Enable Dark Mode in Notepad: Step-by-Step
To enable dark mode in Notepad on Windows 10 or Windows 11, open the app, go to Settings (gear icon), and under App theme choose Dark. The change applies instantly to the entire Notepad window, including the menu bar, text area, and scrollbars.
Why Dark Mode Matters in Notepad
Dark mode reduces eye strain in low-light environments and can make long text-editing sessions feel less harsh on the eyes. While Notepad has always been a lightweight tool, its default white background can be glaring when you’re working late at night or in a dark room. The dark theme in Notepad is not just a cosmetic tweak; it changes the entire interface to a dark gray palette with light text, making it easier to read without the brightness of a white canvas.
Many users also prefer dark mode for aesthetic consistency, especially if they already use dark themes in other applications like File Explorer, Office, or web browsers. Notepad’s dark mode is part of a broader push by Microsoft to offer system-wide dark themes, and it works seamlessly with Windows’ own dark mode setting if you choose to sync them.
How to Turn On Dark Mode in Notepad
Here are the exact steps for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 (the process is identical in recent versions):
- Open Notepad. You can find it by typing “Notepad� in the Start menu search bar.
- Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner of the Notepad window.
- In the settings pane, look for the App theme section.
- Click the dropdown menu and select Dark.
- Close the settings pane—the change is saved automatically.
If you don’t see the gear icon, you might be using an older version of Notepad. In that case, update Windows or check the Microsoft Store for Notepad updates, as the dark mode feature was introduced with the redesigned Notepad in 2021.
Using System Default to Match Windows
Instead of forcing Dark or Light, you can set Notepad’s theme to Use system setting. This makes Notepad follow the Windows app mode you’ve chosen in Settings > Personalization > Colors. If you switch Windows to dark mode, Notepad will automatically become dark; if you switch back to light, Notepad follows.
This is handy if you like to toggle between light and dark modes throughout the day (e.g., using a scheduled dark mode) and want Notepad to stay in sync without manual changes.
What About Windows 10 Users?
Windows 10 also supports dark mode in Notepad, but only if you have the updated version of Notepad from the Microsoft Store. The classic Notepad that shipped with Windows 10 (before the 2021 redesign) does not have a dark mode option. To get it:
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for “Notepad� (the app is published by Microsoft).
- Click Update or Install if it isn’t already updated.
After the update, the gear icon will appear and you can follow the steps above. If you’re on Windows 10 and can’t update (e.g., due to enterprise restrictions), you can still use a workaround: temporarily change the entire Windows theme to dark, which will affect Notepad only if it’s the new version. Otherwise, you may need to use an alternative text editor with dark mode support.
Common Problems and Fixes
Problem: I selected Dark, but the text area is still white.
Fix: Make sure you’ve selected Dark in the App theme dropdown, not just in the Windows settings. If it still doesn’t change, close Notepad completely and reopen it. If the problem persists, check for updates in the Microsoft Store—older versions had bugs with theme application.
Problem: The menu bar and title bar are still light.
Fix: Notepad’s dark mode only affects the app’s internal surfaces. The title bar (the very top bar with the file name) may remain light unless you enable the Windows system title bar dark mode. Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and scroll down to “Choose your default app modeâ€� and set it to Dark. This will make the title bar dark for all apps that support it, including Notepad.
Problem: I can’t find the gear icon at all.
Fix: This means you’re using the legacy Notepad. Update it via the Microsoft Store as described above. If you’re on Windows 11, the new Notepad is preinstalled, but if you’ve disabled updates, you might have an older version.
Dark Mode vs. High Contrast
Some users confuse dark mode with High Contrast mode, which is an accessibility feature in Windows. High Contrast changes colors system-wide to make text and borders more distinct, often using black backgrounds and bright text. Dark mode in Notepad is a more subtle, modern dark gray theme that doesn’t affect other apps. If you need high contrast for visibility, you can enable it in Windows Settings under Ease of Access, but it will override Notepad’s dark theme with its own colors. For most users, dark mode is sufficient and less jarring than High Contrast.
Alternatives to Notepad’s Dark Mode
If you need more advanced dark mode options, such as customizing the background color or syntax highlighting, consider these alternatives:
- Notepad++ – A free, open-source text editor with a built-in dark theme (e.g., “Deep Black�) and extensive customization.
- Visual Studio Code – A full-featured code editor with a default dark theme and many color themes.
- Sublime Text – A lightweight editor with a Monokai dark theme by default.
- Windows Terminal – If you’re editing text files via command line, you can set a dark color scheme in the terminal.
These tools are especially useful for programmers who want syntax highlighting, but for quick notes and simple text files, Notepad’s dark mode is perfectly fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dark mode in Notepad work on Windows 11?
Yes, Windows 11 includes the new Notepad with dark mode support. The steps are identical to Windows 10: open Settings and choose Dark under App theme.
Can I make Notepad dark without changing the whole Windows theme?
Yes, you can set Notepad’s theme to Dark independently of the Windows app mode. Just select “Darkâ€� in Notepad’s settings; your other apps will remain unchanged.
Why is my Notepad still white after selecting Dark?
This usually happens if you’re using an outdated version. Update Notepad from the Microsoft Store. Also, ensure you’re not in High Contrast mode, which overrides app themes.
Does dark mode affect the text color?
Yes, the text turns to a light gray or white, and the background becomes dark gray. The default font and size remain unchanged.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to toggle dark mode in Notepad?
No, Notepad does not have a built-in shortcut for toggling themes. You have to go to Settings each time. Some third-party tools can automate this, but it’s not native.
Can I use dark mode in Notepad on Windows 10 LTSC or older versions?
Only if you install the new Notepad from the Microsoft Store. Older LTSC versions do not receive the updated Notepad, so you’ll need to use an alternative editor or upgrade your Windows version.
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