How to enable dark mode in Windows

Dark mode reduces glare and can make long sessions in low-light environments more comfortable, especially when switching between multiple windows. It also provides a consistent darker background across supported apps, which can improve readability for some color preferences.

The Windows color mode is managed in Settings under Personalization, where the system theme controls built-in surfaces like the taskbar, Settings app, and supported Microsoft Store apps. The same area also exposes Custom mode for separating the Windows mode from the App mode when a mixed look is preferred.

Some classic desktop applications do not follow the system theme and keep their own light or dark styling. High contrast themes can also override normal light/dark colors, so disable high contrast if the interface does not change as expected.

1. Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
2. Select Personalize from the context menu.
3. Select Colors in the Personalization sidebar.
4. Set Choose your mode to Dark.

   On Windows 10, the same control is labeled Choose your color.

5. Confirm the Settings window and taskbar switch to a dark color scheme.
6. Open File Explorer to verify folders, sidebar, and background use the dark theme.

   Some desktop applications only adopt the new theme after being closed and reopened.

7. Set Choose your mode to Custom to access separate Windows mode and App mode controls.
8. Set Choose your mode to Light to revert to the default light interface.

   Adjusting Accent color changes highlights like buttons, toggles, and window borders while keeping Dark mode active.