Microsoft is experimenting with a faster way to enable dark mode in Windows 11, aiming to simplify a task that currently requires navigating through several system menus.
The feature appears in Dev Channel build 26300.7965, where early testers discovered a new theme control within the Quick Settings panel on the taskbar.
Dark Mode May Be Added to Quick Settings
In the experimental build, users can toggle between light and dark themes directly from Quick Settings, without opening the main Settings application.
According to reports from Windows Latest, the new control is not presented as a standalone button. Instead, it appears inside the Energy Saver submenu, which already contains options related to power efficiency.
While the placement may initially seem unusual, the logic behind it is tied to energy consumption. Dark mode can help reduce power usage on devices equipped with OLED displays, making it relevant to the power management section.
If the feature reaches the final version of Windows, it would significantly reduce the number of steps needed to switch themes—potentially allowing users to change modes with just a couple of clicks from the taskbar.
Improved Customisation for Quick Settings
The same development build also hints at broader customisation improvements for the Quick Settings panel.
A discovery shared by well-known Windows leaker PhantomOfEarth indicates that users may soon be able to remove shortcuts directly from the panel by right-clicking or long-pressing on them.
This would allow users to declutter the interface by unpinning unused controls, giving them more control over what appears in the Quick Settings menu.
Currently, customisation options are relatively limited, making this potential change a meaningful step toward a more flexible interface.
Experimental Features Still Under Testing
Microsoft has not officially mentioned these features in the build’s published changelog, suggesting they are part of a limited testing rollout within the Insider program.
As a result, there is no guarantee the changes will appear in a public release. Microsoft frequently tests experimental features internally before deciding whether to ship them broadly.
Although the update does not introduce major new capabilities, it addresses one of the long-standing usability complaints surrounding Windows 11 quick access to common settings.
For many users, switching between light and dark modes remains a routine task that currently involves navigating through multiple settings pages. Integrating that control directly into Quick Settings could make the experience feel more responsive and aligned with modern operating systems.
