Microsoft Office

Microsoft Word How To Turn Off Dark Mode

Are you tired of the dark mode in Microsoft Word? Looking for a way to switch back to the classic light mode? You're not alone. Many users find the dark mode visually straining or simply prefer the traditional look. Fortunately, turning off dark mode in Microsoft Word is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few simple steps.

To turn off dark mode in Microsoft Word, go to the "File" tab at the top left corner of the screen. From the drop-down menu, select the "Options" button. In the Word Options window, choose the "General" category. Finally, under the "Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office" section, locate the "Office Theme" dropdown menu and select the "Colorful" option. Once you click "OK," the dark mode will be disabled, and your Word documents will return to the classic light mode.




Understanding Dark Mode in Microsoft Word

Dark Mode is a popular feature in many applications and operating systems, including Microsoft Word. It allows users to switch the interface from a light background to a darker one, reducing eye strain and providing a different visual experience. However, there may be instances where you prefer the traditional light mode in Microsoft Word. In this article, we will explore different methods to turn off Dark Mode in Microsoft Word and switch back to the default light mode.

Method 1: Turning off Dark Mode in Microsoft Word Settings

Microsoft Word provides an option to easily turn off Dark Mode within its settings. Follow these steps to switch back to the default light mode:

  • Open Microsoft Word on your computer.
  • Click on the "File" tab in the upper left corner of the screen.
  • From the dropdown menu, select "Options."
  • In the Word Options window, navigate to the "General" tab.
  • Scroll down to the "Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office" section.
  • Uncheck the box next to "Office Theme" if it is checked.
  • Click "OK" to save the changes.

By following these steps, you will disable Dark Mode in Microsoft Word and revert to the default light mode.

Method 2: Using Quick Access Toolbar

If you frequently switch between Dark Mode and light mode in Microsoft Word, you can add a quick access button to the toolbar for easy toggling. Here's how:

  • Open Microsoft Word.
  • Click the down arrow at the end of the Quick Access Toolbar, located above the ribbon.
  • Select "More Commands" from the dropdown menu.
  • In the Customize the Quick Access Toolbar window, select "All Commands" from the "Choose commands from" dropdown menu.
  • Scroll down and find "Toggle Dark Mode" in the list of commands.
  • Select "Toggle Dark Mode" and click "Add" to add it to the Quick Access Toolbar.
  • Click "OK" to save the changes.

Now, you will have a dedicated button on the toolbar to switch between Dark Mode and light mode in Microsoft Word with a single click.

Method 3: Customizing Windows 10 Settings

If you are using Microsoft Word on Windows 10 and want to disable Dark Mode, you can adjust the system-wide settings. Here's how:

  • Open the "Settings" app on your Windows 10 computer.
  • Click on "Personalization."
  • In the left sidebar, select "Colors."
  • Scroll down to the "Choose your default app mode" section.
  • Select "Light" from the dropdown menu.

With this change, the entire Windows interface, including Microsoft Word, will switch to the default light mode.

Method 4: Applying a Different Theme in Microsoft Word

If you want to change the appearance of Microsoft Word while still using the Dark Mode, you can apply a different theme. Here's how:

  • Open Microsoft Word.
  • Click on the "View" tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen.
  • In the "Views" group, click on the "Switch Windows" button.
  • From the dropdown menu, select "Browse..."
  • In the "Templates" folder, select "Themes."
  • Choose a different theme from the available options.
  • The selected theme will be applied, providing a customized appearance in Dark Mode.

Exploring Additional Options

In addition to the methods mentioned above, there are other options you can explore to manage Dark Mode in Microsoft Word:

Method 5: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly toggle Dark Mode on and off in Microsoft Word. The default keyboard shortcut is:

Semantic PC Mac
Toggle Dark Mode Alt + Shift + F1 Option + Command + F1

Pressing the respective keyboard shortcut will switch between Dark Mode and light mode in Microsoft Word.

Method 6: Using Dark Mode in Other Microsoft Office Applications

If you have Dark Mode enabled in other Microsoft Office applications (such as Excel or PowerPoint), it will have a consistent effect across the suite. Disabling Dark Mode in one application will reflect the change in others as well.

Method 7: Using System-wide Dark Mode (macOS)

If you are using Microsoft Word on macOS and want to disable Dark Mode, you can adjust the system-wide settings. Here's how:

  • Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
  • Select "System Preferences."
  • Choose "General."
  • Under "Appearance," select "Light."

By changing the system-wide settings, Microsoft Word and other applications on macOS will switch to the light mode.

Method 8: Updating Microsoft Word

If you are using an older version of Microsoft Word, updating to the latest version might introduce new features and settings related to Dark Mode. Check for updates in the Microsoft Office suite to ensure you have the latest version of Microsoft Word.

With these additional options, you can further customize and manage the Dark Mode settings in Microsoft Word according to your preferences.

While Dark Mode offers a visually appealing and comfortable interface for many users, it is important to have the flexibility to switch back to the traditional light mode in Microsoft Word. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily turn off Dark Mode and return to the default light mode. Whether you prefer the classic appearance or want to explore different themes, Microsoft Word provides several options to customize your experience.



Turning off Dark Mode in Microsoft Word

If you're using Microsoft Word and would like to turn off dark mode, follow these simple steps:

First, open Microsoft Word on your computer or device.

Next, go to the "File" tab located at the top left corner of the screen.

In the options menu, select "Options" from the list.

Now, a new window titled "Word Options" will appear.

In the left-hand menu of the Word Options window, choose "General".

Scroll down until you see the "Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office" section.

Under this section, find the "Office Theme" drop-down menu.

Select "Light" from the options available.

Finally, click on the "OK" button to apply the changes and turn off dark mode in Microsoft Word.

That's it! You have successfully turned off dark mode in Microsoft Word.


Key Takeaways

  • Dark mode in Microsoft Word can be turned off by adjusting the application settings.
  • To turn off dark mode in Microsoft Word, go to the "Options" menu in the top right corner of the screen.
  • Select "General" from the menu on the left side of the options window.
  • Under the "Personalize" section, uncheck the box for "Use dark mode"
  • Click "OK" to save the changes and exit the options window.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, you'll find answers to common questions about turning off dark mode in Microsoft Word.

1. How can I disable dark mode in Microsoft Word?

To turn off dark mode in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Word on your computer.
  2. Click on the "File" tab in the upper left corner.
  3. In the sidebar menu, select "Options."
  4. In the "General" category, look for the "Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office" section.
  5. Underneath that section, find the option to enable or disable the "Office Theme."
  6. Select the "Light" theme to turn off dark mode.
  7. Click "OK" to save your changes.

Your Microsoft Word interface should now be back to the default light mode.

2. Can I switch between dark mode and light mode in Microsoft Word?

Yes, you can easily switch between dark mode and light mode in Microsoft Word by following these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Word on your computer.
  2. Click on the "File" tab in the upper left corner.
  3. In the sidebar menu, select "Options."
  4. In the "General" category, look for the "Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office" section.
  5. Underneath that section, find the option to enable or disable the "Office Theme."
  6. Select the desired mode: either "Light" for light mode or "Dark Gray" for dark mode.
  7. Click "OK" to save your changes.

You can switch between the two modes as per your preference.

3. Why should I turn off dark mode in Microsoft Word?

The decision to turn off dark mode in Microsoft Word largely depends on personal preference and comfort. Some individuals find it easier to read and work with a lighter interface, while others prefer the aesthetics and reduced eye strain of dark mode. Experimenting with both modes can help you determine which one suits your needs and enhances your productivity.

4. Can I disable dark mode in Microsoft Word on mobile devices?

Unfortunately, the ability to disable dark mode in Microsoft Word on mobile devices varies depending on the operating system and version. In general, though, you can try the following steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Word on your mobile device.
  2. Go to the app's settings or preferences.
  3. Look for a "Theme" or "Display" option.
  4. Select the "Light" or "Default" theme to disable dark mode.
  5. Save your changes and exit the settings or preferences menu.

Note that the specific steps may vary depending on the operating system and version you are using.

5. How do I know if dark mode is currently enabled or disabled in Microsoft Word?

To check if dark mode is currently enabled or disabled in Microsoft Word, you can refer to the following indicators:

  1. Look at the interface color: a dark background with light text indicates dark mode, while a light background with dark text indicates light mode.
  2. In the "Options" menu, the selected theme (either "Light" or "Dark Gray") indicates the current mode.

These visual cues can help you determine the current mode in Microsoft Word.



To summarize, turning off Dark Mode in Microsoft Word is a straightforward process. By following a few simple steps, you can switch back to the brighter default interface. First, go to the File tab, then click on Options. From there, select the General category and locate the section for Office Theme. Finally, choose the Light option and click OK to apply the changes. This will deactivate Dark Mode and return your Word application to its standard appearance. Remember, Dark Mode can be useful in certain situations, such as reducing eye strain or enhancing readability in low-light environments. However, if you find it more comfortable to use the traditional Light Mode, you now know how to easily switch back. Making this adjustment will help you work with Microsoft Word in a way that best suits your preferences and needs.

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