How do I enable Dark Mode?

“I just got a new Windows 11 laptop and I’m trying to enable Dark Mode because the bright white interface strains my eyes during nighttime work, plus I heard it might save battery life on my OLED screen. I’ve gone into Settings > Personalization > Colors, but I only see “Light,” “Dark,” and “Custom” options without any clear toggle. When I select “Dark,” it only seems to affect the taskbar and Start menu—not File Explorer or apps. Am I missing something, or do I need to enable it system-wide through another method? Also, is there a way to make it automatically switch based on time of day?”

To enable Dark Mode, follow the steps specific to your device and operating system:

Windows 10/11

1. Settings > Personalization > Colors
   • Select Dark under "Choose your default app mode."
2. via Quick Settings (Windows 11):
   • Click the Action Center icon (tray) > toggle Dark mode on.
3. via Cortana:
   • Say "Hey Cortana, turn on Dark Mode."

macOS

1. System Preferences > General > Appearance
   • Select Dark.
2. via Siri:
   • Say "Hey Siri, enable Dark Mode."
3. Keyboard Shortcut (macOS Mojave+):
   • Press Option + Command + T to toggle.

iOS/iPadOS

1. Settings > Display & Brightness > Appearance
   • Choose Dark.
2. via Control Center:
   • Swipe down (iPhone X+/11/12/13) or up (older models) > long-press brightness slider > toggle Dark Mode.
3. via Siri:
   • Say "Hey Siri, turn on Dark Mode."

Android 10+

1. Settings > Display > Theme
   • Select Dark or Battery Saver (extends battery).
2. via Quick Settings:
   • Swipe down from the top > tap Dark mode tile (if added).
3. Samsung Devices:
   • Settings > Display > Dark mode > toggle on.

Web Browsers

• Google Chrome (Desktop/Mobile):
  • Click Settings > Appearance > Dark theme or toggle Dark Mode in browser settings.
• Firefox:
  • Click Settings > General > Language and Appearance > Dark Mode.
• Safari (macOS/iOS):
  • Follow macOS/iOS instructions above.

Third-Party Applications

• Microsoft Office:
  • Go to File > Account > Office Theme > select Black.
• Slack:
  • Click your workspace name > Preferences > Themes > Dark Mode.
• Discord:**
  • User Settings > Appearance > Theme > Dark.
• VS Code:**
  • Press Ctrl+K Ctrl+T (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+K Cmd+T (macOS) > select Dark theme.

Terminal/Command Line Tools

• Linux (Ubuntu/GNOME):
  • Use Tweaks: sudo apt install gnome-tweaks > Appearance > Dark or gnome-extensions for Dark Mode extensions.
• macOS Terminal:
  • Run defaults write -g NSRequiresAquaSystemAppearance -bool false (requires logout/restart).

Gaming Consoles

• PlayStation 5:
  • Settings > Display > Light Output > Set to Dark.
• Xbox Series X/S:
  • Settings > General > Personalization > SelectDark` theme.

Advanced Customization

• Windows: Use tools like Rainmeter or TranslucentTB for custom dark themes.
• macOS: Explore DarkModeKit via Homebrew for system-wide tweaks.
• Android: Install apps like BlackBerry Launcher or Nova Launcher for dark themes.

Enable Dark Mode in supported apps/settings listed above to reduce eye strain and conserve battery on OLED/AMOLED screens.