Microsoft finally launches dark theme for File Explorer

A small but vocal portion of Windows users (myself included) has been pining for one feature for literally decades: A dark theme for one of the most-often used Windows apps, Windows Explorer.

Now, with Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17666, Microsoft has finally answered their prayers.

SEE ALSO: Windows 10 is getting a great new screenshot tool

Windows had a dark theme before (available under Settings > Personalization > Colors, but only a small number of apps were supported, and Windows Explorer (which is officially called File Explorer in Windows 10) wasn't one of them.

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While this has changed in the latest build, Microsoft warns the implementation is a bit glitchy at the moment, with certain elements of the UI going unexpectedly light at times.

Credit: Microsoft

Also note that the dark Explorer is really very dark, with the main window background being pitch black. In my personal opinion, a variety of dark grays is easier on the eyes than pure blackness; perhaps Microsoft will tweak this a little before final release.

Besides making your desktop look cool, there's an actual benefit to having apps with dark backgrounds: The screen consumes less power (and thus, draws less battery), and a darker look is easier on the eyes if you're working in low-light conditions.

Other new features and improvements in the latest Windows 10 build include a better clipboard experience, accessible via Win+V, Bing search option in Notepad, Search previews and more. Check out the full list here.

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