computing needs.

As Windows 11 continues to evolve, more features and improvements in customizability may make Dark Mode work even better in the future. For now, enjoy Dark Mode and experiment with different themes and color options to get the most out of your Windows 11 experience.

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