Windows apps are stuck in a half dark, half light mode, after windows update.

SC H 20 Reputation points
2025-09-05T21:07:02.96+00:00

Hi,

After a recent Windows update, every app on my computer have become stuck in a weird half dark, half light mode. For example, Windows File explorer would have a white background with black text, however when trying to rename a file or folder, the background behind the name becomes black and the text white, as if it were in dark mode. Another example would be for Microsoft Word and Excel, where both would be in light modes, but the page background or cells would all be in black, with lighter text (the text is not entirely white either). Same for Adobe being half light half dark making half the things unreadable because it's white text (from the mysterious dark mode) and white background (from the fact that it thinks it's in light mode).

I have looked on the forum and no answer has been useful. My Windows system color is entirely in light mode (when going to settings -> personalization -> colors). (It used to be windows dark mode and apps light mode and I didn't have any of the problems mentioned above, until the update). Word or excel are also entirely in light mode (when going to File -> Account -> Theme -> White).

I have also tried uninstalling the updates, but that did not solve the problem. Reinstalling the updates didn't either.

I struggle a lot to work in dark mode, so I would greatly appreciate any type of solution to this problem. Thank you very much.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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Answer accepted by question author
John DeV 169.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-09-05T21:57:33.07+00:00

Hi, good day!

Please try the method below if it helps.

Press Windows key+R to open Run then copy and paste the path below to open the old Personalization.

shell:::{ED834ED6-4B5A-4bfe-8F11-A626DCB6A921}

Press Enter

Under Windows default, select Windows or Windows (light)

Restart your computer

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed.

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