09-04-2024, 03:31 PM
How to Enable Dark Mode on Windows 11
Windows 11 comes with a built-in Dark Mode that offers a sleek and modern appearance, reducing eye strain and saving battery life on certain devices. Dark Mode changes the appearance of system apps, menus, and windows to a darker theme, which is easier on the eyes, especially in low-light environments. This guide will walk you through the steps to enable Dark Mode on Windows 11.
Method 1: Enabling Dark Mode via Settings
The easiest way to enable Dark Mode in Windows 11 is through the Settings app.
Step 1: Open Settings
1. Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
2. In the left-hand menu, click on Personalization.
Step 2: Navigate to Colors
1. Under the Personalization settings, click on Colors.
2. In the "Choose your mode" dropdown menu, select Dark.
Once you select Dark Mode, the system interface will switch to the darker theme immediately. This applies to system apps, the taskbar, Start menu, and other Windows elements.
Method 2: Enable Dark Mode for Apps Only
If you prefer to keep the system in Light Mode but want to enable Dark Mode for apps only, you can do that as well.
1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
2. Go to Personalization, then click on Colors.
3. Under the "Choose your mode" dropdown, select Custom.
4. Two new options will appear:
- For Choose your default Windows mode, select Light.
- For Choose your default app mode, select Dark.
This setup will keep the system's interface (such as the taskbar and Start menu) in Light Mode while enabling Dark Mode for individual apps like File Explorer and Settings.
Method 3: Enable Dark Mode via Registry Editor
For advanced users, you can enable Dark Mode via the Windows Registry.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter. If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.
Step 2: Navigate to the Themes Section
1. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
Step 3: Modify the Registry Keys
1. In the right pane, find the value named AppsUseLightTheme.
- If it doesn't exist, right-click on an empty space in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AppsUseLightTheme.
2. Double-click on AppsUseLightTheme and set its value to 0 to enable Dark Mode.
3. Optionally, to enable Dark Mode for the system as well, find or create another DWORD value named SystemUsesLightTheme and set its value to 0.
Step 4: Restart or Log Out
After modifying the registry, you may need to restart your PC or log out and log back in for the changes to take effect.
How to Enable Dark Mode for Microsoft Office
If you are using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), you can enable Dark Mode specifically for Office apps.
1. Open any Microsoft Office app (e.g., Word).
2. Click on File, then select Account.
3. Under Office Theme, select Dark Gray or Black.
4. This will apply Dark Mode across all Microsoft Office apps.
How to Enable Dark Mode for Microsoft Edge
You can also enable Dark Mode for Microsoft Edge, Windows 11's default web browser.
1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Settings.
3. In the left-hand menu, click on Appearance.
4. Under "Default theme," select Dark from the dropdown menu.
Important Considerations
- Battery saving: Dark Mode can help save battery life on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, as it reduces the amount of light pixels need to display.
- Reducing eye strain: Dark Mode is especially useful in low-light environments, as it reduces screen brightness and glare, making it easier on your eyes.
- App support: Not all third-party apps support Dark Mode, so some applications may remain in Light Mode even after enabling the dark theme.
Conclusion
Enabling Dark Mode on Windows 11 provides a sleek and modern look while offering benefits like reduced eye strain and improved battery life. Whether you enable Dark Mode through the Settings app or the Registry Editor, you can enjoy a more comfortable viewing experience. Additionally, you can apply Dark Mode to Microsoft Office and Edge for a consistent dark theme across your system.
Windows 11 comes with a built-in Dark Mode that offers a sleek and modern appearance, reducing eye strain and saving battery life on certain devices. Dark Mode changes the appearance of system apps, menus, and windows to a darker theme, which is easier on the eyes, especially in low-light environments. This guide will walk you through the steps to enable Dark Mode on Windows 11.
Method 1: Enabling Dark Mode via Settings
The easiest way to enable Dark Mode in Windows 11 is through the Settings app.
Step 1: Open Settings
1. Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
2. In the left-hand menu, click on Personalization.
Step 2: Navigate to Colors
1. Under the Personalization settings, click on Colors.
2. In the "Choose your mode" dropdown menu, select Dark.
Once you select Dark Mode, the system interface will switch to the darker theme immediately. This applies to system apps, the taskbar, Start menu, and other Windows elements.
Method 2: Enable Dark Mode for Apps Only
If you prefer to keep the system in Light Mode but want to enable Dark Mode for apps only, you can do that as well.
1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
2. Go to Personalization, then click on Colors.
3. Under the "Choose your mode" dropdown, select Custom.
4. Two new options will appear:
- For Choose your default Windows mode, select Light.
- For Choose your default app mode, select Dark.
This setup will keep the system's interface (such as the taskbar and Start menu) in Light Mode while enabling Dark Mode for individual apps like File Explorer and Settings.
Method 3: Enable Dark Mode via Registry Editor
For advanced users, you can enable Dark Mode via the Windows Registry.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter. If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.
Step 2: Navigate to the Themes Section
1. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
Code:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\PersonalizeStep 3: Modify the Registry Keys
1. In the right pane, find the value named AppsUseLightTheme.
- If it doesn't exist, right-click on an empty space in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AppsUseLightTheme.
2. Double-click on AppsUseLightTheme and set its value to 0 to enable Dark Mode.
3. Optionally, to enable Dark Mode for the system as well, find or create another DWORD value named SystemUsesLightTheme and set its value to 0.
Step 4: Restart or Log Out
After modifying the registry, you may need to restart your PC or log out and log back in for the changes to take effect.
How to Enable Dark Mode for Microsoft Office
If you are using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), you can enable Dark Mode specifically for Office apps.
1. Open any Microsoft Office app (e.g., Word).
2. Click on File, then select Account.
3. Under Office Theme, select Dark Gray or Black.
4. This will apply Dark Mode across all Microsoft Office apps.
How to Enable Dark Mode for Microsoft Edge
You can also enable Dark Mode for Microsoft Edge, Windows 11's default web browser.
1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Settings.
3. In the left-hand menu, click on Appearance.
4. Under "Default theme," select Dark from the dropdown menu.
Important Considerations
- Battery saving: Dark Mode can help save battery life on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, as it reduces the amount of light pixels need to display.
- Reducing eye strain: Dark Mode is especially useful in low-light environments, as it reduces screen brightness and glare, making it easier on your eyes.
- App support: Not all third-party apps support Dark Mode, so some applications may remain in Light Mode even after enabling the dark theme.
Conclusion
Enabling Dark Mode on Windows 11 provides a sleek and modern look while offering benefits like reduced eye strain and improved battery life. Whether you enable Dark Mode through the Settings app or the Registry Editor, you can enjoy a more comfortable viewing experience. Additionally, you can apply Dark Mode to Microsoft Office and Edge for a consistent dark theme across your system.