In this post, we’ll look at the steps to enable dark mode for Notepad in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Microsoft recently rolled out an updated adding the dark mode support for Notepad that can be enabled from settings.
You can activate the dark mode for the Notepad application on your Windows 10/11 computer. The Notepad++ application also supports the dark mode, which is discussed in the section below. The support for dark mode in the Notepad application in Windows 11 is one of the most requested features. Microsoft worked on this function and added a dark mode to the Notepad program.
Tip: The dark mode can be enabled for SCCM console and even Windows Admin Center.
Read: Redesigned Notepad for Windows 11 begins rolling out to Windows Insiders.
If you set the Windows 11 system theme to Dark, by default, Notepad application will adapt to your system theme preferences and appear with dark theme. And if you don’t use the dark mode for Windows 11, you can still enable dark theme for Notepad in Windows 11 by setting the App theme to dark.
In addition to the new look, the Notepad application will get features like rounded corners, and Mica effect to Windows 11 insiders in the dev channel.
Notepad is a text editor, and it can read and write plain texts encoded in ASCII, UTF-8, and UTF-16. It supports both left-to-right and right-to-left based languages.
Read: How to download Windows 11 Insider Preview
Enable Dark Theme for Notepad using Color Options
Let’s go over some simple steps to turn on the dark mode for Notepad in Windows 11. I’ll show you 2 ways to turn on Notepad’s dark mode, and you can choose the one you like best. Windows 11 allows you to pick a color mode where you can set the mode to Light, Dark or Custom. Each mode changes the colors that appear in Windows and even your applications.
On Windows 11, if you go to Personalization > Colors, you can choose your color mode. If you set the Windows 11 color mode to “Dark“, the dark mode will automatically be enabled on Notepad when you launch it.
Ensure you are using the latest Notepad app version. Open the Microsoft Store app and check for updates, and launch Notepad to see the changes. The dark mode works with the latest version of Notepad app. You have to manually update the Notepad to the latest version from Microsoft Store.
If you find the Update option for Notepad app, go ahead and update the Notepad application version. If you don’t see the update option for Notepad app, it means you are using the latest version.
When you launch the updated Notepad application, you see the dark mode is applied automatically. Since you have set the Windows 11 system theme to Dark, the dark mode is applied for Notepad app too.
The Notepad dark mode looks so nice and feels better compared to the light theme. If you are a person who spends a lot of time staring at screens, Dark mode may work to decrease eye strain and dry eye.
Enable Dark Mode for Notepad via Settings
Suppose you have set the Windows 11 system theme to Light, the Notepad will follow the system preferences. Does it mean you have to always set the Windows 11 color mode to dark? Absolutely not, even if you have set the Windows 11 color mode to Light, you can still enable dark theme for Notepad and other applications. Launch the Notepad application and click the Settings icon.
On the Notepad app settings, click the App Theme and select the app theme to display. If you want to enable dark theme for notepad app, select the App Theme option to Dark. This setting immediately enables the dark theme for Notepad.
Enable Notepad++ Dark Mode
If you prefer using Notepad++ instead of built-in application in Windows 11, you can enable dark mode for Notepad++ application. Within Dark Mode, Notepad++ supports additional color themes which can be applied from settings.
The dark mode feature for Notepad++ application was first introduced in version 8.0. The dark mode works for Notepad++ works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC.
To activate the dark mode for Notepad++ application, launch the Notepad++ application on your computer. From the Menu, click Settings and select Preferences.
On the Preferences window of Notepad++ application, go to the Dark Mode option and select “Enable Dark Mode“. The dark mode is applied to the Notepad++ application instantly.
Along with dark theme, there are other color theme options available for Notepad++ and can be customized as per your requirements.
Still Need Help?
If you need further assistance on the above article or want to discuss other technical issues, check out some of these options.
Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links.
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team. Read more
Windows 10’s Notepad is the platform’s default text editor that some users utilize for batch files and other coding. Notepad is, however, a little basic, with only limited customization options for text. Some users would prefer to have a dark Notepad, with a black color scheme, but Windows 10’s default text editor doesn’t include any dark theme options.
Windows 10’s dark option for apps has no impact on Notepad. Users can still add a black background to Notepad by clicking Ease of Access and High contrast in Settings and selecting the Turn on high contrast > High Contrast Black options.
That, however, also changes the whole color scheme in Windows, which is not ideal. So, most users will probably prefer to add alternative third-party text editors with dark themes to Windows 10 instead.
How can I add a Dark Notepad alternative to Windows 10?
Check Out the Black Notepad UWP App
The Black Notepad UWP app is a dark-themed version of the default Windows 10 text editor. Thus, it’s almost exactly the same as Notepad except for its alternative dark color scheme. Click the Get button on its MS Store page to add this app to Windows 10.
Add Black NotePad to Windows 10
Black NotePad is third-party text editor that retains the original features of Notepad. However, it’s not entirely the same as it includes additional options and features.
The most notable difference is its default dark theme that users can configure by clicking alternative color scheme options on its toolbar. Users can get this text editor by clicking Black NotePad on its Download Center page.
- Chrome Scraps Plans to Ship Auto Dark Mode for Pages, Flag will remain ‘Indefinitely’
- Microsoft Office Lens: A Powerful Tool for Capturing and Organizing Information
Customize the Theme for Notepad++
- Users can also select a dark theme for Notepad++ to add a dark Notepad alternative to Windows 10. To do so, click Download on that text editor’s download page to save its installer.
- Then open the Notepad++ setup wizard to install it.
- Next, open the Notepad++ window shown directly below.
- Notepad++ has a plain theme by default. To change that, click Settings > Style Configurator to open the window in the snapshot directly below.
- Then select Deep Black on the theme drop-down menu.
- Users can also modify more specific UI element colors by selecting them in the Style box. Then click the color boxes to open palettes for them.
- Click the Save & Close button.
Select the Notepad Alternative to be the Default Text Editor
- After adding one of the above software to Windows 10, configure it to be the default text editor. To do that, right-click a text file and select Open with.
- Click Choose another app to open an open this file window.
- Click More apps > Look for another app on this PC if the text editor isn’t listed on the window.
- Then select the new text editor software in the Open with window.
- After that, the new text editor will be listed on the How do you want to open this file? window. Select the new text editor there, click the Always use this app to open .txt files option, and press the OK button.
So, that’s how users can add a dark-themed Notepad alternative to Windows 10. After configuring one of those programs to be the default text editor, it will open all TXT files when you click them.
Did you know that you can change Notepad font, style, and size? That’s right, and we have a guide that shows you how to do that.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
How to Make Notepad Dark Mode Windows 10
Switching Notepad to dark mode in Windows 10 is a straightforward process. You’ll need to adjust your system settings to enable dark mode overall, as Notepad itself does not have an independent setting for this. This brief guide will walk you through the steps to accomplish this.
Following these steps will change your entire Windows 10 interface, including Notepad, to dark mode.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start menu and select ‘Settings’ (the gear icon).
Opening the Settings window is your first step towards making the needed changes. This is where you can access a variety of system options.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
In the Settings window, click on ‘Personalization.’
The Personalization menu allows you to customize your display settings, including themes and colors.
Step 3: Select Colors
In the left-hand sidebar, click on ‘Colors.’
This option will take you to the menu where you can adjust various color settings for your Windows interface.
Step 4: Choose Dark Mode
Under the ‘Choose your color’ dropdown, select ‘Dark.’
Selecting ‘Dark’ will change most of your interface elements, including Notepad, to a dark theme. You’ll notice the change immediately.
Step 5: Apply and Close
Click on ‘Apply’ and close the Settings window.
Once you apply the dark mode setting, you should see the changes take effect across your system, including in Notepad.
After completing these steps, your Windows 10 should now be in dark mode. This will make Notepad appear with a dark background and light text.
Tips for How to Make Notepad Dark Mode Windows 10
- Make sure your Windows 10 is updated; older versions may not support dark mode.
- Explore other themes within the Personalization settings to find what works best for you.
- If you find dark mode too harsh, consider using ‘Custom’ mode to mix and match light and dark settings.
- Remember, dark mode can help reduce eye strain during prolonged computer usage.
- If you use multiple monitors, check that the dark mode setting is applied consistently across all screens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enable dark mode in Notepad only?
No, Notepad follows the system-wide theme settings. You need to change the entire Windows 10 system to dark mode.
Does dark mode affect performance?
Dark mode primarily affects the visual aspects of your system and should not impact performance.
Can I schedule dark mode?
Yes, you can use third-party apps or Windows PowerToys to schedule dark mode changes based on time of day.
Will dark mode improve battery life?
On OLED screens, dark mode can save battery life because darker pixels consume less power. For regular LCD screens, the effect is minimal.
Is dark mode available in Windows 10 Home?
Yes, dark mode is available across all versions of Windows 10, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Select Colors.
- Choose Dark Mode.
- Apply and Close.
Conclusion
Switching your Notepad to dark mode in Windows 10 is a simple yet effective way to reduce eye strain and make your screen easier on the eyes, especially during those late-night coding or writing sessions. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll have your system looking sleek and modern in no time.
Remember that dark mode isn’t just a visual preference—it can also be beneficial for your health. If you spend a lot of time in front of the computer, it’s worth exploring other settings and tools to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
For further reading, you might want to check out articles on Windows 10 customization or tips on improving your workspace ergonomics. Feel free to leave a comment or question below—your feedback helps us improve our guides and better serve your needs. So go ahead, give dark mode a try, and enjoy a more pleasant computing experience!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.
____ _ _ _ _ _ _
| __ )| | __ _ ___| | _| \ | | ___ | |_ ___ _ __ __ _ __| |
| _ \| |/ _` |/ __| |/ / \| |/ _ \| __/ _ \ '_ \ / _` |/ _` |
| |_) | | (_| | (__| <| |\ | (_) | || __/ |_) | (_| | (_| |
|____/|_|\__,_|\___|_|\_\_| \_|\___/ \__\___| .__/ \__,_|\__,_|
|_|
A black ‘version’ of the classic Microsoft Windows Notepad application because real Dark Theme Windows 10 users work in the dark 
It should be available on the Windows Store due to the Windows Application Packaging bridge project. See:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/porting/desktop-to-uwp-packaging-dot-net
and
https://dev.windows.com
Known Issues
Please check the known issues before raising questions or requests for change, here.
Contribution
Suggestions for improvement for features, stability and programming technique is welcome. Please see COPYING and CODE_OF_CONDUCT.
Use
Copyright (c) 2019 David Savage. Please see the contents of the file ‘COPYING’.
BlackNotepad is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
BlackNotepad is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details.
You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with SixNations. If not, see http://www.gnu.org/licenses/.
It’s been a decade, and still, Microsoft hasn’t made any changes in Notepad App. And, we can’t expect any changes nearly in the future. Maybe, Microsoft is planning to replace it with some other App. In 2016, Microsoft released Sticky Notes App. And, even Sticky Notes comes with an option to change the background color. But, Notepad App not.
Recently, On Reddit, a user was asking, how to get a dark theme notepad for Windows 10/11?. And, other Redditors were telling him to use Notepad Alternatives. Yes, there is some best text editor for Windows available. But, if you really like to use the stock notepad App. Then, this article is gonna help you out. Because I got certain ways to activate dark mode in Notepad App.
Change Notepad Background Color – Dark/Black Notepad.
Use GreyEve Windows Theme.
Windows 10 comes with an inbuilt dark theme. But, even after applying that theme, you still get a lot of white background. (Like Control Panel and Notepad). So, if you want to turn Windows 10 completely into dark mode. Then, you can try the GreyEve Windows 10 Theme. Though, you can try any other dark theme. But, the GreyEve developer has released the final version of the theme. And, there aren’t any bugs now.
1. Open GreyEveTheme DeviantArt Webpage. And, Click on the download icon. (Available below theme preview.)
2. A Zip file will get downloaded, extract the Zip File.
3. Right-Click on GreyEveThemeV2.1 and click on Open.
That’s it. The theme will get applied. Open notepad and you will be able to use Notepad in dark grey mode. So that’s the way, to change Notepad Background Color easily.
On, some third-party Apps, the Grey theme doesn’t gets apply properly. But, on the theme page, you can find a solution for that specific Program.
To activate your default Windows theme again. Open the Windows Settings App. (Press Windows + I) And, Go to Personalization > Theme. And, Click on Windows or Synced Theme. To activate Windows 10 official dark mode. Go to Colors and select Dark Color.
Use Registry Editor. (For Advanced users only.)
If you’re not aware, Windows Registry Editor is a graphical tool to make changes in Registry. And, Registry is basically a hierarchical database. That stores low-level settings of applications and systems. In simple terms, the registry contains settings, information, option, and other values for installed programs in Windows. A Registry contains values and keys.
Though, the Registry Editor is only for advanced users. And, messing up with registry settings can cease your Operating System to function. So, before making any changes in registry settings, you should always take backup.
Make a Backup of the Registry.
1. Press Windows + R key, type “Regedit” and press enter. UAC window will appear now, click on Yes.
To take registry backup now, click on File > Export.
2. In the export registry file window, first select Desktop, after that enter the file name. (You can type anything.) Make sure in Export Range “All” is selected. And, Click on ‘Save”.
Note: That’s it, a *.reg file will get saved on your Desktop. By going into File > Import you can restore the registry.
Customized Notepad Background Color.
1. In Registry Editor, Go to the following directory. (Use left pane to open Colors folder in Registry.)
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Colors
2. In the Colors folder, you can see many Registry and their data. If you look at data carefully, it’s basically an RGB Color code.
3. To make Notepad Black, you just have to make changes in two Registry Data RGB Value.
- Window
- WindowText
Note: Whatever color change you will make in these two registry values. That will Apply to almost every other Window of your OS. So, make color changes wisely.
4. Scroll Down to find out Window Registry. Right-Click on the Registry name, and then click on “Modify”. In Value Data Enter 0 0 0, and click on OK.
After that, Right-Click on WindowText, and in value data enter 153 0 0, click on ok.
After that, restart Windows to apply changes. Open Notepad and you can see Notepad background color is black. And, if you’re write something, it will appear in red color.
You must be thinking, why I am not using 255 255 255 value in Windows Text. If you turn WindowsText color in white. Then, In the “control panel > uninstall” and in some other Windows, Text will be not visible.
Alternative Method: You can alternatively change Window Color only into Grey. You don’t have to make changes in WindowText Registry. (200 200 200 is RGB Color code of Grey.)
Use Notepads App. (Built-in Notepad Dark Mode.)
As you know the official Notepad App by Microsoft doesn’t offer much. And, there is no active development of it. So, a Windows Apps developer (Jiaqi Liu) has released Notepads App. It is an Open-source modern text editor for Windows 10. You can find the App code on Github. And, can create your own Notepads App, if you’re a developer.
Notepads App comes with an in-built tab system. And, there is a theme mode available under its settings. So, you can choose between light and dark themes. You can launch the Notepads App from the command prompt and even from Windows PowerShell. Just type “Notepads” and press enter. Yes, Notepad++ offers better features than this. But, Notepad++ looks quite old. So, You will definitely love Notepads Material design.
Get Notepads App from Microsoft Store.
Enable Notepad App Dark Theme on Windows 11
If you’ve installed Windows 11 recently, then you don’t need to do all that. Because Windows 11 now officially allows choosing between light and dark themes. Just make sure you’re on Notepad version 11.2112.32.0 or higher. Well, you don’t manually need to update the Notepad app, it will get updated automatically with the latest version of Windows 11. So make sure, Windows 11 is up-to-date. Although, the app has some bugs.
Summing-up.
So, these are the ways to Change Notepad Background Color. The best method is, just to install a dark Windows theme. But, if you like the default window theme only. Then, you can use Registry Editor to change Notepad Color. Though, the registry method will be complex for some users. So, better go with the open-source Notepads App. If you know any other better way, feel free to comment.