Summary
- Dark mode in Windows 11 is only half-implemented; many system dialogs stay in light mode.
- Microsoft is improving tools to extend its dark theme, but has given no timeline for Regedit or others.
- It's good Microsoft is talking openly, but full dark mode rollout across legacy UI likely remains far off.
Windows 11's dark mode is still very incomplete, but according to a recent post on X, that is set to change, though there's no timeline yet for the features full implementation.
In a response to Windows Central senior editor Zac Bowden on X, Microsoft's head of Windows Design and Research, Marcus Ash, offered a surprisingly transparent update on Windows 11's dark mode.
"We are pushing to get our tools/techniques to the point where we can get dark theme into more areas across Windows," said Ash. "As we make progress in various legacy system panels/dialogs, we will keep improving consistency."
While this is good news, there's still no clear plan for dark mode's completion and release."No timelines to commit to yet for Regedit," said Ash on X.
Microsoft responds to feedback with long-requested Windows 11 features, including taskbar tweaks and improved file explorer
The tech giant says it's listening to user feedback.
Microsoft has a detailed plan to improve Windows 11
The tech giant wants its most dedicated users to know it's listening to feedback
It's worth mentioning that a true dark mode was not mentioned in Microsoft's recently revealed, surprisingly comprehensive plan to improve Windows 11 based on user feedback. In a lengthy blog post, Pavan Davuluri, the EVP of Windows and Devices at Microsoft, outlined that the company plans to dial back Copilot AI features, improve file explorer, and bring back taskbar customization features like vertical orientation, an often-requested Windows 11 feature that was part of Windows 10.
Still, it's refreshing to see key Microsoft executives like Ash publicly discussing future plans for Windows 11 features, even if dark mode's release is likely far off. Right now, Dark Mode is only half implemented in Windows 11, given features like File Properties in File Explorer, Regedit, Run, Disk Management, and other older Windows features still don't support the easier-on-the-eyes user interface.
I spent a week making Windows 11 usable, and the fact that I had to is the whole problem
Windows 11 doesn't need to be this difficult for end users, and Microsoft needs to reevaluate its approach to provide something better.