macOS Big Sur Tip: How To Make Windows In Dark Mode Darker

Apple recently released the fourth macOS Big Sur beta, which includes an option that will allow users to disable a feature that makes windows blend in with the desktop wallpaper. This feature comes as a relief to those who are hoping to see windows look distinctly different from wallpapers when using dark mode.

Apple previously introduced a feature called “wallpaper tinting” in a previous version of macOS. Users who have this feature enabled while using dark mode will see the windows on the screen blend in with the desktop wallpaper. Disabling it will make windows look darker and easier to distinguish from other elements on the screen.

Earlier macOS versions didn't include an option to disable wallpaper tinting. Users had a workaround in the form of enabling the graphite accent color option, but this didn't really solve the problem – it simply changed the window color. Doing this, however, can eliminate many of the operating system's colored elements, ultimately affecting the end-user experience.

With the fourth macOS Big Sur developer beta, Apple has added an option to disable wallpaper tinting so that users will not have to deal with windows that blend in with wallpapers when in dark mode. The new feature lets users see windows better when in dark mode and doesn't affect other elements in the interface, unlike when using the graphite accent color.

Here's how the new feature works:

• First, Mac and MacBook users will need to make sure their devices are running on the latest macOS Big Sur developer beta. This is the version where it will work.
• Second, users will need to open Settings, then go to General.
• Third, once there, users should look for the toggle that says “Allow wallpaper tinting in windows” and click on it to disable it.

Doing this changes the way windows look when dark mode is enabled. It doesn't change the way windows look when using light mode, MacRumors noted. The feature only applies to windows and will not change the way other display elements, such as side bars, look.

Those who prefer to use light mode will not need to tweak this setting. Those who prefer to use dark mode, however, might appreciate how it changes the way windows appear.