Microsoft is promising an improved light mode is on the way to Windows 10, to counter the system’s much-loved dark mode.
The system-wide light theme, which surprisingly isn’t just Windows 10 with the dark mode turned off, sits in the latest Windows 10 Insider build (18282).
It unifies lighter-coloured menus like the Star Menu, taskbar and notifications which have always had a darker appearance within Windows 10 until now.
Interestingly, the preview build gives Windows 10 Insiders the option to run certain apps in dark mode and others in light mode. In a blog post on Wednesday, Microsoft explained the difference between the new and old light modes.
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Brandon LeBlanc and Dona Sarkar write: “Ever since we introduced the ability to choose between light and dark in Windows 10, we’ve heard feedback asking for a truer separation between the two options.
“When you select Light under Settings > Personalization > Colors, the expectation is that the system color would be lighter too. And it didn’t do that before – the taskbar and many other things stayed dark. Now, if you choose Light under Settings > Personalization > Colors, all system UI will now be light. This includes the taskbar, Start menu, Action Center, touch keyboard, and more.”
Microsoft has also adding a new default Windows Light wallpaper to proceedings to ensure a little more consistency throughout the OS.
The new Insider build comes following a tough few weeks for the Windows 10 team. Microsoft was forced to pull the October 2018 update following reports of mass data loss from a small segment of the user base. The company recommenced the rollout this week after a month of intense beta testing found no more data loss issues.
Are you a dark mode connoisseur or do you prefer an OS theme that threatens to burn out your retinas every time you open your laptop lid at night? Let us know @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
