Windows Dark Mode
What is Dark Mode and Why Use It?
Dark Mode is a display setting that changes the color scheme of an operating system or application to darker shades, primarily black or dark gray, as opposed to the traditional lighter or white backgrounds. This feature is designed to reduce eye strain, especially in low-light environments, and can also help conserve battery life on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens. Also, in some screens Dark Mode can help reduce screen burn where the white light from the monitor can temporarily burn into the screen. The contrast between the text and background in Dark Mode can make it easier to read and reduce glare from bright screens, leading to a more comfortable and visually appealing user experience.
How to Change Windows Theme to Dark Mode
Switching to Dark Mode on Windows is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and type in “Turn On Dark Mode Systemwide” and press Enter.
- Select Dark Mode: Under the “Choose your Mode” dropdown menu, select “Dark.”
Once you switch to Dark Mode, the following elements are changed to dark themes:
- Microsoft Products: Microsoft Word, Excel and other similar products should change to Dark Mode.
- Windows UI: The taskbar, Start menu, and Action Center adopt a dark background.
- File Explorer: Windows File Explorer switches to a dark theme, making it easier to view files and folders.
- System Applications: Built-in apps like Settings, Microsoft Store, and Calculator adopt the dark theme.
- Context Menus: Right-click menus and other context menus also change to a dark background.
Programs That Do Not Change to Dark Mode Automatically
While Windows Dark Mode offers a comprehensive dark theme for the operating system and its native applications, there are still some programs and applications that do not automatically switch to Dark Mode when you change the Windows theme. Some of these include:
- Third-Party Applications: Many third-party applications do not follow the Windows Dark Mode setting and require manual adjustment within the app’s own settings. Popular programs like Adobe Photoshop, older versions of Microsoft Office, and various legacy software may fall into this category.
- Web Browsers: While most modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge offer their own Dark Mode settings, they do not always follow the Windows Dark Mode setting. Users need to enable Dark Mode within the browser settings.
- Java-Based Applications: Applications built on the Java platform, such as certain development tools and enterprise software, often do not support automatic theme changes and need manual configuration.
- Cross-Platform Apps: Applications designed to be cross-platform, such as some productivity and media apps, might not adhere to Windows-specific settings and will need manual adjustments.
Conclusion
Dark Mode is a beneficial feature for users who spend extended periods in front of screens, offering reduced eye strain and a more comfortable viewing experience in low-light conditions. Switching to Dark Mode on Windows is simple and affects many system components and applications. However, it’s important to note that some third-party and older applications might not automatically adopt the dark theme, requiring manual adjustments within their settings. Adopting Dark Mode across your applications can lead to a more cohesive and visually pleasing experience.
