Windows 11 dark mode is more than just a visual treat — it genuinely helps reduce eye strain, especially during long hours in front of the screen. The good news is that Windows 11 comes with built-in dark mode support, so there is no need to install any third-party software to get it working. Once enabled, it transforms the appearance of window panels such as File Explorer, Documents, the taskbar, title bars, borders, and system settings. What makes it even better is that popular browsers like Google Chrome and many other apps automatically pick up the dark theme from your Windows color settings — a small but satisfying touch. Let’s get right into it.
Browse the “Personalization” Settings
To get started, right-click on any empty area of your desktop and select “Personalize” from the context menu. This will take you directly into the Personalization settings where all the visual customization options live.
Alternatively, click the Windows Start button, type “Settings” in the search bar, open the Settings app, and then select “Personalization” from the left-hand panel.
Once you are inside the Personalization settings, click on the “Colors” option. This will open the Personalization › Colors page. Look for the “Choose your mode” dropdown and select “Dark” from the available options.
Under “Choose your mode”, you will find three options — Light, Dark, and Custom. If you select Custom, Windows gives you more flexibility by letting you separately control the “Windows mode” and the “App mode”. This is handy if, for example, you want your desktop and taskbar to stay light while your apps switch to dark, or the other way around.
Once you make your selection, the changes apply instantly — no restart required. That’s all it takes to switch to dark mode on Windows 11 and give your eyes a well-deserved break.
For Windows 10 Dark Mode, refer to the blog post How to enable windows 10 dark mode