Windows 11 Dark Mode Gets Much-Needed Upgrades Ahead of 25H2 Update

Microsoft is finally making its long-awaited dark mode look more refined in Windows 11. Though the company initially added a dark mode in Windows 10 way back in 2016, the feature was far from ideal. Users had a half-baked experience where certain aspects of the system were dark mode-friendly and others obstinately remained light mode. Almost a decade after that, Windows 11 is finally playing catch-up, with the newest preview build showing more darkened UI items that suggest an overarching design change.

Windows 11 Dark Mode

Windows fans have long grumbled at the dark mode inconsistencies throughout the operating system. Windows observer Phantomofearth reports that the latest Windows 11 preview build now brings with it refreshed file operation dialogs with a proper dark theme. That means when you copy, move, or delete files, the pop-up dialogs will show in dark mode rather than the default bright white scheme.

But for what it's worth, the work isn't complete yet. The buttons within these prompts still remain light mode, disrupting the visual coherence. This is a sign that Microsoft is continuing to work on polish and ensuring all aspects of Windows 11 meet a cohesive dark mode experience.

Additional Dark Mode Refinements Coming in Windows 11 25H2

While Microsoft hasn’t officially announced these UI changes, the improvements could be a preview of a bigger dark mode revamp arriving later this year with the Windows 11 25H2 update. Several key areas of the OS, including the Control Panel, Run dialog box, and File Properties UI, are still stuck in light mode. After almost 10 years of user feedback, it’s high time Microsoft addresses these inconsistencies once and for all.

The 25H2 update should introduce a number of fresh features and cosmetic improvements to Windows 11, and a completely uniform dark mode is likely to be one of them. For those who like to work in darker settings to alleviate eye strain and enhance concentration, the update can bring the smooth dark experience they have been expecting.

Apple vs Microsoft

Microsoft's halting introduction of dark mode is the exact opposite of what Apple has done. Apple launched a system-wide dark mode in macOS Mojave way back in 2018, and macOS has since provided a fluid and consistent dark look throughout its UI. Apple is even going to roll out a fresh "Liquid Glass" redo later this year that focuses on translucency and contemporary UI design.

This contrast points out the ways in which Microsoft has failed to bring its design vision to bear on Windows. As Apple acted swiftly to provide an elegant dark mode experience, Microsoft has been playing catch-up for almost a decade. The half-measures taken with Windows 10 and the slow improvement across Windows 11 reveal progress, but customers are still holding their breath for the day that every corner of the OS honors their dark mode wish.

The recent changes in Windows 11's dark mode are a good first step, but the process has just begun. Microsoft has a long way to go to make all system features consistent, particularly the legacy parts such as Control Panel and File Properties, to really bring about the whole dark theme promise.

If the fabled 25H2 update does introduce a full-scale makeover, it might at last be the turning point at which Windows 11 rivals if not exceeds Apple's dark mode strategy. In the meantime, customers will have to make do with these little but significant tweaks as Microsoft continues to hone its modern UI vision.