How to Use Dark Mode on Microsoft Edge

If you spend a lot of time using a computer, you may have noticed that staring at bright screens for extended periods can strain your eyes and cause fatigue. This is where the Dark Mode feature comes into play. Many applications and operating systems now offer Dark Mode, and Microsoft Edge is no exception. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of Dark Mode, the method of enabling Dark Mode in Microsoft Edge, and how to customize the appearance to suit your preferences. We'll also go over some popular Dark Mode extensions and troubleshooting tips if problems arise.

Understanding Dark Mode and Its Benefits

What is Dark Mode?

Dark Mode is a feature that inverts the typical black text on a white background, producing a white text on a black or dark-grey background. This feature reduces the brightness and glare of a screen, making it easier to read, especially in low light conditions. Many people find Dark Mode more comfortable on the eyes and convenient for use at night.

Advantages of Using Dark Mode

Besides being easier on the eyes, Dark Mode has other advantages. For one, it can conserve battery life, especially on devices with OLED displays. OLED screens light up individual pixels, meaning that the more black pixels on the screen, the less battery power the device uses. It can also help reduce sleep disruption caused by blue light. The brain registers blue light as daylight, which can interfere with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, thus impacting sleep quality.

Enabling Dark Mode on Microsoft Edge

Activating Dark Mode in Microsoft Edge Settings

Enabling Dark Mode in Microsoft Edge is a straightforward process that you can achieve in a few clicks. Here's how:

1. Launch Microsoft Edge and click the "three dots" icon at the top-right corner of the screen to open the menu.

2. Select "Settings" from the menu, and then choose "Appearance."

3. Under "Choose a theme," select the "Dark" option.

Using Windows System Settings to Enable Dark Mode

You can also enable Dark Mode in Microsoft Edge by altering the system settings of your Windows operating system. Here's how:

1. Click the "Start" button, and go to "Settings."

2. Click the "Personalization" tab, and select "Colors."

3. Under "Choose your color," select the "Dark" option.

4. The Edge browser will automatically apply Dark Mode using the system-wide configuration.

Customizing Dark Mode Appearance

Choosing a Default Theme for Dark Mode

If you don't like the default appearance of Dark Mode, you can customize it to your preference. Microsoft Edge offers several built-in themes, including Forest, Simplicity, Contrast, and Custom. To choose a theme:

1. Go to the "Appearance" section in Microsoft Edge Settings as outlined in the previous section.

2. Under "Custom theme," click the "Custom" option.

3. Select one of the pre-built themes or create your theme by tweaking the color and font settings.

4. Click the "save" button to apply the theme changes.

Adjusting Font and Color Settings for Better Readability

Another way to enhance the Dark Mode experience on Microsoft Edge is to adjust the font and color settings. To do this:

1. Open Microsoft Edge, click the "Settings" icon and select "Appearance."

2. Under "Custom theme," click "Custom"

3. Choose either "Default" or an existing theme to modify.

4. Click the "Elements" option underneath the theme you have chosen.

5. You can now alter font size, line spacing, and color for different kinds of text on the page, such as headings, paragraphs, links, and more.

6. Once you've made the desired changes, save your new custom theme, and the new settings will instantly apply to your web browsing experience.

Using Dark Mode Extensions for Microsoft Edge

Popular Dark Mode Extensions

One of the best things about Microsoft Edge is the extensive range of extensions available. Dark Mode extensions allow you to enable Dark Mode on any website, irrespective of their native settings. Here are some popular Dark Mode extensions you can use:

• Dark Reader

• Night Eye

• Moon Reader

• Midnight Lizard

Installing and Configuring Dark Mode Extensions

To install and configure Dark Mode extensions for Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Edge and go to the "Microsoft Edge Add-ons" Store. Alternatively, you can also download extensions from third-party sites.

2. Search for and select the Dark Mode extension you want to install.

3. Click the "Add to Chrome" button to add the extension to Microsoft Edge.

4. Once you've installed the extension, it will apply the Dark Mode theme to all websites by default. You can also customize these extensions in the extension settings to suit your preferences.

Troubleshooting Common Dark Mode Issues

Dark Mode Not Working on Certain Websites

Despite being a helpful feature, Dark Mode might not work as expected on some web pages. Here are some potential solutions:

• Disable the Dark Mode extension and check whether it's an issue that can be solved by such an extension.

• Some websites might not support Dark Mode, and in such cases, you have to disable the feature.

• Check your Microsoft Edge version and update it as needed to ensure it's compatible with Dark Mode.

• Clear the browser cache to remove any conflicts with the website's coding.

Resolving Display Issues in Dark Mode

If you experience any challenges when using Dark Mode on Microsoft Edge, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• Check your system-wide Dark Mode settings to ensure they're active and compatible with Microsoft Edge.

• Ensure that the Brightness settings on your device aren't dimming the screen too much, impacting readability.

• Adjust the font and text size settings as needed to address any visibility issues.

• Try a different browser or Dark Mode extension to see if that works better for you.

Conclusion

Dark Mode is a useful feature that can enhance your browsing experience significantly. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy all the benefits of Dark Mode on Microsoft Edge. Additionally, extensions and customization options allow you to tailor your Dark Mode experience to perfection. Use the troubleshooting tips if you encounter any challenges, and enjoy the advantages of Dark Mode, including better readability, reduced eye strain, and improved sleep quality.