Vmware Workstation 16.2 dark mode

[Michael_Non]

Just upgraded to 16.2 and now my workstation is in the UGLY "white" mode.  I had been using "dark mode" for quite a while and loved it.  But now the dark mode option is gone.

Previous version was also running on Windows 11 host.  As is this version.

Any reason why it was removed?

Thanks.

[Deathspawner]

I'd love to know this, as well, after being almost blinded after opening the software post-update. The option in Preferences > Display has simply vanished.

[MrJLC]

I too as well am experiencing this issue after I upgraded to 16.2; the option for the dark mode is not there. I too celebrated the addition of dark mode as I get migraines from light color backgrounds.

I hope that this is a temporary thing and this feature will not be removed from releases going forward. 

[wila]

Hi,

That's a bug and according to Mike (VMware Workstation Product Manager) they will address it ASAP.

https://twitter.com/mikeroySoft/status/1448727864321331204

--
Wil

[Michael_Non]

Thanks for finding this Will.  I appreciate it.

[ZackInMA]

Oh, what kind of fresh hell is this.... Now I have to be blinded by this garbage interface... What kind of dope who sucks at life thought this was a good idea to let get past QA? 

Downgrade here:

https://customerconnect.vmware.com/en/downloads/details?downloadGroup=WKST-1612-WIN&productId=1038&r...

[mrdow2000 · Accepted solution]

There is a work around.

File: C:\Users\"user"\AppData\Roaming\VMware\preferences.ini

Add line at end: wsFeatureDarkModeSupported = "TRUE"

Save file. Reload VMware Workstation app. Theme returns.

[DanielSan17]

Thanks mrdow2000, it works !!

Great !

[Michael_Non]

THANK YOU!!!!!!

[ZackInMA]

MrDow2000's workaround works! Kudos given... My eyes thank you!

[romanescu76]

Thank you mrdow2000! I now have dark theme back!

[Eliforp]

Thanks.  This was going to drive me nuts!

[Slmsiko]

For me that workaround does not work. 😐

Version used: Player v16.2.4 with current VMWare tools installed