Change Windows 10 to Dark Mode: Easy Steps

What You’ll Need

A PC running Windows 10 (version 1809 or later for full dark mode)
Administrator access (usually not required, but helpful if settings are locked)

Step-by-Step

Open Settings. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard, or click the Start button and then the gear icon. The Settings window will open.
Go to Personalization. In Settings, click on “Personalization” (it has a paintbrush icon). If you don’t see it, use the search bar at the top and type “Personalization”.
Select Colors. In the left sidebar, click “Colors”. This page controls the accent color and the default app mode.
Choose Dark mode. Scroll down to the “Choose your default app mode” section. Click the drop-down menu and select “Dark”. Your system apps, Settings, and many built-in apps will switch to dark immediately.

What to Check First

Before you start, make sure your Windows 10 is up to date. Dark mode for the whole system (including File Explorer) was introduced in the October 2018 Update (version 1809). If you have an older version, you might only see the option to change the Start menu and taskbar to dark, but not the apps. To check your version, go to Settings > System > About and look at “Windows specifications”. If you’re behind, run Windows Update to get the latest features.

Common Mistakes

Choosing “Dark” in the wrong place: There are two dark settings: “Choose your default app mode” (which affects apps and system windows) and “Choose your default Windows mode” (which affects the Start menu, taskbar, and Action Center). Many people pick the Windows mode only and wonder why apps are still light. Make sure you select “Dark” under the app mode.
Expecting every app to change: Dark mode only affects apps that support it. Third-party apps like older versions of Microsoft Office or Google Chrome may stay light unless you change their own settings.
Forgetting to restart apps: Some apps, like File Explorer, may need to be closed and reopened to apply the dark theme. If you don’t see the change immediately, try restarting the app or logging off and back on.

Tips

If you want the Start menu and taskbar to be dark but keep apps light, choose “Dark” for “Choose your default Windows mode” and “Light” for the app mode.
You can also enable “Dark” for the title bar by toggling “Show accent color on the following surfaces” – but that’s separate from the main dark mode.
Use the “High contrast” settings under Ease of Access if you need even stronger contrast for accessibility, but that’s a different feature.
If you switch often, you can create a shortcut to the Colors page or use the quick toggle in the Action Center (if available).

Troubleshooting

Option not visible: If you don’t see “Choose your default app mode” at all, your Windows version is likely too old. Run Windows Update (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) and install all updates, then check again.
Dark mode doesn’t apply to File Explorer: This is a known issue in some versions. Make sure you have the latest updates. If it still doesn’t work, try restarting File Explorer (right-click the taskbar and choose “Task Manager”, find “Windows Explorer”, right-click and choose “Restart”).
Some apps remain white: As mentioned, not all apps support dark mode. Check the app’s own settings (like Chrome’s “Themes” or Office’s “Office Theme”).
Settings revert to light after reboot: This can happen if a third-party customization tool is interfering. Try disabling such tools or check your Group Policy settings (if you’re on Windows Pro) – but that’s rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dark mode save battery?

On OLED screens, dark mode can reduce power consumption because black pixels are turned off. On standard LCD screens, the difference is negligible.

Can I schedule dark mode to turn on automatically at night?

Windows 10 does not have a built-in scheduler for dark mode. You can use the “Night light” feature for screen color temperature, but that’s not the same as dark mode. Some third-party apps can automate it, but they aren’t official.

Will dark mode affect my documents or photos?

No, dark mode only changes the interface of apps. The content of your files (like Word documents or photos) remains unchanged.

How do I switch back to light mode?

Follow the same steps and choose “Light” under “Choose your default app mode”. You can also choose “Custom” to mix and match.

Does dark mode work with all Windows 10 editions?

Yes, dark mode is available in Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, as long as you have the required update.

Why is my taskbar still white after I selected dark mode?

You likely selected “Dark” for the app mode but left the Windows mode as “Light”. Go back to Colors and set “Choose your default Windows mode” to “Dark” as well.

Sources: Microsoft Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.