Dark mode has steadily garnered popularity in the digital realm, offering a visually appealing and eye-friendly alternative to the traditionally brighter user interfaces. Originating from Windows 10, Microsoft ensured that this fan-favorite feature made its way to Windows 11 as well. While the Light theme remains the default setting, users have the flexibility to switch to the Dark mode, lending their user interface a sleeker and more subdued appearance. Although this thematic transition is quite straightforward via the Settings app, there’s also the option to delve into the Windows Registry for a more hands-on approach. In this guide, we will walk you through both methods, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with Windows’ under-the-hood settings can comfortably activate the Dark Theme. The native apps of Windows 11, such as Settings and Microsoft Edge, exhibit a light-grey hue. However, with the activation of Dark mode, these apps seamlessly transition to a more muted and aesthetically pleasing palette. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of enabling and customizing the Dark mode in Windows 11.
The theme preview is as follows:-
Have a look at the Dark mode or theme on Windows 11:-
As previously stated, there are two ways to turn on or off, and these are as follows:-
- Using Settings app
- Via Registry Editor
How to Enable or Disable Windows 11 Dark Mode using the Settings app?
Step 1: Go to the Settings app on your computer.
Click on the Search icon on the Windows 11 taskbar and enter “Settings” to open the Settings app. To open the Settings app, click on it in the search result.
Step 2: Select the Personalization category in the Settings app.
Step 3: Select Colors from the Personalization menu on the right.
Step 4: There are three choices available in the “Choose your color” drop-down menu:-
- Dark
- Light
- Custom
To use the dark mode theme on your Windows 11 computer, select the Dark option. Once you choose the Dark option, the changes take effect right away, so your Settings app and other Windows applications will turn black.
Once you select the Dark theme, all applications—including the Microsoft Store, Mail, Calendar, and others—will use the dark, eye-friendly background. Additionally, Dark mode is a wonderful choice for dim lighting. On Windows 11, we personally favor using the dark mode theme.
Repeat steps 1 to 4 above to enable a light or custom theme on your Windows 11 computer. Select the light or custom theme that best suits your requirements.
How to Turn On or Turn Off Windows 11 Dark Mode via Registry Editor?
Use the following steps to enable or disable Windows 11 Dark mode with the help of the Registry Editor:-
Step 1: Press Windows Key + R concurrently to open the Run command box.
Step 2: To open the Registry Editor window, type the following into the Run dialogue box and press the Enter key on your keyboard. –
regedit
Step 3: In the registry editor window’s left side pane, look for the key shown below:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes
Step 4: Next, right-click on the Themes key and choose New, followed by Key. Create a new key and name it “Personalize.“
Step 5: Next, choose Personalize in the left side pane and then right-click on a blank spot there. Then choose the DWORD (32-bit) Value option under New. AppsUseLightTheme should be the name of the newly formed DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 6: Double-click on AppsUseLightTheme and change its Value data to 0 by clicking on it twice.
Step 7: Click on OK.
Repeat the previous steps at the following location for the user key as well:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize
Additionally, in the path above, set the SystemUsesLightTheme DWORD (32-bit) Value data to 1.
Close the Registry Editor after completing the aforementioned steps, then reboot your computer.
Conclusion
Embracing a dark theme has become a popular trend, not just for aesthetics but also for its potential benefits on eye strain and battery conservation. Windows 11 has seamlessly incorporated this feature, allowing users to switch from its default Light theme to the more subdued Dark mode. This switch can provide a fresh, visually appealing experience, especially during night-time usage or in dimly lit environments. While making this shift through the Settings app is fairly straightforward, those who are tech-savvy can also use the Windows Registry to tweak their theme preferences. Notably, when activated, the Dark mode is not limited to the system interface but extends to various native apps of Windows 11, ensuring a consistent user experience. Whether you’re a night owl, looking to conserve battery, or simply appreciate the aesthetics of dark-themed interfaces, Windows 11’s Dark mode has you covered. Join us on this thematic journey and explore the nuances of how you can customize your Windows 11 experience to match your personal style and preference.
