Dark mode has become a popular feature for users who prefer a softer, eye-friendly interface, especially in low-light environments. Windows 11 offers a system-wide dark mode that can help reduce eye strain and save battery life on devices with OLED screens. Enabling dark mode not only changes the appearance of Windows but also affects many apps that support this setting.
This guide will walk you through how to enable dark mode for all apps in Windows 11, using simple and clear steps. Whether you are new to Windows 11 or just want to customize your display preferences, this article will help you get started quickly.
Follow the instructions carefully to apply the dark theme across your system and supported applications. You’ll also find helpful tips and troubleshooting advice if dark mode does not activate as expected.
Let’s begin by checking some quick prerequisites before diving into the steps.
Quick Note: What to Check Before Enabling Dark Mode
- Windows 11 Version: Make sure your PC is running Windows 11. Dark mode settings may look different or be unavailable on older versions like Windows 10.
- App Compatibility: Not all apps support dark mode, especially older or third-party apps. This guide focuses on system apps and most modern Microsoft Store apps.
- System Updates: Ensure your system is up to date by running Windows Update. Updates often fix bugs related to theme settings.
- Backup Preferences: If you have custom colors or themes, consider noting them down or saving a system restore point before changing settings.
How to Enable Dark Mode in Windows 11: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
First, you need to open the main settings panel where you can customize system appearance.
- Click on the Start button (Windows icon) at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Select the Settings gear icon from the Start menu. Alternatively, you can press
Windows + Ion your keyboard to open Settings instantly.
Opening Settings is the starting point because this is where Windows controls all personalization options including themes and colors.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization Settings
Once inside the Settings window:
- Click on Personalization from the left sidebar menu.
- In the Personalization section, select Colors from the right pane.
This section manages the color mode and theme preferences, including light, dark, and custom color options.
Step 3: Select Dark Mode for Windows and Apps
Now you will set the dark mode theme for both Windows interface and apps.
- Under the Choose your mode dropdown, select Dark.
- Alternatively, if you want more control, select Custom. This allows you to choose separate modes for Windows and apps.
- If you picked Custom, under Choose your default Windows mode, select Dark. Then, under Choose your default app mode, also select Dark.
Choosing dark mode here changes the system UI, taskbar, Start menu, and supported apps to use darker colors that are easier on the eyes in dim environments.
Step 4: Confirm Changes and Close Settings
Once you select the dark mode, changes should apply instantly. You can close the Settings window and explore your apps and system menus to see the new dark appearance.
If some apps do not switch to dark mode, it may be because those apps have their own theme settings or do not support system-wide dark mode.
Alternative Methods and Advanced Options
Using High Contrast Themes
If standard dark mode doesn’t suit your needs, Windows 11 provides high contrast dark themes for better visibility:
- Open Settings > Accessibility > Contrast themes.
- Select a High Contrast Black theme from the dropdown menu.
- Click Apply to enable it.
This option changes text and background colors to maximize readability, useful for users with visual impairments.
Manually Setting Dark Mode in Individual Apps
Some apps like Microsoft Office, Edge browser, and others have their own theme settings:
- Microsoft Office: Go to File > Options > General > Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office > Office Theme, then select Dark Gray or Black.
- Microsoft Edge: Open Edge Settings > Appearance > Theme, and select Dark.
This manual setting ensures dark mode is enabled even if the app does not follow the system default.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why doesn’t dark mode apply to all my apps?
Not all apps support system-wide dark mode. Some apps have their own theme settings or might not have a dark mode option at all. Check the app’s settings or documentation for theme options.
Can I schedule dark mode to turn on automatically?
Yes, Windows 11 does not have a built-in schedule for dark mode, but you can use third-party apps or scripts to switch between light and dark modes based on time.
Does dark mode save battery life?
On devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, dark mode can conserve battery by using less power when displaying darker pixels. On LCD screens, the battery savings are minimal.
How do I revert back to light mode?
Follow the same steps in Settings > Personalization > Colors, and select Light or Custom with Light mode selected for Windows and apps.
Is dark mode better for eye health?
Dark mode can reduce eye strain in low-light conditions by reducing glare and blue light exposure, but it is not a substitute for proper lighting and screen breaks.
When Nothing Works
If dark mode does not activate despite following these steps, here are some final tips:
- Restart your PC: Sometimes changes require a reboot to take full effect.
- Check for Windows Updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all pending updates.
- Update your apps: Ensure apps are updated to their latest versions.
- Create a new user profile: Sometimes corrupted user profiles cause personalization issues.
- Visit Microsoft Support: For ongoing issues, consult the official Microsoft support page.
Conclusion
Enabling dark mode in Windows 11 is a straightforward way to make your computing experience more comfortable and visually pleasing, especially during nighttime use. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can apply dark mode system-wide to Windows and most supported apps.
Remember that some apps may require manual adjustment and that keeping your system and apps updated helps maintain theme compatibility. If you encounter any issues, the troubleshooting tips and alternatives provided should help you resolve them quickly.
Dark mode is a small change that can make a big difference in how you interact with your PC every day. Enjoy the new look and the reduced eye strain!