How to Change Windows Explorer to Dark Mode
In today’s digital age, many users are seeking ways to customize their Windows experience to suit their personal preferences. One popular adjustment is changing Windows Explorer to dark mode. Dark mode has become increasingly popular due to its aesthetic appeal and potential benefits for reducing eye strain. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing Windows Explorer to dark mode on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
1. Update Your Windows OS
Before proceeding with the dark mode customization, ensure that your Windows operating system is up to date. Dark mode features are available on Windows 10 version 1809 and later, as well as Windows 11. To check for updates, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start button and select “Settings.”
2. Go to “Update & Security” and click on “Windows Update.”
3. Click on “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
2. Enable Dark Mode in Windows Settings
Once your Windows OS is updated, you can enable dark mode by following these steps:
1. Click on the Start button and select “Settings.”
2. Go to “Personalization” and click on “Colours.”
3. Scroll down and toggle the “Use dark theme” switch to the ON position.
3. Customize Windows Explorer
After enabling dark mode in Windows settings, you will notice that some elements of Windows Explorer have changed to dark mode. However, to ensure that Windows Explorer is fully in dark mode, you may need to make additional adjustments:
1. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.”
2. Go to the “Start” section and toggle the “Use dark theme” switch to the ON position.
3. Click on “Choose where to search from” and select “Windows search.”
4. Click on “Choose which icons appear on the taskbar” and ensure that “Windows Search” is checked.
4. Customize Windows Explorer Further
To customize Windows Explorer even further, you can modify the appearance of the file explorer window. Here’s how:
1. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).”
2. Type the following command: `reg.exe ADD HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced /v UseDarkMode /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f`
3. Press Enter to execute the command. This will enable dark mode in Windows Explorer.
5. Verify Dark Mode
After following the above steps, open Windows Explorer and verify that it is now in dark mode. You should see a dark theme applied to the file explorer window, including the title bar, menus, and buttons.
Conclusion
Changing Windows Explorer to dark mode is a simple and effective way to customize your Windows experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy the benefits of a dark theme and potentially reduce eye strain while using your computer. Remember to keep your Windows OS updated to ensure you have access to the latest features and improvements.
