How to Enable Dark Mode on Windows 10/11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Enabling dark mode on your Windows 10 or 11 device can reduce eye strain, save battery life on laptops, and give your computer a sleek, modern look. This guide will walk you through the steps to enable dark mode on both operating systems.

Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 10

Step 1: Open Settings

1. Click on the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Select the Settings gear icon from the Start menu.

Step 2: Access Personalization Settings

1. In the Settings window, click on Personalization.
2. Select Colors from the left-hand menu.

Step 3: Enable Dark Mode

1. Under the Choose your color section, click on the dropdown menu.
2. Select Dark. This will apply the dark mode to your Windows system, including the Start menu, taskbar, and Action Center.

Step 4: Customize App Mode (Optional)

1. If you want to use dark mode only for certain apps, select Custom from the dropdown menu.
2. Under Choose your default Windows mode, select Light or Dark.
3. Under Choose your default app mode, select Light or Dark. This allows you to mix and match the modes for Windows and apps according to your preference.

Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 11

Step 1: Open Settings

1. Click on the Start button in the center or left of your taskbar.
2. Select the Settings gear icon from the Start menu.

Step 2: Access Personalization Settings

1. In the Settings window, click on Personalization in the left-hand menu.
2. Select Colors from the Personalization menu.

Step 3: Enable Dark Mode

1. Under the Choose your mode section, click on the dropdown menu.
2. Select Dark. This will apply the dark mode to your Windows system, including the Start menu, taskbar, and Action Center.

Step 4: Customize App Mode (Optional)

1. If you prefer a combination of modes, select Custom from the dropdown menu.
2. Under Choose your default Windows mode, select Light or Dark.
3. Under Choose your default app mode, select Light or Dark. This allows you to personalize the appearance of Windows and apps separately.

Enable Dark Mode in Individual Apps

Microsoft Office

1. Open any Microsoft Office application (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook).
2. Go to File > Options.
3. Under the General tab, find the Office Theme section.
4. Select Dark Gray or Black from the dropdown menu.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Go to Settings > Appearance.
4. Under the Theme section, select Dark.

Additional Tips

• Schedule Dark Mode: Use third-party apps like Auto Dark Mode to schedule automatic switching between light and dark modes based on the time of day.
• Dark Mode Extensions: For web browsing, use dark mode extensions available for browsers like Chrome and Firefox to enable dark mode on websites that don't support it natively.
• High Contrast Themes: For even better visibility and contrast, consider using high contrast themes available in the Ease of Access settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Inconsistent Dark Mode: Some third-party apps may not fully support dark mode and may appear in light mode despite system settings. Check the app’s settings for individual dark mode options.
• Visual Artifacts: On older monitors, dark mode may sometimes cause visual artifacts. Ensure your display drivers are updated to the latest version.

Enabling dark mode on Windows 10 and 11 can provide a more comfortable viewing experience, especially in low-light environments. Whether you’re aiming to reduce eye strain, save battery life, or simply prefer the aesthetic, dark mode is a great feature to utilize. For more detailed tutorials and tips on optimizing your Windows settings, visit Tune Windows.