Although dark mode originally appeared in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update released in 2016, a more recent update expanded this mode throughout the system, including File Manager. It’s simply easier on the eyes — especially when you’re working in low-light conditions – by replacing all the white backgrounds with gray or black.
In this article we’ll walk you though step-by-step how to enable dark mode in Windows 10, Microsoft Edge browser, and Microsoft Office.
Note that dark mode doesn’t change your desktop background, but rather darkens the overall interface. It won’t change webpage backgrounds either, such as Google, or desktop programs and apps that don’t support interface alterations.
First, let’s start with how to enable dark mode in Windows 10.
How to enable dark mode in Windows 10
1. Click the Start button and then select the “gear” icon on the left side of the Start Menu. This opens the Settings app.
2. Select Personalization.
3. Select Colors on the menu to the right.
4. Scroll down to Choose your default app mode in the panel on the right.
5. Select Dark.
How to enable dark mode in Microsoft Edge
Setting Windows 10 dark mode doesn’t affect the Microsoft Edge browser, so you’ll need to darken the interface manually. Follow these steps:
1. Click on the three-dot icon located in the top-right corner (Settings and more).
2. Click Settings in the drop-down menu.
3. In the roll-out menu, switch to the Dark option found under Choose a theme in the Customize section.
How to enable dark mode in Microsoft Office
Like Microsoft Edge, enabling dark mode in Windows 10 doesn’t change the overall appearance of your favorite Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, and more. You’ll need to darken the view manually using the following steps:
1. Open any Office app. As shown, we used Word for this example.
2. Select Account on the menu to the left. If you’re within a document, click on File at the top and then scroll down to Account on the next page.
3. The default Office theme is Colorful. Change this setting to Dark Gray or Black.
That’s how to enable dark mode in Windows 10! For more Windows 10 tips and tricks, check out these guides:
- How to text with iMessages in Windows 10
- How to split your screen in Windows 10
- How to stream the Xbox One to Windows 10