Windows Notepad picked up system-level dark mode support and a dedicated App theme setting on Windows 11. On Windows 10, the built-in Notepad has no per-app dark mode toggle — the closest native option is the High Contrast accessibility theme, which darkens the entire Windows interface including Notepad. Both versions can also use the free Dark Notepad app from the Microsoft Store as a standalone alternative.
The table below shows which method works on which version before diving into the steps.
| Method | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
|---|---|---|
| System dark mode via Personalization | Not available | Settings > Personalization > Colors > Dark |
| Notepad’s built-in App theme setting | Not available | Gear icon in Notepad > App theme > Dark |
| High Contrast accessibility theme | Settings > Ease of Access > High Contrast | Settings > Accessibility > Contrast themes |
| Dark Notepad (third-party app) | Works | Works |
Enable Dark Mode in Notepad on Windows 10
Windows 10’s built-in Notepad does not have an App theme option. The only native path is High Contrast mode — an accessibility setting that switches the entire interface to a dark palette, including Notepad. If you want only Notepad to go dark without touching the rest of the system, skip ahead to the Dark Notepad app section.
Via Ease of Access High Contrast
Step 1: Open the Settings app using the Start menu or press Windows + I.
Step 2: Click Ease of Access from the available settings categories.
Step 3: Select High Contrast from the left panel in Ease of Access.
Step 4: Toggle on Use High Contrast at the top of the screen.
Step 5: Windows applies the theme in a few seconds. Launch Notepad from the Start menu to confirm the dark interface is active.
Enable Dark Mode in Notepad on Windows 11
Windows 11 gives you two native paths: switch the whole system to dark mode through Personalization, or set dark mode only inside Notepad using its own settings gear. While you’re in Personalization, you can also add the This PC icon to your desktop and adjust other visual preferences at the same time.
Method 1 — System Dark Mode via Personalization
This switches the entire Windows interface — including Notepad and most apps — from light to dark.
Step 1: Open Settings with Windows + I or through the Start menu gear icon.
Step 2: Click Personalization in the left sidebar.
Step 3: Select Colors in the Personalization section.
Step 4: Click the dropdown next to Choose your mode.
Step 5: Select Dark from the dropdown list.
Step 6: Open Notepad from the Windows search bar to verify dark mode is applied.
Method 2 — Notepad’s Built-in App Theme Setting
If you prefer to keep the system on light mode but want Notepad dark, use Notepad’s own settings. This option only exists on Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Notepad using the Windows search bar.
Step 2: Click the gear icon in the top-right corner of the Notepad window to open Notepad Settings.
Step 3: Click the App theme dropdown.
Step 4: Select Dark from the menu.
Notepad switches to dark mode immediately, without changing anything else on the system.
Use the Dark Notepad App (Windows 10 and 11)
If you want a standalone dark text editor without changing your system theme, the free Dark Notepad app works on both Windows 10 and 11. To open the Microsoft Store, press the Windows key and search for “Microsoft Store” or click its icon in the taskbar.
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store and search for dark notepad.
Step 2: Select Dark Notepad from the results — its interface is nearly identical to Windows Notepad.
Step 3: Click Get to start the download.
Step 4: Click Open once the download finishes to launch the app.
The Dark Notepad editor opens with a dark background and light text, ready to use on either Windows 10 or 11.
