How to Fix Dark Mode Not Working in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11

Microsoft Edge is one of the most popular web browsers available today, known for its speed, security features, and seamless integration with Windows 11. One of the standout features of modern browsers is the ability to switch to dark mode, which offers a visually appealing alternative that reduces eye strain, especially in low-light environments. However, users may encounter issues with dark mode not working in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various reasons for this problem and offer step-by-step solutions to help you enable dark mode in Microsoft Edge.

Understanding Dark Mode

First, to appreciate the significance of dark mode, it’s essential to understand what it is. Dark mode (or night mode) is a color scheme that uses a dark background with light text. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who spend prolonged hours in front of a screen, as it can minimize glare and eye fatigue. Additionally, dark mode can help conserve battery life on devices with OLED displays.

In Windows 11, dark mode can be implemented at both the system and application levels. This means that not only can your operating system interface switch to dark mode, but individual applications, like Microsoft Edge, can also adopt a similar theme.

Why Dark Mode Might Not Work

Before troubleshooting why dark mode isn’t functioning correctly in Microsoft Edge, consider the following potential issues:

System Settings Misconfiguration: Sometimes the system’s dark mode setting may not be correctly applied to the Edge browser.
Edge Settings: Even if Windows 11 is set to dark mode, Edge may be inadvertently set to light mode.
Outdated Software: An outdated version of Edge can contribute to compatibility issues, including the dark mode feature not functioning properly.
Extensions Conflicts: Some browser extensions can interfere with the theme settings of Edge.
Corrupted User Profile: Your Edge user profile might be corrupted, resulting in settings not being saved correctly.
Windows Corruption: Occasionally, issues with Windows itself can cause display settings to malfunction.

Now that we’ve identified potential causes, let’s move on to the solutions to fix dark mode issues in Microsoft Edge.

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Check Windows 11 Theme Settings

The first step in ensuring that dark mode works in Microsoft Edge is to verify that Windows 11 itself is set to dark mode.

Step 1: Click on the Start Menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization and click on Colors.
Step 3: Under “Choose your mode,” select Dark. This sets your operating system to dark mode and should influence compatible applications, including Edge.

2. Configure Microsoft Edge Settings

After ensuring your Windows settings are configured to dark mode, check the settings in Microsoft Edge.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge.
Step 2: Click on the three dots (menu) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
Step 3: In the left sidebar, click on Appearance.
Step 4: Under "Theme," select Dark from the drop-down menu.

This setting requires that Edge is using its theme, regardless of system settings.

3. Update Microsoft Edge

Outdated versions of Edge might prevent features like dark mode from functioning correctly. To check for updates:

Step 1: Open Edge.
Step 2: Click on the three dots (menu) and navigate to Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
Step 3: Edge will automatically check for updates and install them if available. After updating, restart your browser.

4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, cached data can interfere with settings in Edge. If the dark mode feature isn’t working correctly, clearing the cache may help.

Step 1: Open Edge and click on the three dots (menu).
Step 2: Click on Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
Step 3: Under “Clear browsing data,” click Choose what to clear.
Step 4: Select “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data,” then click Clear now.

Make sure you have backed up any necessary login information, as clearing cookies may sign you out of some sites.

5. Disable Extensions

A third-party extension might interfere with Edge’s theme settings. To identify and disable extensions:

Step 1: Open Edge and click on the three dots (menu).
Step 2: Choose Extensions.
Step 3: Toggle off each extension individually to see if one of them causes the dark mode issue. After disabling an extension, check if dark mode works.

Once you identify the problematic extension, you can consider removing or keeping it disabled.

6. Create a New User Profile

If none of the above solutions work, your profile might be corrupted. You can create a new user profile in Edge:

Step 1: Open Edge.
Step 2: Click on your profile icon at the top right and select Add Profile.
Step 3: Follow the prompts to create a new profile. Once the new profile is created, switch to it and test if dark mode works correctly.

7. Repair or Reset Microsoft Edge

If issues persist, you may need to repair or completely reset Edge. This option will keep your bookmarks but may erase other data.

To Repair Edge:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Step 2: Locate Microsoft Edge in the list and click on it.
Step 3: Select Modify, then Repair.

To Reset Edge:

This option is usually found under the same Apps & features section. It will revert Edge to its default settings while preserving your data.

8. Check Windows System Corruption

If none of the previous steps have resolved the problem, there might be an underlying issue with Windows. Using the built-in System File Checker tool can help locate and repair corrupted files.

Step 1: Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
Step 2: Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the process to complete, which could take several minutes. After it completes, restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

9. Update Windows

Lastly, ensure that your Windows 11 is fully updated, as certain features and compatibility improvements are rolled out through system updates.

Step 1: Click on the Start Menu and select Settings.
Step 2: Go to Windows Update, then click on Check for updates. Download and install any available updates.

Additional Tips for Dark Mode

If you’re looking for additional customizations in Microsoft Edge, consider exploring various themes available on the Edge Add-ons store that may enhance your browsing experience.
Keep your system and applications updated regularly to ensure you have the latest features and security updates.
Stay aware of any known issues with Windows 11 updates that may temporarily affect the behavior of features like dark mode.

Conclusion

Dark mode is a feature that many users find immensely helpful for comfort and usability, particularly during nighttime hours. However, issues can arise for a multitude of reasons. By following the detailed steps laid out in this article, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix any problems related to dark mode not working in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11.

In the world of technology, troubleshooting can often require patience and experimentation. If you continue to face difficulties, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support or checking user forums for additional advice. Remember, the more you familiarize yourself with your browser and system settings, the easier it will be to address any problems that come up in the future. Happy browsing!