Windows' built-in feature for automatically switching between light and dark modes in Windows 11 remains unavailable, but Microsoft's PowerToys will offer this functionality next month.

In a recent update, Auto Dark Mode, a popular third-party app for Windows, has been enhanced to run natively on Windows on Arm devices. This dedicated app for scheduling light mode and dark mode on Windows, separate from Microsoft's PowerToys, offers a customizable and user-friendly experience.

Auto Dark Mode allows users to switch between light and dark mode based on various factors. For instance, it can adjust the swap based on your longitude and latitude to be more accurate, or switch your PC from dark mode to light mode at specific times or change between modes based on sunrise and sunset. Additionally, Auto Dark Mode can significantly extend battery life if your device has an OLED display by switching to dark mode when unplugged.

Meanwhile, Microsoft's PowerToys, a suite of utilities for Windows, is set to receive an update next month. This update will feature a new utility that can automatically switch between light and dark mode based on a schedule. Niels Laute, a senior product manager at Microsoft, teased this upcoming feature in a blog post.

The latest version of PowerToys, 0.94, has introduced several improvements and new features. For instance, the PowerToys Settings now includes a Settings search with fuzzy matching, suggestions, a results page, and UX polish to make finding options faster. The Hosts Editor now has a "No leading spaces" option, and the Mouse Utilities have added a "Gliding cursor" accessibility feature to Mouse Pointer Crosshairs for single-button cursor movement and clicking.

Moreover, the Command Palette in PowerToys 0.94 has received tons of bug fixes and improvements, including visual updates and new support for filters on ListPages. A comprehensive hotkey conflict detection system has also been introduced to surface and help resolve conflicting shortcuts.

Quick Accent in PowerToys now supports Maltese, and frequently used accents appear first (and are remembered across sessions). The PowerToys installer was upgraded to WiX 5 in version 0.94, improving installer security, reliability, and community support.

For users who find PowerToys to be overkill for their needs, Auto Dark Mode remains a good option for scheduling light mode and dark mode on Windows. However, it's worth noting that no specific Windows app named in the search results for this exact purpose was found, suggesting that Auto Dark Mode might be one of the few dedicated options available.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of Auto Dark Mode or the comprehensive suite of utilities offered by PowerToys, these updates are sure to make managing your Windows dark mode even more convenient and efficient. Stay tuned for more updates from both Auto Dark Mode and PowerToys.

Windows' built-in feature for automatically switching between light and dark modes in Windows 11 remains unavailable, but Microsoft's PowerToys will offer this functionality next month.