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How to Enable Dark Mode in Windows 11 Settings

Enable dark mode at Settings > Personalization > Colors. Use Custom to keep Windows dark while setting compatible apps to light.
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To enable dark mode in Windows 11, open Settings > Personalization > Colors, then select Dark under Choose your mode. Choose Custom instead if you want Windows and apps to use different default appearances.

How to enable dark mode in Windows 11 Settings

  1. Open Settings. Press Windows logo key + I, or open Settings from the Start menu. (Microsoft Support)
  2. Select Personalization > Colors.
  3. Under Choose your mode, select Dark. Windows also offers Light and Custom. (Microsoft Support)

Choose between Dark and Custom

Dark applies the dark color mode as the shared Windows and app default. Custom lets you choose separate defaults for Windows and apps.

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Setting When to use it Available choices
Dark You want Windows and compatible apps to use a dark default. One dark mode choice for both.
Custom You want Windows surfaces and apps to have different defaults. Choose a Windows mode and an app mode independently.

Make Windows dark while keeping apps light

  1. At Settings > Personalization > Colors, set Choose your mode to Custom.
  2. Set Choose your default Windows mode to Dark.
  3. Set Choose your default app mode to Light. (Microsoft Support)

What dark mode changes—and what it does not

Microsoft lists Windows surfaces that can be affected, including Start, the taskbar, Action Center, Windows Console, File Explorer, and Settings. Many Microsoft Store apps may also follow the Windows color mode. (Microsoft Support)

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Dark mode does not necessarily change every app. Support differs by application, and some apps provide their own light-or-dark setting separate from Windows. If an app stays light, check that app’s appearance or theme settings. (Microsoft Support)

Optional: show an accent color on Start and the taskbar

If you want to customize these surfaces after switching modes, look for Show accent color on Start and taskbar in Settings > Personalization > Colors. Microsoft makes this option available when the Windows color mode is Dark or Custom. (Microsoft Support)

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Can dark mode help save power?

Microsoft lists dark mode as a possible screen-power saving setting, especially on OLED displays. The benefit depends on the display and device; Microsoft’s overview does not provide a guaranteed or quantified battery-life improvement. (Microsoft Support)

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Dell Latitude 5420 14' FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
256 GB SSD of storage.; Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM; Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
$285.00
Bestseller No. 3
HP 14' HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
HP 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
$245.99
Best Value
Windows 11 Laptop with i3 Processor 15.6" Work Laptop for College Students
  • 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
  • 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
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Rank #4
15.6 Inch Laptop Computer, N4020, 4GB DDR4 RAM, 128GB eMMC,with Windows 11
  • EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
  • 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
  • RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
  • ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
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Rank #3
Rank #2
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
  • 256 GB SSD of storage.
  • Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
  • Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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