To set Windows 11
dark mode for both the system interface and supported apps—for
all versions—you want to apply two registry tweaks for the current user:
AppsUseLightTheme = 0 (dark for apps)
SystemUsesLightTheme = 0 (dark for Windows UI)
This can be scripted reliably via PowerShell or a .reg file, and works across all Windows 11 editions and builds.
PowerShell Script for Full Dark Mode (Windows + Apps)
Code:
# Enable dark mode for Windows and all apps (current user)
$regPath = "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize"
Set-ItemProperty -Path $regPath -Name "AppsUseLightTheme" -Value 0
Set-ItemProperty -Path $regPath -Name "SystemUsesLightTheme" -Value 0
Add this to any PowerShell script, or run it directly:
powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "& { $reg='HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize'; Set-ItemProperty -Path $reg -Name AppsUseLightTheme -Value 0; Set-ItemProperty -Path $reg -Name SystemUsesLightTheme -Value 0 }"
.reg File for Dark Mode (Copy and Save as darkmode.reg)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize]
"AppsUseLightTheme"=dword:00000000
"SystemUsesLightTheme"=dword:00000000
Double-click to import, or script with:
reg import darkmode.reg
Deploy Via Unattended/FirstLogonCommands
Code:
<FirstLogonCommands> <SynchronousCommand wcm:action="add"> <Order>1</Order> <Description>Set Windows and Apps to Dark Mode</Description> <CommandLine>powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "& { $reg='HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize'; Set-ItemProperty -Path $reg -Name AppsUseLightTheme -Value 0; Set-ItemProperty -Path $reg -Name SystemUsesLightTheme -Value 0 }"</CommandLine> </SynchronousCommand>
</FirstLogonCommands>
Notes:
- This toggle works immediately for most Windows elements and new/UWP apps. Some classic apps (Win32) may need a restart or support their own themes.
- User can always manually override in Settings → Personalization → Colors → Choose your mode.
- For ALL users, apply the script for each user profile or use Group Policy Preferences.
Want high-contrast dark or a custom accent (e.g., auto-force black taskbar or color tweaks)? Let me know! This approach covers 99% of all Windows and app dark mode needs across all Windows 11 versions.