Light Switch Archives

Winsage

January 9, 2026

The Secret Microsoft App That Improves How I Use Windows

PowerToys is a suite of utilities developed by Microsoft, available for free on GitHub and other platforms, which enhances the Windows user experience with frequently updated functionalities. Key utilities include: - Command Palette: A tool for launching applications, searching for files, and locating open windows, with a Bookmarks feature for quick access to folders and websites. - Light Switch: Allows users to toggle dark mode with a keyboard shortcut and schedule it based on fixed hours or local sunset times. - Peek: Enables quick file previews by pressing the Space bar, allowing seamless navigation through files. - Text Extractor: A utility for extracting text from images faster than Windows' built-in OCR, using the shortcut Windows + Shift + T. - Image Resizer: Simplifies the process of resizing images through a right-click option in File Explorer, offering preset sizes and custom resolutions. - Awake: Keeps PCs active beyond default sleep settings, allowing users to choose a duration for their systems to remain awake. - FancyZones: Provides custom window layouts for efficient workspace organization, allowing users to snap windows into designated zones.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

10 Hacks Every Windows Power User Should Know

Windows is a widely used computing platform that integrates applications, synchronizes Microsoft Office documents, and provides a gaming environment. It has introduced the Command Palette, a keyboard launcher for accessing various functions, which can be enabled through PowerToys and accessed using the shortcut Windows + Alt + Space. Users can replace the default File Explorer with the Files app, which offers a better interface and features like tabs and dual-pane mode. The ExplorerPatcher app allows users to revert to the Windows 10 Taskbar, while Start 11 enables customization of the Start menu. Seelen UI provides a customizable menu bar and Dock for users transitioning from Mac. PowerToys includes Light Switch for automating dark mode transitions. Snap Layouts helps organize multiple windows, accessible via the Maximize button or Windows + Z shortcut. Winget is a package manager for installing applications with a single command, and UniGetUI offers a graphical interface for app management. Clipboard History can be accessed with Windows + V, and the Ditto app enhances clipboard functionality. Focus Sessions in the Clock app serve as a Pomodoro timer, and the Keyboard Manager in PowerToys allows users to create custom shortcuts and remap keys.

Winsage

November 9, 2025

How to let PowerToys handle your theme-switching on Windows 11 — light mode for work, dark mode for vibes

Windows 11 does not have a built-in feature to automatically toggle between light and dark modes, but users can achieve this functionality by installing the PowerToys app. To enable automatic switching, users must install PowerToys, open the app, navigate to System Tools, and activate the Light Switch feature. Users can choose to schedule the switch based on sunset or sunrise times or manually set a schedule. The app can also adjust color modes for the system or apps. A keyboard shortcut ("Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + D") is available for manual switching.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

The newest PowerToys update is causing chaos among Windows 11 users

The PowerToys suite for Windows 11 has a bug causing the new Light Switch feature to activate automatically after a routine update, leading to unexpected toggling between light and dark modes. Users have reported this issue on the PowerToys GitHub page, prompting a response from a team member, Jaylyn, who confirmed that the activation was unintended and a fix is forthcoming. In the meantime, users are advised to disable the Light Switch feature in their settings as a temporary solution.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Windows 11 auto switching theme to light mode or dark after updates? It’s due to PowerToys

Windows 11 users are experiencing unexpected fluctuations between light and dark theme modes due to a known issue with PowerToys v0.95, which inadvertently activated the 'Light Switch' feature. This feature toggles themes based on local time or a customized schedule, overriding user preferences. Microsoft acknowledged that the feature should not have been enabled by default and is working on a fix. Users can temporarily resolve the issue by disabling the Light Switch feature in PowerToys.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

Microsoft is finally adding dark mode to the folder and Run windows, and they’re looking slick

Windows 11's dark mode currently does not include legacy dialogs like the file transfer dialog box. The latest Insider build introduces dark mode options for the Run dialog and Folder Options, accessible through Vivetool commands. These features are not yet publicly available and will undergo testing before a wider rollout. Microsoft typically tests new features across various channels before releasing them to the general public. Additionally, the PowerToys suite offers a Light Switch feature for users to customize dark mode activation.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Windows 11 can now automatically switch between light and dark modes. How to do it

Light Switch is a new tool included in the PowerToys 0.95 update from Microsoft, allowing users to transition between light and dark modes based on the time of day. Users can set custom time frames for this transition and choose which components of the operating system will change modes. To use Light Switch, users must download PowerToys and ensure they have the latest version installed.