KeyRoutines
StepFreepersonalize.theme

Switch dark and light mode automatically on Windows 11

Dark or light mode switches Windows 11 between dark and light themes for apps, for Windows itself, or both. It is a favourite for schedules that go dark in the evening and light again in the morning.

How it works

  • Choose dark, light, or the other way round, and whether it applies to apps, to Windows (taskbar, Start, notifications), or both.
  • Open windows are told about the change right away, so most apps repaint without a restart.
  • If Windows is already in the requested mode, nothing changes.
  • It reports the previous theme for apps and for Windows, so the old look can be restored.

Routines that use it

Evening dark mode

At a time at 19:00 switches to dark mode, and another routine at 07:00 switches back to light.

One-key theme toggle

A Hotkey runs Dark or light mode set to switch, then Set wallpaper picks a matching background.

Theme follows power

When Plugged in or unplugged reports battery, switch to dark mode alongside a lower brightness with Set brightness.

Settings

SettingWhat it does
ModeDark mode, light mode, or the other way round.
ForWhat changes: apps, Windows (taskbar, Start, notifications), or both.

Good to know

  • Some older desktop apps only pick up the new theme after they restart.

Questions

How do I schedule dark mode on Windows 11?
Create a routine with At a time and a Dark or light mode step set to dark, and a second one for light in the morning. Pick weekdays if you only want it on work days.
Can I make only apps dark and keep the taskbar light?
Yes. Set the step to apps only, and Windows' taskbar and Start keep their current theme.

Pairs well with

Condition · DisplayFree

Dark mode is on

Dark mode is on is a condition that tells a routine whether apps, or Windows' own taskbar and Start, are using dark or light mode. Use it to keep other things, such as your wallpaper, in step with the theme.

Step · DisplayFree

Set wallpaper

Set wallpaper changes the desktop background to a picture you choose, on one monitor or on every monitor. Use it to give work, gaming and streaming their own look, or to rotate backgrounds through the day.

Trigger · ScheduleFree

At a time

At a time starts a routine at a time of day, every day or only on the days you pick. Classic uses are a work setup at 09:00 on weekdays and an end-of-day routine in the evening.

Step · DisplayFree

Set brightness

Set brightness changes how bright a screen is, from 0 to 100. It works with laptop and tablet panels and with external monitors that accept brightness commands, so you can dim everything at night or brighten up for daytime work.

Trigger · HotkeysFree

Hotkey

Hotkey starts a routine when you press a keyboard shortcut or mouse button. It's the most common way to run a routine, from a single app launcher key to a whole streaming setup on one combination.

Condition · ScheduleFree

Time and day

Time and day is true between two times on the days you choose, and optionally only within a date range. It answers questions like 'is it working hours?' so a routine does the right thing for the time of day.

Build this routine in KeyRoutines

Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.

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