YouTube is one of the most popular video-sharing platforms available today. With its vast range of content and features, it has become a staple for many internet users. One of the features that users often seek is the option to enable a Dark Mode. Dark Mode provides a more visually appealing interface that is less straining on the eyes, especially when using the platform for extended periods. While YouTube’s Dark Mode has been available on mobile devices for some time, many Windows 10 users wonder how they can enable it on their computers. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to make YouTube Dark Mode on Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Making YouTube Dark Mode on Windows 10
By default, YouTube’s website interface on Windows 10 does not offer a built-in Dark Mode option like the mobile app does. This poses a challenge for users who prefer the Dark Mode aesthetic or find it more comfortable to use in low-light environments. However, with the help of some third-party tools and browser extensions, Windows 10 users can still enjoy the Dark Mode experience on YouTube.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you start exploring the methods to make YouTube Dark Mode on Windows 10, there are a few things you should prepare:
1. Windows 10 computer: Ensure that you have a Windows 10 computer or laptop to follow the methods mentioned in this article.
2. Internet Browser: Make sure you have a compatible internet browser installed on your Windows 10 computer, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
3. Stable Internet Connection: An active and stable internet connection is essential to access YouTube and perform the necessary actions to enable Dark Mode.
4. Extensions or Add-ons: Depending on the method you choose, you may need to install specific browser extensions or add-ons to enable Dark Mode on YouTube.
With these preparations in place, let’s dive into the different methods to make YouTube Dark Mode on Windows 10.
Method 1: Using Browser Settings
Step 1: Open your preferred internet browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge).
Step 2: Visit the YouTube website by typing "youtube.com" in the address bar and pressing Enter.
Step 3: Once the YouTube homepage loads, right-click anywhere on the page to open the context menu.
Step 4: In the context menu, click on "Inspect" or "Inspect Element." This will open the browser’s developer tools panel.
Step 5: Within the developer tools panel, locate the "Console" tab and click on it.
Step 6: In the console area, paste the following code and press Enter:
"`
document.cookie="VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE=fPQ4jCL6EiE; path=/; domain=.youtube.com";window.location.reload();
"`
Step 7: Close the developer tools panel by clicking on the "X" button or pressing the appropriate keyboard shortcut (such as Ctrl + Shift + I for Google Chrome).
Step 8: Refresh the YouTube webpage, and you should now see a new option in your account settings called "Dark Mode." Click on it to enable Dark Mode.
Pros:
– No need to install any additional software or browser extensions.
– Can be easily performed using the browser’s developer tools.
Cons:
– The Dark Mode functionality may be limited and not as comprehensive as other methods.
– Enabling Dark Mode through browser settings may not persist across different YouTube sessions.
Method 2: Using Browser Extensions
Step 1: Open your preferred internet browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge).
Step 2: Go to the browser’s web store or extension/add-on marketplace (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, or Microsoft Edge Add-ons).
Step 3: Search for "YouTube Dark Mode" or similar keywords in the extension marketplace.
Step 4: Choose a reliable and highly-rated YouTube Dark Mode extension that suits your needs.
Step 5: Click on the "Add to Chrome"/"Add to Firefox"/"Get" button to install the extension.
Step 6: Once the extension is installed, navigate to YouTube’s website and refresh the page if necessary.
Step 7: The YouTube Dark Mode extension should automatically detect the website and enable Dark Mode.
Pros:
– Offers a comprehensive Dark Mode experience with additional customization options.
– The Dark Mode settings are usually saved and persist across different YouTube sessions.
Cons:
– Requires installing third-party extensions, which may affect browser performance or pose security risks.
– Compatibility issues may occur with certain browser versions or updates.
Method 3: Using YouTube’s Built-in Theme
Step 1: Open your preferred internet browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge).
Step 2: Go to the official YouTube website by typing "youtube.com" in the address bar and pressing Enter.
Step 3: Once the YouTube homepage loads, click on your profile picture or avatar in the top right corner.
Step 4: In the dropdown menu, click on "Settings" or "YouTube Studio."
Step 5: In the left sidebar, select "Appearance."
Step 6: Under the "Choose a theme" section, click on the dropdown menu.
Step 7: Select the "Dark" theme from the available options.
Step 8: The webpage will refresh, and YouTube should now be in Dark Mode.
Pros:
– Uses YouTube’s built-in theme customization options, ensuring compatibility and stability.
– The Dark Mode setting persists across different YouTube sessions and devices.
Cons:
– The Dark Mode customization options may be limited compared to dedicated browser extensions.
– Customization options may vary depending on YouTube’s updates and changes.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Software (e.g., WinDynamicDesktop)
Step 1: Download and install the WinDynamicDesktop software from the official website (https://github.com/t1m0thyj/WinDynamicDesktop).
Step 2: Launch the WinDynamicDesktop application.
Step 3: Grant necessary permissions and agree to any terms or conditions.
Step 4: In the WinDynamicDesktop application, click on the "Settings" tab.
Step 5: Under the "Presets" section, choose a Dark Mode or Night Mode preset that suits your preferences.
Step 6: Click on the "Apply" or "Save" button to activate the chosen preset.
Step 7: Open your preferred internet browser and navigate to the YouTube website.
Step 8: The browser should now display YouTube in Dark Mode, according to the preset configured in WinDynamicDesktop.
Pros:
– Offers a system-wide Dark Mode experience, including YouTube and other applications.
– Provides extensive customization options for different Dark Mode visual styles.
Cons:
– Requires installing third-party software, which may affect system performance or pose security risks.
– Compatibility issues may arise with certain system configurations or updates.
Why Can’t I Make YouTube Dark Mode on Windows 10?
Q1: Why is there no official Dark Mode option on YouTube for Windows 10?
A: The lack of an official Dark Mode option on YouTube’s website for Windows 10 is primarily a design decision made by YouTube’s developers. They have chosen to prioritize and focus on other features and functionality. However, YouTube does offer a Dark Mode option on its mobile app for both iOS and Android devices.
Q2: Can I enable Dark Mode on YouTube without using third-party tools or extensions?
A: Unfortunately, YouTube’s website interface on Windows 10 does not natively support Dark Mode. However, you can still enable Dark Mode using the methods mentioned earlier in this article. These methods utilize third-party tools or browser extensions to override the default design and enable a Dark Mode experience.
Q3: Will the Dark Mode functionality persist across different YouTube sessions and devices?
A: The persistence of Dark Mode settings can depend on the method used. If you enable Dark Mode using YouTube’s built-in theme settings or dedicated browser extensions, the Dark Mode functionality should persist across different YouTube sessions and devices. However, if you use the browser settings method, the Dark Mode option may reset upon clearing browser data or browsing in private/incognito mode.
Additional Tips
1. Clear Browser Cache: If you encounter any issues with Dark Mode not working or persisting, try clearing your browser cache and cookies. This can help resolve any conflicts or old data that may affect Dark Mode functionality.
2. Update Browser and Extensions: Keep your internet browser and installed extensions up to date. Browser updates and extension updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can enhance Dark Mode functionality.
3. Explore Theme Customization: If you want more control over the Dark Mode aesthetics, investigate the theme customization options offered by browser extensions or third-party software. These options can allow you to tweak colors, contrast, and other visual elements.
5 FAQs about Making YouTube Dark Mode on Windows 10
Q1: Can I enable Dark Mode on YouTube without an account?
A: No, to access the Dark Mode option on YouTube, you need to have an active YouTube account. The Dark Mode setting is tied to your account preferences and will be applied whenever you log in.
Q2: Will enabling Dark Mode on YouTube affect other websites?
A: Enabling Dark Mode on YouTube, using methods such as browser extensions or browser settings, will only affect the appearance of YouTube itself. It will not impact other websites or browser functionalities unless specifically designed to do so.
Q3: Does enabling Dark Mode on YouTube improve battery life on laptops?
A: Enabling Dark Mode on YouTube does not directly improve battery life on laptops or other devices. However, since Dark Mode uses darker colors, it may reduce some strain on the screen and possibly contribute to slight power savings.
Q4: Are there any alternatives to Dark Mode for YouTube on Windows 10?
A: If Dark Mode is not available or suitable for your preferences, you can try alternative solutions such as adjusting your device’s display settings to reduce brightness or using software that filters blue light emissions.
Q5: Is it possible to enable YouTube Dark Mode on older versions of Windows?
A: The methods mentioned in this article should work for most recent versions of Windows, including Windows 10. However, compatibility may vary depending on the browser version and other system specifications.
In Conclusion
While YouTube’s website interface on Windows 10 does not offer a built-in Dark Mode option, there are several methods available to enable Dark Mode on this platform. From utilizing browser settings and installing browser extensions to using third-party software, Windows 10 users can achieve the Dark Mode experience they desire while browsing YouTube. Each method has its pros and cons, depending on personal preferences and technical considerations. By following the detailed steps provided in this article, you can effectively enable YouTube Dark Mode on your Windows 10 computer and enjoy a more visually appealing and comfortable viewing experience.