Windows 10's interface is pretty slick, but if you’re not a fan of bright colors on your screen, it might be a little hard on the eyes. You can switch to a darker theme for many system apps with a little tweak.


As the video above from YouTuber BTNHD explains, a simple registry edit can enable a dark mode for Windows 10 system apps and other interface elements (that you can’t already customize). To enable it, follow these steps:

Press Win+R to open a run dialog, type “regedit”, and press enter. Browse to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Themes > Personalize If there’s no Personalize folder, right-click Themes and select New > Key. Name it Personalize. Right-click Personalize and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it AppsUseLightTheme and set its value to 0. Perform steps 3 and 4 again in the following location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Themes > Personalize Log out of your account and back in.

This feature will eventually come to Windows 10 with the upcoming Anniversary Update if you don’t want to mess with the registry. However, if you’re eager to get started or want to wait on the update when it arrives, this is a handy shortcut.


How to Unlock the Dark Themes in Windows 10 Apps | MakeUseOf