How to switch between ChromeOS dark and light themes

ChromeOS is one of my go-to platforms when I want to get things done with a good measure of simplicity. All I have to do is open the lid, enter my PIN, and get to work. The platform is a great option for writers looking to shed the complications of traditional operating systems to focus on the basics.

But, over the years ChromeOS has become much more than it originally was. You can install true applications (with the help of both Linux and Android support) and open web pages in their own dedicated window (making them behave more like traditional applications).

One of my gripes over the past couple of years is that Google had locked ChromeOS to a dark theme. I get the idea behind the dark theme, but it’s just never been my cuppa. I much prefer the lighter themes, because, well, it’s just the way I’m wired.

At one point, it was possible to gain access to a light theme with a rather cumbersome hack. Unfortunately, it made the ChromeOS UI rather unstable.

Fortunately, the latest upgrade to ChromeOS (version 104.0.5112.9) adds native support for switching between a dark and light theme, without any instability.

Let’s see how it works.

Upgrading ChromeOS

If you’re already up-to-date, you can skip this part and proceed to “Switching between the dark and light themes” below. If you do need the version 104.0.5112.9 update, you should automatically be notified that it’s available. If not, here’s how you can check for it.

1. Open Settings

The first thing to do is open Settings. Click on the System Tray and then click the gear icon in the upper right corner (Figure 1).

Figure 1

2. Check for an update

In the left sidebar, click About ChromeOS and then click Check for updates (Figure 2).

Figure 2

If an update is available, you’ll be prompted to restart to apply it.

Switching between the dark and light themes

Minimize any applications you have running and two-finger tap the trackpad anywhere on the desktop. In the resulting menu (Figure 3), tap Set wallpaper & style.

Figure 3

In the resulting window (Figure 4), you can select between Light, Dark, or Auto. 

Figure 4

The Auto option will shift the theme from light to dark, depending on the time of day (light during the day and dark at night). Make your choice and the theme will switch to whichever you’ve selected. 

For anyone who finds the default dark theme a bit “much,” this new feature will be a real breath of fresh air to enhance your Chromebook experience. It might not make you more productive, but it’ll certainly make your productivity a bit less of an eye strain.