How to Enable Dark Mode in Windows 11 Paint App

Why use 🪟 Windows 11 Paint dark mode?

Dark mode reduces screen glare and makes colors appear more vibrant, making it easier on your eyes, especially in dim rooms. It can also help save battery life on some laptop screens, mainly OLED panels. Using dark mode creates a more comfortable workspace during long editing sessions.

What happens when done?

When you turn dark mode on, the Paint app switches to a dark background. The menus, buttons, and toolbars change to dark gray or black, so your drawings stand out more clearly against the interface. The change happens instantly. You do not need to restart Paint or your computer.

It does not change your canvas or any image you are working on.

Prerequisites and Version Requirements

Older versions only have the light theme, so the theme option will not appear in Settings.

To check your version, go to Settings › Apps › Installed apps, click the three dots next to Paint, and select Advanced options. The version number is shown near the top of that page.

How to update Microsoft Paint

If your Paint app doesn't have a dark mode option, update the app first. Paint is delivered through the Microsoft Store, so the Store is where you get the update. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Microsoft Store app on your computer. The Store window opens on its home page.
2. Click the Library icon in the bottom left corner. You will see a list of installed apps and any pending updates.
3. Click the Get updates button. The Store checks for new versions of your apps.
4. Wait for the Paint app to download the latest files. When Paint no longer shows as updating, the update is done.

You can also visit the official Microsoft Store Paint page to trigger an update. If Paint doesn't appear in the list of updates, it is probably already current. In that case, check that Windows is up to date too (see the troubleshooting section below).

How to change your Paint theme

You can switch Paint to dark mode directly within the app's settings. You do not need to change anything in Windows itself. Just open Paint, click the gear icon at the top right, and pick a theme from the App theme box.

1. Open the Paint app on your computer. The Paint window opens with the canvas and toolbar.
2. Click the Settings (gear icon) button located at the top right of the window. The Settings pane opens.

   

3. On the Settings menu, click the App theme box to open it. A list of theme options drops down.

   

4. Select your preferred theme from the dropdown menu. You can choose Light, Dark, or System setting. The window changes as soon as you pick one.
5. Close the Settings pane when you are finished. Paint now shows the theme you chose.

   

Choose System setting if you want Paint to follow Windows. Paint then switches between light and dark whenever you change the mode in Settings › Personalization › Colors To undo the change at any time, repeat these steps and pick Light.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

If dark mode isn't working in Paint, there are a few common fixes. Start with the simplest and work down the list.

• Check Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows 11 is fully updated via System Settings. Open Settings › Windows Update, click Check for updates, and install anything offered. Restart if Windows asks you to.
• Update Paint: If the App theme box is missing, go back to the Microsoft Store steps above. The app is likely older than version 11.2304.17.0.
• Reset the App: Go to Settings › Apps › Installed Apps › Paint. Click the three dots, select Advanced options, and click Reset. Note: This does not require admin privileges, but it resets app preferences. Reopen Paint afterward and set the theme again.
• Windows Insider Program: If you are on an older build, you might need to join the Windows Insider Program to get the latest app features early. Treat this as a last resort, since Insider builds can be less stable.

Summary

Turning on Windows 11 Paint dark mode is easy and helps reduce eye strain, making your creative work more comfortable. If the option is missing, updating Paint from the Microsoft Store almost always fixes it.

Reference: Paint app in the Microsoft Store.