How to enable dark mode for apps in Windows 11

This article will show you how to enable dark mode for apps in Windows 11 using Settings app, registry or via app's own setttings.

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin
3 min read
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In Windows 11, if you want to activate dark mode for apps then this article may interest you. Nowadays, the dark mode is getting popular and being implemented in most of the apps available. The reason is simple, as it provides less burden on eyes as compared to default light mode. In this article, we will see how you can enable dark mode for apps in Windows 11.

So in Windows 11, you can enable dark mode system wide. But in case if you want to be selective in your approach and want to enable it only for the apps, you’ve to try that way. There are many ways you can use to enable dark mode for apps only. All of these ways are mentioned below. You can try either of the below mentioned way as per your convenience.

How to enable dark mode for apps in Windows 11

Method 1: Using Settings app

1. Press Windows Key + I keys to open Settings app.

2. Go to Personalization > Colors.

3. Under Colors, locate the Choose your mode heading. If it is set either to Light or Dark, set it to Custom. Then you can Choose your default app mode and set it to Dark to enable dark mode only for apps.

How to enable dark mode for apps in Windows 11

Once selected, dark mode should applied immediately to all of your supported apps present on the system.

Method 2: Using Registry

Information Registry Disclaimer: It is recommended to create a System Restore point first, if you’re not familiar with registry manipulation.

1. Run regedit command to open Registry Editor.

2. In left pane of Registry Editor window, navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize

How to enable dark mode for apps in Windows 11

3. In the right pane of Personalize registry key, locate AppsUseLightTheme registry DWORD (REG_DWORD). Set it to 0 to enable dark mode for all supported apps on your system.

4. Close Registry Editor and sign out and sign in back to make changes effective.

Method 3: Using App Settings

Apart from above methods, you can also enable dark mode for individual apps using their own settings. Many apps supporting dark mode available as of today have their own settings to toggle dark mode. You have to go to the app settings, or its personalization settings and there you’ll find the option to enable dark mode, just like one shown in below screenshot. Note that not all apps may have setting to toggle to dark mode. Some apps may take dark mode reference from system and if your OS is using dark mode, they automatically enable dark mode.

How to enable dark mode for apps in Windows 11

That’s it!

Read next: Enable/disable transparency effects in Windows 11.

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Article by

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin

Kapil holds Microsoft MVP title in Windows IT Pro expertise, 11-times in a row (2014-2025). He is 8-times Windows Insider MVP as well, and author of 'Windows Group Policy Troubleshooting' book. In 2015, Microsoft India accomplished him as 'Windows 10 Champion'. Being passionate Windows blogger, he loves to help others on fixing their system issues. Kapil has worked with official Microsoft Community Engagement Team (CET) on several community projects. You can subscribe him for news/updates and fixes for Windows.

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