Enhanced Windows 11 Explorer Pop-ups: Previewing the Improved Dark Mode for File Transfers

Microsoft Improves Dark Mode Support in Windows 11

Windows 11’s dark mode has garnered mixed reviews, often criticized for its inconsistencies. However, there’s promising news from Microsoft regarding enhancements to this feature. As reported in August 2025, the company is integrating dark theme support for legacy dialogs, which include essential pop-ups for operations like file transfers and administrative tasks. Recent builds indicate that these updates have made the dark-themed dialogs more aesthetically pleasing.

File Explorer light mode dialogs — Current dialog utilizing light theme instead of dark mode

Understanding Legacy Dialogs in Windows 11

If you regularly use dark mode like many others, you’re likely familiar with the issue of light-themed dialogs appearing when the operating system itself is set to dark mode. The screenshot above, captured on a Windows 11 machine running version 25H2, illustrates this inconsistency effectively.

Fortunately, these dialogs are finally gaining support for dark mode. The following image showcases a pop-up window that confirms folder deletion now rendered in dark mode:

File Explorer dark mode dialogs for Delete Folder

This update affects various dialogs, including those prompting users for confirmation before deleting a folder or managing access permissions. Notably, even the dialogs for deleting multiple items have transitioned to dark mode.

Testing Improvements in Dark Mode

Currently undergoing testing in Windows 11 Build 26120 (available on the Beta channel), these features remain somewhat hidden. However, improvements are observable in newer builds. Microsoft has rolled out additional updates enhancing the visual appeal of dark mode dialogs.

Windows 11 dark mode dialog with blue colour

The enhanced screens, as displayed in the screenshot from my test device, reveal a more visually striking interface, featuring a blue hue for progress indicators. Additionally, a new shade of yellow indicates paused transfers, while a deeper red has been introduced to signal failed or canceled file transfers.

A Glimpse into Future Developments

In our assessments, Windows Latest found that the legacy dialogs currently do not incorporate the operating system’s accent colors. Regardless of user preferences for system accents, they default to blue in dark mode and green in light mode.

This may feel like a small step, but as many users will attest, any improvement is welcome. The call for “UI consistency”in Windows 11 makes this statement particularly relevant.

File Explorer dark mode dialogs — Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

Currently, the Run and Properties dialogs remain unaffected by these dark mode enhancements. However, it seems only a matter of time before Microsoft extends these updates to all feature areas. The transition to blue accenting strongly indicates the company’s commitment to refining dark mode within Windows 11.

File in Use for File Explorer with dark mode — Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

In a recent reply from Microsoft’s design director on X, it was confirmed that dark mode support for legacy pop-ups is indeed on its way and will be included in forthcoming cumulative updates for both versions 25H2 and 24H2.

Source & Images