For years, users of Chrome and Edge browsers have dealt with an annoying “white flash” when opening the browser or a new window, especially in dark mode. This brief flash of white disrupts the otherwise dark interface, causing discomfort for many. Fortunately, a fix may be on the horizon.
The issue arises because, during window creation, the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) in Windows assigns a default white background. In dark mode, this leads to a noticeable white flash before the browser applies the correct dark theme. Developers have been aware of this problem for some time. In fact, discussions about similar issues date back to at least 2019, when efforts were made to address the “white flash” between web pages in Chrome.
Here’s a video shared on X that highlights the problem:
Chrome and Edge have had a “white flash” problem for years, this white flash is visible when opening the browser or a new window, well, according to a patch in Gerrit, Microsoft could finally fix this annoying issue:https://t.co/tpNPvH1hwA
.https://t.co/2K76DhCMvL
. pic.twitter.com/LmPWavHVOz— Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) January 6, 2025
Recently, a patch submitted to the Chromium Gerrit proposes a solution. The patch suggests cloaking the window upon creation and forcing it to paint with the intended background color before displaying it to the user. This approach aims to prevent the white flash by ensuring the window shows the correct color from the outset. Chris Davis, a developer involved in this effort, mentioned that while the fix is currently targeted for Windows, similar issues on other platforms like Linux might be addressed in the future.
It’s worth noting that previous attempts to fix this issue have faced challenges. A prior solution was apparently reverted due to causing regressions in pop-up windows, indicating the complexity of addressing this problem without introducing new issues. The current patch appears to be a more refined approach, aiming to balance functionality with user experience.
Complaints about the problem have been popping up on Reddit for years. The white flash can be jarring, disrupting the seamless experience that dark mode aims to provide. That said, while the patch has been submitted, it will undergo a review and testing process before being integrated into stable releases of Chrome and Edge. Users can anticipate the fix to roll out in upcoming browser updates, though exact timelines likely depend on the testing outcomes.
In the meantime, users experiencing this issue can consider temporary workarounds, such as using browser extensions designed to manage background colors during loading. However, these are not perfect solutions and may not fully eliminate the white flash.
This potential fix for the bug is already seen as a welcome development for users who have long dealt with this issue. Only time will tell if it becomes a permanent fix or if it will fade away like the previous attempted fix from a few years ago.
Dwayne Cubbins
524 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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