<h2 id="heading-how-to-enable-dark-mode-with-sql-shades">How to Enable Dark Mode with SQL Shades</h2>
Since SSMS doesn’t fully support dark themes out of the box, you’ll need to use a third-party tool like SQL Shades to enable dark mode. Follow these simple steps:
<ol>
<li>Download SQL Shades Head over to the SQL Shades website and download the tool: 👉 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sqlshades.com/">Download SQL Shades</a>
</li>
<li>Install SQL Shades Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
</li>
<li>Restart SQL Server Management Studio After installation, restart SSMS to activate the dark mode. Once restarted, you’ll see the interface transformed into a beautiful dark theme.
</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/lnhwf3rlje755aa7pftt.png" alt="Image description" />
A clean, dark-themed UI that works well with SSMS. Improved readability with optimized color schemes for code and menus. Minimal impact on system performance.

## How to Enable Dark Mode with SQL Shades

Since SSMS doesn’t fully support dark themes out of the box, you’ll need to use a third-party tool like SQL Shades to enable dark mode. Follow these simple steps:

1. Download SQL Shades Head over to the SQL Shades website and download the tool: 👉 [Download SQL Shades](https://www.sqlshades.com/)
    
2. Install SQL Shades Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
    
3. Restart SQL Server Management Studio After installation, restart SSMS to activate the dark mode. Once restarted, you’ll see the interface transformed into a beautiful dark theme.
    

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/lnhwf3rlje755aa7pftt.png align="left")

A clean, dark-themed UI that works well with SSMS. Improved readability with optimized color schemes for code and menus. Minimal impact on system performance.

How to Enable Dark Mode on SQL Server

How to Enable Dark Mode with SQL Shades