Windows 10 full light theme

How to enable new light mode on Windows 10

Windows 10 introduces a new light theme that brings lighter colors for the Start menu, Action Center, and taskbar, and here's how you can enable it.

Although Windows 10 already ships with a light theme, it was never consistent as many elements, such as the Start menu, Action Center, taskbar, and other modern elements use a dark color scheme.

Starting with version 1903, Windows 10 introduces a system light theme that brings lighter colors for all the visual elements, and the result is a new experience that many users will argue is a little similar as the default theme available macOS.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to switch to the full light theme available with Windows 10 version 1903.

How to enable full light theme using Settings

To use the light theme in the Start menu, taskbar, and Action Center, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click on Colors.

  4. Use the “Choose your color” drop-down menu and select the Light option.

    Full light theme for Windows 10 version 1903
    Full light theme for Windows 10 version 1903

Once you complete the steps, the light theme will apply across the operating system, including the Start menu, Action Center, and taskbar.

Alternatively, you can can also enable the light theme by applying the new “Windows Light” theme on Settings > Personalization > Themes.

How to enable traditional light theme using Settings

If you want to go back to the legacy light theme, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click on Colors.

  4. Use the “Choose your color” drop-down menu and select the Custom option.

  5. Under “Choose your default Windows mode,” select the Dark option.

  6. Under “Choose your default app mode,” select the Light option.

    Old light theme for Windows 10 version 1903
    Old light theme for Windows 10 version 1903

After you complete the steps, your desktop will be back to the same light theme available before installing Windows 10 version 1903.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.