PowerToys’ Light Switch utility can automatically change Windows between light and dark themes on a schedule, around local sunrise or sunset, or when you press a keyboard shortcut. HotHardware described the feature as forthcoming in PowerToys 0.95 in September 2025; Microsoft’s current PowerToys documentation now describes its controls and use.
What Light Switch does
Light Switch is a utility within Microsoft PowerToys, rather than a Windows feature described in HotHardware’s announcement. Microsoft says it can transition between light and dark mode using a timed schedule or keyboard shortcut. You can set the change to affect apps, Windows system appearance, or both.
The timing matters: Bruno Ferreira’s HotHardware article, published September 4, 2025, said automatic switching was planned for PowerToys 0.95. A GitHub issue dated October 21, 2025, identifies the reporter’s version as 0.95.0 and describes Light Switch changing the theme. Microsoft’s project documentation, checked October 4, 2026, documents the implemented feature. The issue is an individual report, not proof that every app behaves identically.
How do I automatically switch Windows between light and dark mode?
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Install or update PowerToys through an official distribution route: GitHub releases, Microsoft Store, or WinGet.
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Open PowerToys settings and find the Light Switch utility. Enable it, then review the current controls in your installed version; exact navigation labels can vary by version.
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Choose a fixed schedule or sunrise/sunset timing. For sunrise and sunset, Light Switch can use geolocation for local times, and its settings support offsets.
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Choose whether the change applies to apps, Windows system appearance, or both.
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Use the configured shortcut for an on-demand change. Microsoft documents
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Which schedule and theme targets should you choose?
| Choice | What it does | Useful when |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed times | Changes themes at times you set. | You want a consistent daily schedule independent of daylight. |
| Sunrise/sunset | Uses local sunrise and sunset timing; offsets are available. | You want the change to follow daylight rather than the same clock times year-round. |
| Apps | Targets app appearance. | You want supported apps to change without applying the setting to Windows system appearance. |
| Windows system | Targets Windows system appearance. | You want the system theme to change without targeting app appearance. |
| Both | Targets apps and Windows system appearance. | You want both scopes to follow the selected schedule or toggle. |
Microsoft documents these targets and timing controls, but does not establish that every application responds the same way. An app may have its own theme setting or may not follow the change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can PowerToys change themes at sunset?
Yes. Light Switch documents sunrise/sunset scheduling using geolocation for local times, plus offsets around those times. Review the location and offset settings in PowerToys, then select whether the change should affect apps, Windows system appearance, or both.
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