Configure SSMS Dark Mode Step By Step Properly | SSMS 20.0

Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is the go-to tool for database administrators and developers working with SQL Server. SSMS 20 now includes a fully supported dark mode that can be easily enabled. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to configure SSMS dark mode properly.

Step 1: Check Your SSMS Version

Dark mode support is officially included in SSMS 20. Ensure you are using version 20.2 or later.

1. Open SSMS.
2. Click on Help in the top menu.
3. Select About.
4. Verify your SSMS version.

If you have an older version, download the latest SSMS from the official Microsoft Download Center.

Step 2: Enable Dark Theme in SSMS

By default, SSMS provides only the Blue and Light themes in the UI settings. However, the Dark theme is hidden and needs to be manually enabled.

1. Close SSMS if it is running.
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to the following path:
   ---- For Windows 64bit C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 20\Common7\IDE ---- For Windows 32bit C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 20\Common7\IDE

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   ---- For Windows 64bit C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 20\Common7\IDE   ---- For Windows 32bit C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 20\Common7\IDE

3. Locate the file ssms.pkgundef.
4. Right-click and open it with Notepad or any text editor.
5. Press Ctrl + F and search for:
   Remove Dark theme

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   Remove Dark theme

6. Find and comment out the following line by adding // at the beginning:
   // [$RootKey$\Themes\{1ded0138-47ce-435e-84ef-9ec1f439b749}]

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   // [$RootKey$\Themes\{1ded0138-47ce-435e-84ef-9ec1f439b749}]

7. Save the file and close the editor.

Step 3: Apply SSMS Dark Mode

1. Open SSMS.
2. Go to Tools > Options.
3. Navigate to Environment > General.
4. Under the Color theme dropdown, select Dark.
5. Click OK to apply the changes. Your SSMS should now have a dark-themed interface!

Step 4: Enable Dark Theme for Query Editor (Optional)

By default, only the UI elements of SSMS will have dark mode enabled, but the Query Editor background remains white. To change the Query Editor background to dark:

1. Open SSMS and go to Tools > Options.
2. Navigate to Fonts and Colors under Environment.
3. Find Text Editor in the Display items list.
4. Change the Item background color to Black.
5. Change the Plain Text foreground color to White.
6. Click OK to apply changes.

Conclusion

Enabling dark mode in SSMS enhances visual comfort and reduces eye strain during long working hours. While the process requires a few manual steps, it is a simple and effective way to improve your SQL Server Management Studio experience. If you encounter any issues, ensure you have the latest SSMS version installed.

Now you can enjoy coding in SSMS with a sleek, modern dark theme!

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