Build 28020.1371, Search flyout has unreadable text when using Custom Windows mode Dark and app mode Light.

Question

On Jan 23, 2026, I noticed a change in the machines with Canary Build 28020.1371 that was not happening before.

When I hit the search button on the taskbar the flyout opens and the text descriptions are invisible or unreadable because they use white text on Light background and black text on dark background.

I think is another experimental change with a bug.

The problem is easy to reproduce by using a Custom Color setting with Windows mode "Dark" and app mode "Light".

This below is the other case with Windows mode "Light" and app mode "Dark".

Why these faulty experimental changes?

Answer 1

Hi F G

Thanks for posting in the Microsoft Q&A Forum!

Thanks so much for taking the time to report this, and I completely understand how confusing and frustrating it is to see UI text become unreadable after a build update. We genuinely appreciate you flagging it early.

I’ve reviewed the behavior you described on Canary build 28020.1371, and your findings are accurate. When using a Custom mode with Windows set to Dark and Apps set to Light, the Search flyout may render text with incorrect contrast, white on light surfaces or black on dark surfaces. This can be the result of an experimental Shell change currently rolling out in the Canary channel.

Because the Canary channel receives very early and sometimes incomplete changes, theme logic can occasionally regress while underlying components are being reworked. These builds often include UI experiments that aren’t documented and may affect only a subset of Insider devices. What you’re seeing is consistent with a regression in the theme pipeline rather than an intentional design change.

At this point there isn’t a stable workaround beyond temporarily switching to matching light/light or dark/dark modes, but your clear report and screenshots are extremely helpful. Feedback like yours is what allows engineering teams to pinpoint issues quickly, especially when changes are still in the experimental stage.

Thank you again for taking the time to surface this. I know unexpected UI issues can be disruptive, and your detailed report genuinely helps improve the experience for everyone in the Canary channel.

Have a great day!