How to turn on dark mode on Windows 11

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Dark mode shows light text on a dark background. Many people find it more comfortable in the evening, and on laptops with OLED screens it saves some battery.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

1. Open Settings and choose Personalisation

   Press Windows + I and click Personalisation on the left. The quick way is to right-click the desktop and choose Personalise.

   Done

2. Click Colours

   It is the second row.

   Done

3. Set Choose your mode to Dark

   Open the menu on the right and pick Dark. The change is immediate.

   Done

4. Or mix the two with Custom

   Choose Custom to set Windows itself, meaning the taskbar and Start menu, and your apps separately. A dark taskbar with light apps is a popular mix.

   Done

Good to know

Websites follow this setting only if they support it. In Edge or Chrome you can set the appearance to Dark in the browser's own settings as well.

Office apps have their own setting: File, Account, Office Theme.

Dark mode does not reduce blue light. For that, use Night light: how to turn on Night light.

In short: Settings, Personalisation, Colours, Choose your mode, Dark.