Enable Dark Mode for Microsoft Paint App in Windows 11

In Windows 11, you can now enable dark mode for Microsoft Paint app. Microsoft has officially announced that its iconic Canvas app will be redesigned and enhanced for Windows 11.

Update: The updated Microsoft Paint with dark mode and improved zoom is now rolling out to everyone. After months of preview testing, Microsoft Paint’s dark mode is rolling out to all Windows 11 users.

Microsoft previously rolled out (version 11.2304.17.0) the MS Paint app for Windows 11, which added support for Dark Mode for Windows Insiders. Currently, the same update is available for Windows Insiders running the latest Windows 11 build in the Canary and Dev channels. The dark mode testing for the Paint app is complete, and the feature is now available to all users.

Microsoft Paint version 11.2304.30.0 brings the following improvements:

• Dark Mode Support: Paint now follows your system theme preferences. However, you can override this setting and force-enable light or dark mode in the app’s settings. Note that enabling dark mode does not change the canvas color.
• Improved zoom controls: The improved zoom controls now let you fine-tune your zoom level with more precision. You can use classic presets, the slider, or the pinch-to-zoom gesture on touchscreen-enabled computers. Another zoom-related improvement is the “Fit to Window” option.

Note: When you turn on Windows 11 dark mode systemwide, it will influence the look and feel of both your apps and the system taskbar. If the dark mode for apps is already enabled on Windows 11, the Paint app will adapt to the system theme preference and the dark mode will be activated.

How to enable dark mode for Microsoft Paint App

Paint’s new dark mode is now available to everyone on Windows 11. Use the following steps to enable dark mode in the Microsoft Paint App on Windows 11:

Step 1: Launch the Microsoft Paint App

On your Windows 11 PC, click Start and type “Paint” in the search box. Select the Paint app to launch it.

Step 2: Go to Microsoft Paint Settings

Click on the Settings (Gear) icon in the upper-right corner, this will take you to the Paint App settings page.

Step 3: Turn on the dark mode for Paint App

By default, the Microsoft Paint app will adapt to the system theme preference. Currently, the settings page in Paint lets you toggle between light, dark, or “system setting” theme preferences. On the Settings page, under the Appearance tab, you will find the App theme options. From the list of options, select “Dark” and this will turn on the dark mode for the Paint app.

Turn off the dark mode in Paint App

The Windows 11 Paint dark mode is easier on the eyes in dim environments. You can turn off the dark mode for the Paint app if you don’t like it, despite the fact that it can help minimize eye strain and make it simpler to work in the dark.

You can disable or turn off the dark mode in Paint for Windows 11 with these steps:

• Open the Microsoft Paint app on Windows 11.
• Click on the Settings (Gear) icon in the upper-right corner; this will take you to the Paint settings page.
• Under Settings > Appearance > select the Application Theme section to expand the options.
• Select the Light option, which will disable the dark mode.