14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft’s most recent Windows 10 preview build comes with a new light theme that the company will release to everyone when the update is finalized in the spring of 2019.
While in the previous Windows 10 feature updates the focus has been mostly on the dark theme, this time Microsoft is working on a light visual style that makes the desktop look and feel more modern.
Unsurprisingly, the new light theme brings the Windows 10 look closer to what we’ve seen in several concepts that made the rounds lately. The light skin expands to cover the Start menu, the taskbar, the Action Center, and several other desktop elements.
Work in progress
Microsoft won’t be offering this light theme as enabled by default in Windows 10, though this is something that could change as we get closer to the release of 19H1.
“When you update to this build, your system color won’t automatically change to the new light system color. This is because we want everything to be exactly as you left it before you did the update. We’re leaving the choice up to you!” Dona Sarkar, head of the Windows Insider program, explains.
If you’re running Windows 10 build 18282, you can enable the new theme from Settings > Personalization > Colors and switch to the light visual style.
This new build also includes a fresh wallpaper that Microsoft has prepared specifically for the light theme. Microsoft says further refinements would be included in the coming builds, as this update is still in its early days.
“Please note that we’re still working on “lightening up” different pieces of the OS and refining the experience. For example, the OneDrive icon in the notification area (system tray) is white making it hard to see when you are using the light system color. Expect us to refine this experience,” Microsoft says.
