Enable Dark Mode

Switch Windows and all supported apps to dark mode via registry, reducing eye strain in low-light environments.

Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize -Name AppsUseLightTheme -Value 0; Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize -Name SystemUsesLightTheme -Value 0

Scope: user

This registry tweak switches both the Windows shell and all supporting apps to dark mode. It sets AppsUseLightTheme to 0 (affecting app title bars and UI) and SystemUsesLightTheme to 0 (affecting the taskbar, Start menu, and Action Center).

The change takes effect immediately — you don’t need to restart Explorer or sign out. Apps that respect the system dark mode preference (most modern apps, including Settings, Edge, File Explorer, and Microsoft Office) will switch automatically.

If you prefer, you can also change this in Settings → Personalization → Colors → Choose your mode → Dark.