Microsoft has begun addressing the long-standing issues with Windows Dark Mode. Since its introduction in Windows 10 in 2016, Dark Mode has faced criticism for its lack of polish across the operating system. This is because File Explorer and some dialog boxes remain in a light theme, creating an inconsistent user experience.
A change was recently detected in the Windows 11 Preview Build (26100.5061). The dialog boxes that appear when performing tasks like copying, moving, and deleting files finally support dark backgrounds. Previously, the light mode was maintained, resulting in an imbalance on the screen even when dark mode was enabled. This change is said to make the workflow more seamless when switching to a dark theme.
However, the changes are still limited. Buttons like "Continue" and "Skip" are still displayed in bright colors, and many system elements, such as the Control Panel, Run window, and File Properties, are not yet dark mode-enabled. Ultimately, it will likely take Microsoft more time to fully implement dark mode across the entire system.
These improvements are interpreted as a preparatory step toward the next Windows 11 update, 25H2. While Microsoft hasn't made an official announcement, it's likely that Dark Mode will be supplemented as part of the overall UI redesign. This is a somewhat late move compared to Apple's consistent Dark Mode, which has been available since macOS Mojave in 2018.
Industry insiders question why Microsoft has neglected the dark mode issue for so long. Despite being a globally popular feature, improvements to dark mode have been slow. Even the implementation of dark mode in File Explorer in Windows 10 took years. While this may seem like a minor change to users, it's considered a significant step forward in enhancing the completeness and reliability of the operating system.
