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Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Elnur / Shutterstock) Windows 11's dark mode has long remained unfinished Microsoft is bringing dark mode to some new parts of the interface, based on clues spotted in testing This includes file operation dialog boxes, such as when copying files across from one folder to another If you use dark mode in Windows 11, you may have noticed that it doesn't cover the whole operating system – but it appears that Microsoft is finally filling in the gaps. Dark mode is an option you can select in Windows 11 which, as the name suggests, provides a dark background for windows and interface elements (and some stock Microsoft apps, too). So, if you're using your PC late at night, you can avoid the harshness of the traditional white backgrounds, which can be a bit glaring in low-light conditions. Windows Central picked up a post on X from leaker PhantomOfEarth, a regular source of Microsoft-related spillage, who noticed that dark mode is now being applied to more of the fundamental parts of the Windows 11 interface in a preview build. You may like New update for Windows 11 24H2 is the most feature-packed for some time, delivering some seriously useful additions Windows 11 could get AI-powered dynamic wallpapers - I just hope Microsoft doesn't kill off this idea Windows 11's handheld mode spotted in testing, and I'm seriously excited for Microsoft's big bet on small-screen gaming Windows 11's file operation (copy, access denied, etc.) dialogs are FINALLY getting support for dark mode! Here's how the dialogs look in dark mode at this point, hidden in build 26100.5061.Also notice the light buttons in the top right, still a work in progress of course. pic.twitter.com/3D00lWIJcnAugust 15, 2025 Specifically, it's the dialog boxes for file operations that are getting a dark background when dark mode is switched on – but the catch is that this work isn't yet live in testing. It's still hidden in the background of the preview build, and the leaker enabled it by using a Windows configuration utility. 'File operation' refers to the parts of the interface that pop up when you copy files across from, say, a USB stick to a folder on the desktop, and there are also dialog boxes for when you delete files (to get confirmation). Another example is the 'access denied' warning box, as you can see below – which it looks like Microsoft hasn't quite finished working on, as the buttons are still light grey. (Image credit: Microsoft / PhantomOfEarth on X.com) Analysis: dark times So, this is still a work in progress, and it's hidden away in preview right now (meaning even testers won't see it yet, unless they fudge it to appear as PhantomOfEarth has done). However, even though it's not official just yet, I can't see Microsoft not pushing forward with this change – after all, the company has got to apply dark mode across the entire Windows 11 interface eventually. Indeed, the question is: why has it taken so long for Microsoft to implement a full realization of dark mode in Windows anyway? Dark mode was first introduced in Windows 10, way back in the middle of 2016 (as part of the Anniversary Update), but it was woefully inconsistent back at the time. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Since then, Microsoft has been working to incorporate dark mode into more Windows 11 interface elements – there was a notable flurry of activity back in 2020 – but let's face it, progress has been painfully sluggish. Hopefully, this is a sign that Microsoft is back on the case, and that more of the finishing touches are finally going to be applied to dark mode in Windows 11. Given how long this has taken, you might guess that the reason for dark mode remaining in an unfinished state is because not that many people use it, but I can't imagine that this is the case – I certainly use it. So get your skates on Microsoft – it really isn't a good look that some bits of the Windows environment have been left out in the cold (or should that be left in the glaring light?) for so long. You might also like Microsoft exec's vision of Windows 12 and beyond could terrify some of you Latest Windows 11 update packs a great new feature - but I hope I never have to use it Microsoft promises to crack one of the biggest problems with Windows 11: slow performance See more Computing News Darren Allan Darren is a freelancer writing news and features for TechRadar (and occasionally T3) across a broad range of computing topics including CPUs, GPUs, various other hardware, VPNs, antivirus and more. He has written about tech for the best part of three decades, and writes books in his spare time (his debut novel - 'I Know What You Did Last Supper' - was published by Hachette UK in 2013). 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New update for Windows 11 24H2 is the most feature-packed for some time, delivering some seriously useful additions Windows 11 could get AI-powered dynamic wallpapers - I just hope Microsoft doesn't kill off this idea Windows 11's handheld mode spotted in testing, and I'm seriously excited for Microsoft's big bet on small-screen gaming I don't generally recommend downloading Windows 11's preview updates, but some gamers may want to chance Microsoft's latest effort Microsoft says Black Screen of Death better 'aligns with Windows 11's visual style' - but I think the new crash screen is missing a key detail New Windows 11 update delivers a host of new features and fixes - here are 4 things I'm looking forward to Latest in Windows Microsoft stuffs more AI into Windows 11 - but the only feature I really want comes with a big catch Microsoft exec's vision of Windows 12 and beyond could terrify some of you Tearing your hair out because you can't sign up for Windows 10 extended updates? New patch fixes annoying bug and makes support to October 2026 available for all Latest Windows 11 update packs a great new feature - but I hope I never have to use it Microsoft is being sued for killing Windows 10 - here are 5 reasons why the lawsuit could actually force its hand to extend support further Sorry, Microsoft: your latest attempt to get people to switch over to Edge in Windows 11 is crossing a line Latest in News The next Meta smart glasses might have a much more sensible launch price Microsoft is tweaking its enterprise software pricing once again - and some customers won't be too happy Colt forced to take services offline following apparent cyberattack Skyworth unveils the world's largest art TV, a full 15 inches bigger than Samsung's The Frame Pro Philips Hue accidentally leaks its next smart lights – here are 4 fun new models on the way Good news for careless clickers - Microsoft Teams is upping its protection against dangerous scams LATEST ARTICLES Windows 11 could finally get a finished dark mode – but I can't believe how long it's taken Microsoft is tweaking its enterprise software pricing once again - and some customers won't be too happy The next Meta smart glasses might have a much more sensible launch price Philips Hue accidentally leaks its next smart lights – here are 4 fun new models on the way Boost your business for less with VistaPrint’s summer sale on signage, stickers, and apparel TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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