Although Windows 11 already has a dark theme, its current implementation does not offer the functionality to automatically switch between light (the default) and dark modes based on the time of day. However, there are signs that this automatic activation of the feature is being implemented in the operating system.
Due to the absence of this automation option, many users keep Windows 11 permanently in dark mode, even during the day, or use third-party solutions. Interestingly, Microsoft itself provides a solution through PowerToys 0.95, which allows the system to automatically switch between light and dark modes according to the current time.
The profile @phantomofearth, active on the X platform, identified hidden references in the 26xxx builds of Windows 11 versions intended for the Windows Insider testing program, pointing to the existence of an automatic dark mode.
These references suggest that the user will have the possibility to configure automatic activation, restrict the change only when the computer is idle, prohibit switching during video conferences, and schedule dark mode even if location services (which check the local time) are disabled.
Considering the history of accurate predictions by the @phantomofearth profile regarding the Windows ecosystem, there is a high probability that this new feature is genuinely under development. Currently, automatic dark mode appears to be in an early stage, as there are no screenshots showing its configuration interface yet.
The mentions were located in 'strings,' which are sequences of text inserted into the operating system components. Furthermore, @phantomofearth found a DLL file called Windows.Shell.AutoDarkMode.dll, which directly references the new feature, although no further details about it have been provided.
Despite Microsoft not having officially announced automatic dark mode yet, it is expected to be one of the various enhancements the company is promoting in Windows 11. Another recently discovered improvement is a widget that displays the battery status of both the computer itself and connected peripherals, such as headphones and mice.