The benefits of dark screens are easy to understand—less eyestrain, easier-to-read text, and well, they just look cool, don't they?
After a couple of years of waiting, Windows 10 now offers a native dark theme mode. You'll also find plenty of third-party dark themes out there, more than enough to suit every taste and style.
Here are some of the best Windows 10 dark themes you can get right now.
How to Change the Windows 10 Theme
Windows personalization options allow you to change the background, lock screen, color, sounds, and cursor's appearance. You can change it from the desktop or dig into the Windows 10 settings.
First, either right-click on your desktop and select Personalize > Themes or head to Start > Settings > Personalization > Themes.
You can choose from one of Windows' built-in themes or click on Get more themes in Microsoft Store to see more.
1. Windows 10 Dark Theme
With the 2017 Anniversary Update, Microsoft introduced a system-wide Windows 10 dark theme, which previously was only available via a registry hack.
If you're running the most recent version of Windows 10, head to Settings (Windows key + I) > Personalization > Colors, scroll down, and set the default app mode to Dark.
The theme will change the Windows system apps and Microsoft's store apps. You will still need to change other third-party apps on a case-by-case basis.
2. GreyEve
Unlike some of the other themes on this list, it can be installed without using any third-party tools or editing any system files—thus making it great for users who want a hassle-free option.
The developer warns that he was forced to make it a high contrast theme due to Microsoft's limited dark theme options. You'll have to check whether or not it suits your needs.
3. Penumbra 10
Before proceeding, be aware that this is a Windows 10-only theme. If you're reading this article trying to find dark themes for Windows 7 or 8, this won't work for you.
It's been designed to use neutral dark colors, so there won't be any jarring contrasts or unpleasant colors anywhere on your screen.
4. Nocturnal W10
Once again, this is a Windows 10-only theme. Despite sharing the same name as its Windows 8 counterpart, it will not work on older versions of the operating system.
5. Ades Theme
Rather than going for total darkness, Ades Theme uses various tones of gray and introduces some color.
While it still requires a third-party tool, it's easier than both Nocturnal and Penumbra to install. You need UXThemePatcher, but can otherwise download the file and put it straight into C:\Windows\Resources\Themes
