Microsoft turns on the lights with a new white theme in Windows 10 update

By Arif Bacchus Published November 15, 2018

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Microsoft is introducing a new light theme in the upcoming version of Windows 10 and is currently beta testing the change with Windows Insiders. The clean-looking theme brings a much-needed facelift to Windows and was officially unveiled Wednesday, November 14, in a blog post.

Currently, anyone can preview the new light theme by enrolling in the Windows Insider program and then downloading the latest Fast Ring 18282 build of Windows 10 19H1. Though this is a preview version of Windows 10 that is still unstable, it puts a fresh coat of paint on the now three-year-old operating system. Once the new theme is selected by heading to “settings,” “personalization,” “colors,” and then choosing the “light” option it makes the Windows 10 Start Menu and Taskbar whiter and more visually appealing.

Recommended Videos

“Ever since we introduced the ability to choose between light and dark in Windows 10, we’ve heard feedback asking for a truer separation between the two options. … Now, all system UI will now be light. This includes the taskbar, Start menu, Action Center, touch keyboard, and more,” Microsoft said.

The new light theme is still a work in progress and Microsoft is awaiting feedback on the experience to further tweak it. Other pieces of the operating system are also still subject to more design changes later on, including the OneDrive icon, and various areas of the system tray.

These changes will likely debut to non-beta testers in the next major update to Windows 10, currently codenamed 19H1. Since Microsoft usually releases Windows 10 updates twice a year, in October and April, it could likely become official in the spring. It also can be removed entirely as other beta features like Windows Sets have been added and then removed, in the past.

This is just the latest set of Windows 10 changes as prior previews have introduced other new features. Microsoft has previously changed the Windows search experience and introduced the ability for consumers to remove more of the pre-installed apps on their PC. Fast Ring 18282 build also introduces improvements to the Snipping tool, updates to the printing app, and changes that make it easier to pause Windows Updates so it doesn’t impede on workflows.

Former Computing Writer

Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…

Topics

Computing

Microsoft Edge Canary new tab page replaces MSN with Copilot

Microsoft Edge appears on a computer screen with plants and a window in the background.

Microsoft is testing a new Copilot-powered interface in the Canary version of Edge, replacing the MSN feed on the New Tab Page in an attempt to streamline browsing, according to Windows Latest. Users can enable it via experimental flags.

If the new design rolls out to the stable version, Copilot will replace the familiar MSN feed as the first thing you see when you open a new tab. You'll see a compose box in an uncluttered design with a greeting message that asks, "How can I help you today?"

Computing

Windows 11 is getting a lot of new features, here’s how to check if your PC qualifies

Copilot+ PC laptop.

In a Windows Insider blog post, Microsoft announces some exciting new features coming to Windows 11, including Reading Coach integration, improved Voice Access, and AI-enhanced Search. These upgrades are part of preview build 26120.3872 in the Beta channel. However, some upcoming features will only be available on Copilot+ PCs, a new category of AI-powered devices that run on Snapdragon (ARM-based) chips.

Beyond the features highlighted in this preview, more Copilot+ features are already on the horizon. For example, Microsoft recently confirmed that Recall, which raised privacy concerns, is coming to Windows 11 in build 26100.3902 (KB5055627), now available in the Release Preview Channel. That means it's just one step away from general release and likely to arrive soon on eligible Copilot+ devices.

Computing

Copilot is Microsoft’s cue to redeem Windows and edge past macOS

The new Surface Laptop 13 on a white table.

There is always going to be a big divide between macOS and Windows. Much of it has to do with the functional disparities that are deeply ingrained at an OS-level. Or if you dive into the heated community debates, you will see it broadly as a battle between seamlessness and flexibility.

Gaming remains the guiding star for Windows adherents. A handful of highly specialized niche industry tools also remain locked to the Microsoft platform. On the other hand, macOS fans swear by the fluid software, plenty of firepower options in the M-series silicon era, and fantastic hardware.