Users of Windows 11 have reported issues with their operating system inexplicably switching between light and dark modes. This frustrating occurrence stems from a bug linked to the recent PowerToys v0.95 update, and Microsoft is currently investigating the matter.
One affected user expressed their frustration on GitHub, saying, “I spent almost one hour trying to find out what could possibly set Windows from dark mode to light mode all by itself.” This sentiment reflects a growing dissatisfaction among users who have taken to online forums to voice their concerns.
According to Microsoft, the issue arises from a feature in PowerToys known as “Light Switch, ” which automatically alters the theme based on the time of day or the user’s location. If you are encountering this issue, it is advisable to disable the Light Switch feature by navigating to PowerToys > System Tools and toggling the feature off.
Understanding the Theme Switching Trouble in Windows 11
Microsoft released PowerToys v0.95 on October 16, introducing various enhancements, including the controversial ‘Light Switch’ feature. This functionality enables Windows to automatically alternate between light and dark modes, depending on the local time or at scheduled sunrise and sunset times.
Despite being a highly requested feature, it does not align with every user’s preferences. Typically, features within PowerToys are not activated automatically after updates; however, this time, users have found themselves dealing with unexpected theme changes.
Reports from Windows Latest confirm that the PowerToys update inadvertently activated the Light Switch, prompting Windows to toggle between themes in a seemingly unpredictable manner. Compounding the issue, changes made through Windows Settings > Personalization > Colors can be overridden by PowerToys, causing a loop of theme switching that can become quite frustrating.
Fortunately, Microsoft has acknowledged the bug and is preparing a fix that could be released as soon as Monday. A developer from Microsoft addressed the issue on GitHub, stating, “We never intended to have Light Switch be turned on by default – this is actually a bug, and we are working on a fix rolling out ASAP.”
The Importance of Careful Update Management
While PowerToys is a popular utility not bundled with Windows by default, many users rely on it for enhanced functionality. Automatically enabling a feature that alters system settings can lead to confusion and distress among users. The sudden theme shifts may lead individuals to suspect malware or other significant issues, highlighting the need for clarity with software updates.
To address the problem proactively, Windows users can disable the Light Switch functionality from the PowerToys interface until a permanent resolution is provided. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for Microsoft, illustrating the potential chaos that can arise from unanticipated changes after updates.
In light of ongoing challenges, such as the bugs reported in the Windows 11 October 2025 Update that are affecting localhost, File Explorer’s Preview pane, and user input devices in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), it is imperative that Microsoft prioritize careful management of updates and user settings.
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