Like both dark and light modes? This guide will show you how to schedule light and dark modes in Windows 11 in simple and easy steps.
From the start, Microsoft included both light and dark modes in Windows 11. As you can expect, the light theme is the default in Windows 11. You can enable dark mode in the Settings app by going to the “Personalize -> Colors” page.
The good news is that both light and dark modes are visually appealing. One of the clear advantages of the dark mode is that it is easier on the eyes in low-light situations. For example, after sunset, the dark mode is fantastic. However, the dark mode has a long way to go because some operating system elements do not respect or appear good when the dark mode is enabled.
You can schedule both light and dark modes if you want to use both. For example, you can schedule the dark mode at a specified time or after sunset. You get the best of both worlds this way. That is, use light mode during the day and dark mode at night.
Let me show you how to schedule dark mode and light mode in Windows 11.
Schedule dark mode in Windows 11
As of this writing, Windows 11 does not include an option to switch between light and dark modes automatically. i.e., schedule dark mode or light mode.
So, we will use a free, open-source software called “Windows Auto Dark Mode.” You can download it from GitHub, Microsoft Store, or the winget command. The download link is provided below.
Steps:
- Get the Windows Auto Dark Mode software.
- Open the Windows Auto Dark Mode application.
- Go to the “Time” page.
- Select “Set custom hours” under the “Time” section.
- Set “Light” and “Dark” times under the “Custom start time” section.
- Close the Auto Dark Mode app.
- With that, you’ve scheduled light and dark modes.
Download links:
Use the below links or command to download and install the “Windows Auto Dark Mode” application in Windows 11.
GitHub link: https://github.com/AutoDarkMode/Windows-Auto-Night-Mode/releases
Microsoft Store link: https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/auto-dark-mode/XP8JK4HZBVF435
Winget command: winget install Armin2208.WindowsAutoNightMode
Steps with more details:
First, download and install Windows Auto Dark Mode. You can grab it via the Microsoft Store, GitHub, or the winget command. I’m getting it via the Microsoft Store.
After installing it, search for “Auto Dark Mode” in the Start menu and open it.
Once the application is opened, go to the “Time” tab on the left panel. Next, select the “Set custom hours” option. After that, set both “Light” and “Dark” times under the “Custom start time” section.
If you want, you can select the “From sunset to sunrise” or “From sunset to sunrise (geographic coordinates)” option. This makes the application automatically enables dark or light mode depending on the time and geographic location. You don’t have to set the time manually. Remember that these options require access to location permission in Windows 11.
With that, you are done setting up the application. From now, it will make Windows 11 automatically switch between light and dark modes on schedule.
Apart from scheduling, the app provides a few other important functions. For example, if your laptop has an OLED screen, you can enable dark mode when the device is unplugged by checking the “Enable dark mode when the device is unplugged” box on the “Switch modes” page. You’ll get a bit extra battery backup time this way.
From the “Personalization” page, you may also apply separate wallpapers for light and dark modes.
Overall, I recommend you go through the application’s settings to get the most out of it.
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That is all. It is that simple to schedule light and dark modes in Windows 11.
I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need some help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.
