Windows 11 offers many features, both classic and powered by AI, and lets you personalize it quite a bit. One thing it hasn’t had until now is the ability to automatically switch between light and dark themes. Microsoft is now adding this feature, although it’s not directly built into the operating system.
People have been requesting features like moving the Taskbar to the top of the screen for a long time, and they also want the system to automatically switch between light and dark mode.
If you’ve been looking for a way to quickly adjust screen brightness, you can now use the new “Light Switch” feature in the PowerToys app.
PowerToys is a set of free tools created by Microsoft to help experienced users get more done and personalize Windows. One useful tool, Light Switch, automatically changes between light and dark mode in Windows 11.
You can set the switch to turn on and off at specific times, or have it automatically adjust based on sunrise and sunset. You also have the option to apply this change to your whole system, only certain apps, or both.
This guide will show you how to use the PowerToys app to automatically change colors in Windows 11.
How to switch between system color modes on Windows 11
You can automatically switch between dark and light mode on your computer by installing PowerToys and setting up its settings.
- Open Start.
- Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
- Quick note: If your computer already has the app, you can skip to step 5.
- Type the following command to install the latest version of the tool and press Enter: winget install –id Microsoft.PowerToys
- Open Start.
- Search for PowerToys and open the app.
- Click on System Tools.
- Click on Light Switch.
- Turn on the “Enable Light Switch” toggle switch.
- (Option 1) Choose the “Sunset or sunrise” option in the “Mode” setting to schedule an automatic switch between the dark and light modes based on your location.
- Click the Location button to allow the app to determine your approximate location.
- Use the Offset option to set the number of minutes to trigger the switch earlier or later (if applicable).
- (Option 2) Select the “Manual” option in the “Mode” setting.
- Confirm the schedule to turn the light mode on or off manually.
- (Optional) Select how the feature changes color modes for the system or system and apps using the “Apply dark mode to” setting under the “Behavior” section.
As an analyst, I’ve found that after you finish setting up the steps, PowerToys automatically adjusts the color scheme to match your system’s settings.
PowerToys lets you quickly change between light and dark modes using a keyboard shortcut. The default is Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + D, but you can customize it to almost any key combination in the PowerToys settings under Light Switch > Shortcuts.
FAQs about automating light and dark color modes
These are common questions regarding the PowerToys’ Light Switch feature for Windows 11.
Can Windows 11 automatically switch between light and dark mode?
Windows 11 doesn’t automatically switch between light and dark mode on its own. But you can get this feature by using the free PowerToys app from Microsoft, specifically its new Light Switch tool.
What is the Light Switch feature in PowerToys?
PowerToys’ Light Switch feature automatically changes your Windows 11 theme between Light and Dark mode. You can schedule it to switch at specific times, or have it follow the sunrise and sunset in your location.
How do I install PowerToys on Windows 11?
You can install PowerToys either through the command line by typing `winget install id Microsoft.PowerToys` or by downloading it from the Microsoft Store.
Can I customize how the light and dark mode switch applies?
Light Switch gives you control over how color mode changes affect your system. You can choose to apply the changes to the system itself, your apps, or both. You’ll find this setting in the “Behavior” section of the Light Switch settings.
Can I manually schedule the color mode switch?
Absolutely! If you want total control, you can choose the “Manual” setting and tell Windows 11 *exactly* when to switch between light and dark mode. It’s a great way to customize things to your preference!
Does Light Switch use my location?
If you select the “Sunset or sunrise” option, PowerToys will ask for permission to access your general location so it can automatically change modes based on the time of sunset or sunrise.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to switch modes instantly?
Yes, PowerToys lets you quickly switch between modes using a keyboard shortcut. The default shortcut is Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + D, but you can customize it in the Light Switch settings.
Why isn’t this feature built into Windows 11?
Windows 11 doesn’t currently have a built-in way to automatically switch between light and dark mode. However, Microsoft’s PowerToys includes a tool called Light Switch that lets you do this right now.
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2025-11-08 19:10