Worked out how to switch on dark mode in Windows 11 and thought I’d share the tips that helped me. Honestly, it’s not too tricky once you know where to click, but the UI can be a bit confusing sometimes. So here’s a straightforward, real-world rundown.
How to Turn On Dark Mode in Windows 11
Switching to dark mode is supposed to be better for your eyes, especially late at night. Plus, it looks pretty smooth if you ask around. The main thing is to get into Settings, find the colour options, and pick the dark theme. Sounds simple, but the path isn’t always obvious — typical Windows style making life harder than it needs to be.
Step 1: Open Settings
Just click Start and then the gear icon, or type Settings into the search bar. Some folks find the fastest way is Win + I — that shortcut opens Settings pretty quick if you remember it. It’s like the main control panel for everything, including themes.
Step 2: Go to Personalisation
In Settings, find Personalisation — that’s where all the visual options are. Sometimes it’s in the sidebar, sometimes you need to scroll a bit, but that’s the spot. Think of it as customizing how your system looks.
Step 3: Select Colours
Next, click on Colours. That’s the menu where you can choose your accent colour, background, and switch themes. It can hide away if you’re not paying attention, especially on smaller screens.
Step 4: Choose Dark Mode
This is the important bit. Under Choose your mode, there’s a drop-down menu. Select Dark. On one machine it was instant; on another, I had to toggle it a few times — Windows quirks, but usually a quick reboot or signing out sorts it out.
Some folks say the change doesn’t happen straight away. If that’s you, try closing Settings and opening it again, or log out and back in. Usually, that sorts it out.
Step 5: Enjoy Your New Look
Once you switch, everything should darken up immediately — start menu, taskbar, supported apps… you get the picture. It’s a subtle upgrade but makes a noticeable difference after a while, especially if you’re working late or just want a fresh look.
Tips for Using Dark Mode in Windows 11
- Match your wallpaper — a dark background makes the whole thing look a lot better.
- Check app-specific settings — some apps don’t follow Windows theme and need toggling on their own.
- Use it in low light — because, obviously, that’s when dark mode really helps reduce eye strain.
- If you’re on a laptop, keep an eye on battery life — dark mode can help save a bit of power, especially on OLED screens (but don’t get your hopes up too much).
- Play around with the accent colours in Colors — it can make the dark theme a bit more interesting and less boring.
FAQs
What’s the go with dark mode in Windows 11?
It’s a display setting that switches your interface to a darker look. Looks modern and is easier on the eyes, especially if you’re browsing late at night.
How do I switch back to light mode?
Same deal — Settings > Personalisation > Colours. Then pick Light from the dropdown. Not too hard, but it might not be super obvious at first.
Does dark mode really save battery?
If you’ve got an OLED screen on your phone or laptop, yes. Darker pixels use less power. But honestly, the power saving isn’t huge unless you’re in dark mode all day long.
Can I schedule dark mode to turn on automatically?
Not directly in Windows 11 at the moment. You’d need third-party tools or scripts for that. The built-in options just toggle manually.
Will all apps support dark mode?
Most modern apps do, but some older or niche ones might stick to their own themes or just ignore dark mode altogether.
Quick Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalisation.
- Select Colours.
- Choose Dark in the mode dropdown.
- Enjoy your new look!
Wrap-up
Dark mode isn’t a huge game-changer, but it’s handy for your eyes and might save some battery too. Windows 11 makes it pretty straightforward once you find the menu — but yeah, sometimes it feels like Windows is making you work for it. Play around with it, see what suits your setup, and don’t be surprised if it doesn’t work perfectly first go. Usually, a quick reboot or signing out fixes most issues.
Hopefully, this helps someone avoid digging through endless menus or rebooting multiple times. Fingers crossed it gets a bit easier with an update in future. It’s a simple trick that’s worked on a few different machines — hopefully, it’ll work for you too.