On Windows 10, you can always switch between dark and light themes, and even decide if apps should honour the dark mode. Changing theme in Windows 10 affects native apps, Settings, taskbar, notification center, and built-in features, such as File Explorer and context menu.
Nearly all first-party apps support dark mode. The list of supported apps includes the Microsoft Store, Windows Security, Your Phone, Clock, Calculator, and more. Some third-party apps also support Windows 10 dark mode, but one of the most used features “Windows Search” still uses a bright white background.
This has led to consistency issues with Windows 10’s dark mode. However, it looks like Microsoft is finally rolling out a new server-side update to enable dark mode support for Windows Search. As you can see in the below screenshot, Windows Search results now appear in a dark background.
According to our tests, this update seems to be rolling out to Windows 10 version 2004, version 20H2, version 21H1, and later.
The entire Windows Search window, menus within the search panel or right-click context menu and even web searches powered by Bing now have full support for black backgrounds.
All search results irrespective of the filter (document, settings, pictures, etc) also have a dark background to match the rest of the user interface, such as the Settings and Start Menu.
Windows Search dark mode uses a black background and it does not look like the search window from Windows 11. Unlike Windows 11, Windows 10’s Search does not feature WinUI components or rounded corners, which remain exclusive to Windows 11.
Of course, dark mode is not the biggest change in the world, but it was something that the company promised last year and anyone who uses the dark mode will be relieved to see it live.
As always, if you want to try dark mode for search and other areas, open Settings > Personalization > Colors and simply select ‘Dark’.
This update is still rolling out in stages and it may not show up on all devices.
Other updates for Windows 10
In addition to Windows Search improvements, Microsoft is also rolling out Windows 11 Store for Windows 10.
The updated Microsoft Store features a new interface, reorganized search results, improved library, faster downloads, and more. It also comes with new developer policies, which should allow users to download unpacked Win32 desktop apps from the Store.
At the moment, it’s not clear when the rest of the new Windows 11 apps will arrive on Windows 10.