How to fix
Windows Task Manager Dark Mode not working
on Windows

Hello. I enabled Dark Mode on my Windows PC but it is not affecting the Task Manager app. Any way to fix this?

Some Windows users have reported that the Windows Task Manager's Dark Mode does not appear to function as intended. Numerous customers have experienced this issue, and it seems to happen more often after system updates. Users discover that even after trying to activate Dark Mode in Task Manager, the modifications have no impact on the application's appearance.

Those who want a darker interface or are used to utilizing Dark Mode across their system may find this problem annoying. A seamless user experience may be hampered by Task Manager's Dark Mode's lack of functionality, which could also break the user interface's overall visual coherence.

The issue appears to have its origins in the wake of system updates, indicating that some changes can inadvertently affect Task Manager's Dark Mode functioning. It's possible that users will encounter difficulties personalizing Task Manager's design, which will leave them with an interface that doesn't suit their tastes.

Although there might not be a single, all-encompassing answer for this issue, customers have found success with a variety of troubleshooting techniques. These could include looking into theme and appearance-related system settings, seeing if Microsoft has released any updates or patches that particularly address this problem, or even looking into third-party programs that offer more customization choices for Windows themes.

However, users should proceed with caution while attempting these methods, as they require making changes to system settings that, if done carelessly, may result in further problems. In this guide, you will find 4 steps that should help you fix Windows Task Manager Dark Mode not working. You can also run a maintenance tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-1] corrupted files, registry[ref en-2] issues, or clear cookies and cache.[ref en-3] Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Solution 1. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 2. Install Windows Updates

• Click Start and select Settings.
• Go to the Windows Update section.
• Click Check for updates and wait.

• Go to the Advanced options and install optional updates.
• Reboot your system.

Solution 3. Set the System Theme to Dark

Adjust the system theme on Windows to a dark mode, and subsequently, instruct the Task Manager to adhere to the system preferences.

• Open Settings by pressing the Windows key + I.
• Go to Personalization > Color.
• Now, select Dark in the Choose your mode option.
• Then, open the Task Manager.
• Click on the cog button to enter its Settings.
• In Appearance > Choose app theme, select Use system settings.

Solution 4. Set Default App Mode to Dark

If you find the appearance of your system unappealing in dark mode, you can choose to exclusively apply the dark theme to default Windows apps.

• Open the Settings by pressing the Windows key + I.
• Go to Personalization > Color.
• Select Custom in the Choose your mode option.
• Set Choose your default app mode to Dark and Choose your default Windows mode to Light.
• Finally, set Task Manager’s theme to Use system settings.