First, make sure that the system-level dark mode is enabled: set "Select Your Color" and "Select Default App Mode" to "Dark" in the settings; 2. Understand that File Explorer is a traditional desktop application, Microsoft has not fully implemented its dark mode support in Win10, resulting in the main list, context menu, etc. still being lighter; 3. You can try to set the AppsUseLightTheme value to 0 through the registry editor to partially improve the interface; 4. You can use third-party tools such as Winaero Tweaker to force the application of dark themes, but there are system risks; 5. The best solution is to upgrade to Windows 11, which natively supports the complete dark mode of File Explorer. This problem in Win10 is a design limitation rather than a simple failure and cannot be completely fixed.
If you're having trouble with Dark Mode not working properly in File Explorer on Windows 10 , you're not alone — it's a known issue that Microsoft never fully resolved before shifting focus to Windows 11. Here's what you need to know and how to fix or work around it.

? 1. Enable Dark Mode System-Wide (Basic Check)
First, make sure Dark Mode is actually turned on:
- Press
Win I
to open Settings . - Go to Personalization > Colors .
- Under Choose your color , select Dark .
- Also set Choose your default app mode to Dark .
? Note: This setting applies to most system apps and UWP apps, but File Explorer (desktop app) doesn't always respect this.
![]()
? Why File Explorer Stays Light
File Explorer is a legacy desktop application , not a modern UWP app. Microsoft added partial Dark Mode support in later versions of Windows 10 (1809 ), but it's inconsistent. Even with system-wide Dark Mode enabled, File Explorer often remains light — especially in:
- The main file list
- Context menus
- Properties windows
- Navigation pane (sometimes)
This is by design (or lack thereof) — Microsoft never fully implemented Dark Mode for Explorer in Win10.

? 2. Workarounds and Fixes
? Option 1: Use Registry Tweak (Advanced)
There's a registry key that can force a darker title bar and some UI elements:
?? Warning : Editing the registry can break your system. Back up first.
- Open Registry Editor (
regedit
as admin). - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize
- Look for
AppsUseLightTheme
. Set its value to 0 to force dark mode. - Reboot or restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager.
? This affects some apps, but won't make File Explorer fully dark — just improves consistency.
? Option 2: Third-Party Tools (Use with Caution)
Tools like:
- Winaero Tweaker
- ExplorerPatcher
- UltraUXThemePatcher Dark Themes
Can apply custom visual styles to make Explorer look dark.
For example, Winaero Tweaker has a built-in option:
- Download from winaero.com
- Open it and go to Apply Dark Theme to File Explorer
- Follow instructions (may require enabling unsigned themes)
?? These tools modify system files or inject code — use only if you understand the risks.
? 3. Alternative: Use Windows 11 or Wait for Apps to Adapt
- Windows 11 has full Dark Mode support in File Explorer — if you can upgrade, it's the cleanest fix.
- Some third-party file managers (like Files App from Microsoft Store ) support full dark themes and are more modern.
Summary
Step | What It Does |
---|---|
? Settings > Dark Mode | Enables system-level dark theme (partial for Explorer) |
? Registry tweak | May darken title bar and some UI |
? Third-party tools | Can force full dark Explorer (risky) |
? Upgrade to Win11 | Best long-term solution |
Bottom line: Windows 10 File Explorer never got full, stable Dark Mode support — it's a limitation, not just a bug. You can improve it slightly, but true dark Explorer only came in Windows 11.
Basically, if you're on Win10, it's not you — it's just how it is.
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