Chrome is getting a better dark mode when you go incognito

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Since people discovered a love for darker tones – whether that is because of a simple preference for a less bright aesthetic, or because of the fact dark hues are easier on the eyes – dark modes have been spreading through the software world.

Everything from operating systems to web browsers now include the option of switching between light and dark modes, and Chrome is no different in this regard. But the implementation in Google's browser has not been perfect, and this is something that the company is about to address.

Anyone who makes use of Incognito Mode in Chrome, for instance, will have noticed that dark mode is, well, not as dark as it could be. There are various elements which stand out like a sore thumb, in fact – but not for much longer.

If you've been disappointed to find that certain screen elements remain stubbornly bright even when you have dark mode enabled, Google is making a change that will bring a smile to your face. A new setting will tell the interface for incognito mode to ignore the light mode setting of an operating system, as well as any other customizations that might interfere with dark mode.

Prince of darkness

There is a reason for Chrome treating Incognito windows differently to normal ones – having a slightly different look makes it easier to quickly differentiate between the two at a glance. But with the introduction of new experimental settings in the Canary builds of Chrome for Windows, macOS, Linux and Chrome OS, Google is giving users a choice.

There are two flags to enable after visiting chrome://flags in the browser. Find and enable Enforces dark mode UI on desktop to have Incognito mode ignore light mode settings and other interfering customizations. You can also turn on the Enable Incognito brand consistency for desktop flag to remove theme and background customizations.

For now, this is only available in Chrome Canary, but will eventually make its way to the main build of the browser and will be the default setting.

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Via Techdows

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Sofia is a tech journalist who's been writing about software, hardware and the web for nearly 25 years – but still looks as youthful as ever! After years writing for magazines, her life moved online and remains fueled by technology, music and nature.

Having written for websites and magazines since 2000, producing a wide range of reviews, guides, tutorials, brochures, newsletters and more, she continues to write for diverse audiences, from computing newbies to advanced users and business clients. Always willing to try something new, she loves sharing new discoveries with others.

Sofia lives and breathes Windows, Android, iOS, macOS and just about anything with a power button, but her particular areas of interest include security, tweaking and privacy. Her other loves include walking, music, her two Malamutes and, of course, her wife and daughter.

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