To turn off dark mode in Windows 10, open Settings > Personalization > Colors and change Choose your color to Light. Windows menus, the taskbar, and apps that follow the system theme switch to light right away. Some apps, such as browsers and Office, have their own theme setting that you may need to change too.
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Quick Answer
Settings > Personalization > Colors > Choose your color > Light.
Switch Windows to Light Mode
- Right-click the desktop and choose Personalize.
- Click Colors.
- Under Choose your color, select Light.
Mix Light and Dark
Choose Custom to set them separately: Choose your default Windows mode (taskbar and Start) and Choose your default app mode (Settings, File Explorer, and apps). For example, a dark taskbar with light apps.
Apps With Their Own Theme
| App | Where to change it |
|---|---|
| Office apps | File > Account > Office Theme |
| Web browsers | The browser’s Appearance settings |
| Websites | Many follow the browser or system; some have their own toggle |
For other display settings, see turning off the screensaver.
Troubleshooting
- Everything is black with bright text: That’s a high-contrast theme, not dark mode. Press Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen to toggle it, or go to Settings > Ease of Access > High contrast.
- Colors option is grayed out: Windows isn’t activated, or your organization manages the setting.
- Taskbar color won’t change: See changing the taskbar color in Windows 10.
- A theme keeps switching it back: Pick a light theme under Personalization > Themes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn dark mode back on?
Choose Dark in the same Colors setting.
Can Windows 10 switch automatically at night?
Not built in. Night light (Settings > System > Display) warms the screen colors instead.
Summary
- Settings > Personalization > Colors.
- Choose your color: Light.
- Use Custom to mix Windows and app modes.
- Change themes in Office and browsers separately.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.