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How to Change Microsoft Planner from Dark Mode to Light Mode
Question details
The user wants to switch Microsoft Planner back to light mode after an update removed the dedicated appearance settings.
- Product
- Microsoft Planner
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to change the visual theme of Microsoft Planner from dark to light because the dark grid lacks sufficient contrast.
- Observed behavior
- Planner is stuck in dark mode because the Appearance toggle is missing from settings. The application now seemingly inherits its theme directly from Microsoft Teams.
Before troubleshooting, note that recent Microsoft updates have tied Planner's visual theme directly to Microsoft Teams. You will need access to your Teams application to adjust these settings.
Change the Microsoft Teams Theme to Light Mode
Since Planner currently inherits its appearance from Microsoft Teams, switching Teams to light mode will automatically apply the light theme to Planner.
Following a recent update, the independent Appearance toggle in Microsoft Planner was removed. Planner now relies on the broader Microsoft Teams theme settings. Adjusting your Teams theme is currently the only reliable workaround to restore Planner's light mode.
Launch the Microsoft Teams desktop application or open Teams in your web browser.
Click on the 'Settings and more' icon (the three horizontal dots) located in the top right corner of the Teams interface, next to your profile picture, and select 'Settings'.
In the left-hand menu of the Settings window, click on 'Appearance and accessibility'.
Under the Theme section, select the 'Light' option. Once applied, refresh your Microsoft Planner tab to see the light mode restored.
Submit Feedback to Microsoft for Independent Settings
If you require Teams to remain in dark mode while using Planner in light mode, you must report this missing feature directly to Microsoft.
Enjoy Independent Customization with WPS Office
If you are frustrated by restrictive theme settings and bundled updates in the Microsoft ecosystem, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, fully customizable, and free office suite that gives you complete control over your workspace without sacrificing file compatibility.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the software, then launch WPS Office from your desktop.
- 3. Customize Your Theme: Click the Skin (t-shirt) icon in the top right corner of the WPS Office homepage to freely switch between light and dark themes anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft Planner suddenly change to dark mode?
A recent Microsoft update synchronized Planner's visual settings with Microsoft Teams. If your Teams app is set to dark mode, Planner automatically inherits that dark theme, overriding any previous individual preferences.
Can I keep Microsoft Teams in dark mode and Planner in light mode?
Currently, you cannot separate the themes. Because the dedicated Appearance setting was removed from Planner, both applications share the same theme dictated by Microsoft Teams. You will need to wait for a Microsoft update to restore independent toggles.
Where did the Appearance setting go in Microsoft Planner?
Microsoft removed the Appearance setting from the Planner settings menu in a recent update. Theme control is now centralized through Microsoft Teams or your system/browser settings.
