How to Schedule Windows 11 Theme Changes by Time of Day

This updated guide explains how to schedule Windows 11 theme changes by time of day with clear steps, practical tips, and useful context. If you want your Windows 11 computer to automatically switch between light and dark themes on a regular basis, you can use Task Scheduler or a free third-party app. Here are detailed instructions, including how to automatically change the wallpaper.

Use Task Scheduler to Create a Task That Automatically Switches Themes

One way to schedule Windows 11 theme changes over time is to use Task Scheduler . You create two tasks that edit Windows registry values, switching between light and dark themes at specified times.

To easily undo changes, create a system restore point before following these steps.

1. Getting Started:

Open Windows Search (press Windows + S ), type Task Scheduler and launch the tool.

On the right, choose Create Task .

Select the Name field and enter a name for the light theme enable action (for instance, Enable Light Theme ).

2. Set up Trigger :

From the tab list above, select the Triggers tab > choose Add to add a new trigger.

Select Daily to have the task run every day.

Select the time you want the system to start using the light theme > choose OK .

3. Set up actions :

open the Actions tab > choose Add to add a new action.

In the Program/Script field, type reg.

In the Add Arguments (Optional) field, enter these command > choose OK :

add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionThemesPersonalize" /v SystemUsesLightTheme /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

Add second action:

• In the Program/Script field, re-enter reg.

add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionThemesPersonalize" /v AppsUseLightTheme /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

• Back in the Create Task window, choose OK to complete the task creation.

4. Create a task for dark theme :

Repeat the steps above, giving it a name (e.g. Enable Dark Theme ).

Set a trigger with the time to activate the dark theme.

In the Actions section, use these commands:

• Action 1 :

add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionThemesPersonalize" /v SystemUsesLightTheme /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

• Action 2 :

add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionThemesPersonalize" /v AppsUseLightTheme /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Save task.

Your system will now enable light/dark theme based on the set time. To disable this feature, right-choose the task in Task Scheduler and select Delete .

Use the Auto Dark Mode App to Automatically Switch Themes

If you do not want to configure it yourself in Task Scheduler, use the free Auto Dark Mode app from the Microsoft Store.

1. Basic installation and setup :
   • Download and install the app > launch.
   • Turn on the Enable Automatic Theme Switching switch .
   • Turn on Custom Hours > select the time to activate the light ( Light ) and dark ( Dark ) themes.
2. Change wallpaper automatically :
   • On the left sidebar, choose Personalization > select Pick a Wallpaper .
   • Turn on Enable Wallpaper Switch .
   • Select Mode (Light/Dark) from the drop-down menu.
   • Scroll down to Wallpaper > choose Pick File to select a wallpaper.
3. Advanced customization :
   • Hotkeys : In Switch Modes , assign hotkeys to quickly switch themes.
   • Other Options : open Switch Modes to adjust the switching time.

To remove the automatic feature, simply uninstall the app on Windows 11.

Good luck!