How To Enable New Windows 10 Light Theme

Microsoft is bringing a new light theme for Windows 10 interface in the version 1903. The new light theme features lighter shades and toned-down colors to the Start menu, Action Center, and taskbar. Here is how to enable light theme on the desktop, laptop (32-bit and 64-bit devices), and Surface Pro running Windows 10 Home, Pro and Enterprise editions. In this tutorial, you will learn how to enable full light and traditional light themes using Settings.

light theme windows 10 1903

Although Windows 10 currently has a light theme it is largely inconsistent and can only be applied to a few sections of the operating system. Up until now, the Start menu, Action Center, taskbar, and other recent additions use a dark colored pattern.

Starting with the Windows 10 1903, finally, a system-wide light theme scheme works with all visual elements of the OS. The renders a refreshing new look to Windows 10 by giving it a nice new facelift. Some may argue that the light theme borrows some aspects already available on macOS, but there is no doubt that it will provide a new experience.

Follow the guide below and follow the steps to enable the full light theme on Windows 10 version 1903.

Enable Light Theme on Windows 10 Version 1903

Here are the steps to enable the light theme in the Start menu, Action Center, taskbar:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Personalization.
  3. Click on Colors.
  4. Click on the “Choose your color” drop-down menu and select the light shade color option.

light theme win 10 1903

When all steps are complete, the light theme will become apparent throughout the operating system, including the previously neglected elements such as the Start menu, Action Center, and taskbar.

There is an alternative way to set up the light theme by enabling the new “Windows Light” theme in Settings > Personalization > themes.

Enable Traditional Light Theme on Windows 10

To return to the legacy light theme, perform these steps:

  1. Open Setitings.
  2. Go to Personalization > Colors.
  3. Click the “Choose your color” drop-down menu and select the Custom option.
  4. Now, under “Choose your default Windows mode,” select the Dark option.
  5. Next, under “Choose your default app mode,” select the Light option.

legacy light theme win 10 1903

That’s all. Your Windows 10 desktop will be back to the same light theme scheme similar to the one before Windows 10 version 1903.

These settings are part of the Windows 10 starting from version 1903 or later. So if you do not see this option in settings, it means your device is not running compatible Windows 10 version. The new light theme is available in Windows 10 version 1903, expected to arrive in April 2019.

If you don’t want to wait until then, you can get this feature by installing Windows 10 build 18282 or later through the Windows Insider Program. But there is no guarantee it will be stable as the testing on it is under progress.