How to Enable Dark Mode for Windows File Explorer for Windows 10

Windows 10 version 1809 allows you switch back and forth between a light app mode and dark app mode. The light mode is the enabled by default and it makes various apps and windows look like they have been looking since Windows 8.1. But using the new dark mode, you can make the apps look darker which can be a great way to lower the stress on your eyes especially when you are using your Windows PC in darker surroundings. The dark mode also makes Windows File Explorer look dark. Here is how you can enable the dark mode to make Windows File Explorer look dark:

1. Press the hotkey Win+I to open Windows settings. Alternatively, you can also click on Start and then on the cogwheel icon to open the Windows settings.
2. Click on Personalization in the Windows settings.
3. Select Colors from the left side and then the Dark mode from right on the Personalization screen.
4. Now you can try launching Windows File Explorer either from the shortcut in the taskbar or by using the Win+E hotkey. You will see a new dark looking File Explorer.

If at any later time, you decide to go back to the light mode, then you can follow the same instructions again only choosing the Light app mode this time. It will also make Start and taskbar completely dark along with all the installed Windows apps such as the calculator.

There is another way of achieving the same result using the Registry Editor:

1. Press Win+R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit in the Run dialog and press Enter. This will launch Registry Editor.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize.
4. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value, name it AppsUseLightTheme and set its value to 0.
5. Restart Windows (or simply sign out and then sign in again) to see the effect.

In earlier versions of Windows 10, this same option existed but it turned only the Modern apps dark. In version 1809 of Windows 10, this option covers many more apps including File Explorer. Perhaps in the future versions of Windows 10, this same option will make everything dark including the Modern apps, Microsoft desktop applications and third party software.