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How do I change between Dark and Light Windows Theme

Quick start (everything Light or Dark) ⚡

  1. Right-click the desktop → Personalize 🖼️

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  2. Go to Colors 🎨

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  3. Under Choose your mode select:

    • Light ☀️ — makes both apps and Windows menus light

    • Dark 🌙 — makes both apps and Windows menus dark


Different look for Apps vs. Menus (Custom) 🧩

Want, say, a light taskbar but dark apps (or the reverse)? Do this:

  1. Right-click desktop → PersonalizeColors 🎨

  2. Set Choose your mode to Custom 🛠️

  3. Pick each separately:

    • Choose your default Windows mode = Menus/UI (Start, taskbar, Settings, File Explorer chrome) 🧭

      • Light ☀️ or Dark 🌙

    • Choose your default app mode = Most apps 🗂️

      • Light ☀️ or Dark 🌙

If you switch back to Light or Dark (not Custom), Windows will make both menus and apps match that choice.


Optional niceties ✨

  • Transparency effects: On the same Colors page, toggle Transparency effects to taste 🫧

  • Accent color: Still in Personalize → Colors, choose Accent color (Auto/Manual) and whether it shows on Start, taskbar, and title bars 🎯


Notes 📝

  • These steps work in Windows 11 and Windows 10 (names look the same).

  • Some apps have their own theme switch; those can override your default app mode.