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Banish the Darkness: A Comprehensive Guide to Deactivating Dark Mode in Microsoft Word

Jake Weber is the founder and editor of YourApplipal, a popular blog that provides in-depth reviews and insights on the latest productivity software, office apps, and digital tools. With a background in business and IT, Jake has a passion for discovering innovative technologies that can streamline workflows and boost efficiency...

What To Know

  • If you are using Microsoft Word on a Mac, you can use the following app to disable dark mode.
  • Remember, the choice of dark or light mode is a matter of personal preference.
  • Whether you prefer the comfort of dark mode or the clarity of a light-colored background, Microsoft Word provides the flexibility to customize your viewing experience.

Microsoft Word’s dark mode may provide a comfortable viewing experience in low-light conditions, but it can also be distracting or difficult to read for some users. If you prefer a brighter interface, deactivating dark mode is a simple process. In this guide, we will explore various methods to help you make Microsoft Word not dark mode, restoring its traditional white or light-colored appearance.

Method 1: Using the Quick Access Toolbar

  • Open Microsoft Word.
  • Click on the “Customize Quick Access Toolbar” dropdown menu (arrow icon next to the “File” tab).
  • Select “More Commands…”
  • In the “Choose commands from” dropdown menu, select “All Commands.”
  • Scroll down and select “Toggle Dark Mode.”
  • Click the “Add >>” button to add the command to the Quick Access Toolbar.
  • Click “OK” to close the dialog box.
  • Click the “Toggle Dark Mode” button in the Quick Access Toolbar to disable dark mode.

Method 2: Via the File Menu

  • Open Microsoft Word.
  • Click on the “File” tab.
  • Select “Options” from the left-hand menu.
  • In the “General” tab, look for the “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” section.
  • Under “Office Theme,” select “White” or “Colorful.”
  • Click “OK” to save the changes.

Method 3: Using the Keyboard Shortcut

  • Open Microsoft Word.
  • Press “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “D” (Windows) or “Command” + “Shift” + “D” (Mac).

Method 4: Editing the Registry (Windows Only)

Caution: Editing the registry can have unintended consequences. Proceed with caution and create a backup before making any changes.

  • Open the Registry Editor (Windows Key + R, type “regedit,” and press Enter).
  • Navigate to the following registry key:

“`
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0CommonExperimentConfigs
“`

  • Right-click on the “ExperimentConfigs” key and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
  • Name the new value “DisableDarkMode.”
  • Double-click on the “DisableDarkMode” value and set its value data to “1.”
  • Click “OK” to save the changes and close the Registry Editor.
  • Restart Microsoft Word.

Method 5: Using a Third-Party Add-In

  • Install a third-party add-in that allows you to disable dark mode.
  • Open Microsoft Word.
  • Go to the “Add-Ins” tab.
  • Click on the “Manage” button and select “COM Add-Ins.”
  • Check the box next to the add-in that you want to use.
  • Click “OK” and restart Microsoft Word.

Method 6: Using a Mac App

If you are using Microsoft Word on a Mac, you can use the following app to disable dark mode:

  • Dark Mode Toggle for Microsoft Word (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dark-mode-toggle-for-microsoft-word/id1482036868)

Method 7: Disabling Dark Mode for All Office Applications

If you want to disable dark mode for all Office applications, follow these steps:

  • Open any Office application (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Click on the “File” tab.
  • Select “Options” from the left-hand menu.
  • In the “General” tab, look for the “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” section.
  • Under “Office Theme,” select “White” or “Colorful.”
  • Click “OK” to save the changes.

Takeaways: The Power of Choice

With these methods at your disposal, you can effortlessly make Microsoft Word not dark mode, restoring a brighter and more familiar interface. Remember, the choice of dark or light mode is a matter of personal preference. Whether you prefer the comfort of dark mode or the clarity of a light-colored background, Microsoft Word provides the flexibility to customize your viewing experience.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Why is Microsoft Word in dark mode?

Dark mode may be enabled by default in your operating system or by a third-party add-in. You can disable it using the methods described in this guide.

2. Can I disable dark mode for specific documents only?

No, dark mode is a global setting that affects all documents in Microsoft Word.

3. Is there a way to schedule dark mode to turn on or off automatically?

Yes, you can use a third-party app or script to schedule dark mode. However, this is not a built-in feature in Microsoft Word.

4. Can I customize the dark mode theme in Microsoft Word?

No, Microsoft Word does not currently allow you to customize the dark mode theme.

5. What if none of the methods in this guide work for me?

Try restarting your computer or reinstalling Microsoft Word. If the problem persists, contact Microsoft support for assistance.

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Jake Weber

Jake Weber is the founder and editor of YourApplipal, a popular blog that provides in-depth reviews and insights on the latest productivity software, office apps, and digital tools. With a background in business and IT, Jake has a passion for discovering innovative technologies that can streamline workflows and boost efficiency in the workplace.
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