The Microsoft Office Excel app supports dark mode. The Excel app automatically follows the Windows 11 system theme to turn dark mode on or off unless Excel is configured to ignore the system theme settings.
When dark mode is switched on, the Excel app’s interface turns black/dark gray. For instance, the title bar, ribbon, menus, status bar, side panels, and dialog boxes are turned black/dark gray. However, most of the time, the worksheet background (also known as the cells area) remains white even in dark mode. This behavior defeats the purpose of dark mode, as users generally switch it on for a dark background. In short, the Excel app is in dark mode, but the worksheet stays white!
Many users like to have a dark spreadsheet background while using dark mode, as a white background is not easy on the eyes during dark or low-light conditions.
Turn on dark mode for Excel worksheet background in Windows 11
Step 1: Launch the Excel app using search or another method if it is not already running. If you wish to open an existing Excel sheet, you may do so.
Step 2: Click the View tab to switch to the same.
Step 3: Here, click the Switch Modes button to turn on dark mode for the spreadsheet background. The change should appear immediately.
To restore the default white background, click the Switch Modes button again once.
From now on, Office Excel should always use a dark background in dark mode, even for new workbooks/sheets.
Our how to open Apple Numbers files in Office Excel app in Windows 11/10 guide might also interest you.
Leave a Reply