Windows 10: Hidden Dark Theme

BillGates · 08 Aug 2015

not sure if this has been shared. . i searched but didn't find anything.
apparently Windows has a hidden, alternate dark theme matching MetroApps :)

Windows 10: Hidden Dark Theme-kxmy03f.png

Unfortunately.. this is only available to Pro or higher editions

Save this as .reg file, merge, then restart computer:
- you'll need administrative privileges to merge due to HKLM branch.

Code:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00


[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize]
"AppsUseLightTheme"=dword:00000000


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize]
"AppsUseLightTheme"=dword:00000000

Cliff S · 08 Aug 2015

Worked great I was wondering where that setting was... you might want to post one to reverse it too.

Dude · 08 Aug 2015

Yes, it does work great. To reverse it, delete the reg entries or set them to “1” to re-enable the light theme.

IownAmoneyPit · 08 Aug 2015

Credit/Rep should be given to @BillGates for creating the registry key in the Original Post and I also found the original post by Edwin, for the dark theme pointing to the registry location here.

To further help others I created registry keys for both "Dark" and "Light" themes so you can easily switch themes. (Note:This also works if you are using Windows 10 Home)

Light Theme.zip

Dark Theme.zip

I also created a folder for both themes which can be saved anywhere you wish, Now create a shortcut and place the shortcut in your "ProgamData/Microsoft/Windows/Start Menu/Programs" folder for easy access from the start menu.

Use Dark or Light theme.zip

Note: You must have "Show hidden files, folders or drives enabled or the Hidden Items check marked in Windows Explorer > View > Hidden Items.

Windows 10: Hidden Dark Theme-dark-light-0.png

Windows 10: Hidden Dark Theme-dark-light-2.png

Dark & Light.ico

PS: Here is a Yin-Yang Icon to replace the folder icon with.

AnotherOne · 07 Dec 2015

Had been looking for a way to get the dark theme on Home edition after 1511 messed with my custom settings. Thank you!

Stargazer22 · 08 Dec 2015

Does this fix the light title bars as well??

Cliff S · 08 Dec 2015

Stargazer22 said:

Does this fix the light title bars as well??

If you mean for the System32 portion of windows, nope.
For that go here: Aerolite Theme - Install in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
or here: Inactive Title Bar Color - Change in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums