Windows 11 continues to evolve, yet it remains a patchwork of design languages, with various applications and features relying on different frameworks. While Microsoft has plans to revamp much of the legacy interface using WinUI, this transformation is expected to take time. In the interim, rather than eliminating older UI elements in favor of incomplete modernization, the company is enhancing them, introducing features like dark mode, with Hyper-V Manager now joining the ranks of updated tools.
Recently, users may have noticed that Windows 11 has rolled out dark mode support for file-operation dialogs, including file deletion alerts and transfer graphs. Additionally, a refreshed version of the legacy Windows Run dialog now embraces dark mode, maintaining its familiar interface while aligning with the overall OS theme.
Next in line for this aesthetic upgrade is Hyper-V Manager, a tool primarily utilized by enterprises to create and manage virtual machines. While it may not capture the attention of everyday consumers, the introduction of dark mode here signals a broader trend: even the oldest components of Windows are receiving modern enhancements.
Hyper-V Manager has not seen a significant visual update in years, with many configuration dialogs still appearing as bright white windows, even when the system is set to dark mode. However, recent preview builds indicate that change is on the horizon.
Which Hyper-V Manager dialogs support dark mode?
Upon installing the latest Windows builds, I observed that dark mode has been applied to several key dialogs within Hyper-V Manager, including:
- New Virtual Machine
- Export Virtual Machine
- Import Virtual Machine
For instance, the “Import Virtual Machine” dialog now sports a dark mode, albeit with some rough edges still visible.
Similarly, the New Virtual Hard Disk wizard has also received a dark mode makeover, providing a more cohesive experience.
Editing virtual hard disks now reveals dark mode as well, enhancing the overall user experience.
<figure id="attachment95975″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-95975″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter”><figcaption id="caption-attachment95975″ class=”wp-caption-text”>The Edit Virtual Hard Disk wizard in dark mode. Credit WindowsLatest.com / Gareth
The virtual machine settings page has also adopted a dark appearance, although the layout remains unchanged, preserving the familiar user experience.
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Can you already try Windows 11’s early dark mode improvements?
My observations of Hyper-V’s dark mode were made in Windows Server and Windows 11 preview builds. Currently, these features are not available in the production channel, as Microsoft continues to refine the experience and expand dark mode support across additional areas.
<figure id="attachment95972″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-95972″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter”><figcaption id="caption-attachment95972″ class=”wp-caption-text”>Hyper-V’s dark mode setting in a Windows Server preview build. Credit WindowsLatest.com / Gareth
Interestingly, Hyper-V’s dark mode support does not require a feature ID, making it accessible for testers without the need for third-party tools. However, Microsoft has yet to formally announce this enhancement.
Moreover, Hyper-V now offers theme options akin to those found in modern Windows applications, allowing it to maintain a dark appearance regardless of the system theme or to follow the Windows theme automatically. Users can also opt for a light theme if preferred.
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However, switching between themes requires a restart of Hyper-V Manager for the changes to take effect.
Still incomplete, but promising
While Hyper-V Manager’s dark mode is still a work in progress, with the main management view and certain features remaining in light mode, the updates thus far are encouraging. For example, the Virtual Machine Connection and Quick Create Gallery still lack dark mode support.
Hyper-V is part of a bigger dark mode push in Windows 11
Although the excitement surrounding a single application receiving dark mode may seem subdued, it reflects a larger initiative towards a cohesive design language across Windows. Microsoft has confirmed plans to extend dark mode to more legacy areas of the operating system.
In March, Marcus Ash, head of Design and Research for Windows and Devices, emphasized the company’s commitment to integrating dark themes into more components of Windows. Recent updates have already begun to implement these changes, such as the addition of dark mode to account dialogs within the Settings app.
Furthermore, Microsoft is actively working on rebuilding certain dialogs using WinUI, with dark mode support already appearing in preview builds for various components, including the Properties dialog for the Recycle Bin.
<figure id="attachment92701″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-92701″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter”><figcaption id="caption-attachment92701″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-92701″ class=”wp-caption-text”>File Explorer modern Properties dialog built using WinUI, replaces Win32
Additionally, AutoPlay is set to receive a WinUI 3 redesign that will include dark mode. An automatic dark mode feature is also in development, which will adjust Windows themes based on the time of day.
These enhancements signal a promising direction for Windows 11, as even legacy components like Hyper-V are receiving much-needed attention, paving the way for a more unified and modern user experience.
