diff --git a/config/_default/params.toml b/config/_default/params.toml
index 8c092ff..8492bf0 100644
--- a/config/_default/params.toml
+++ b/config/_default/params.toml
@@ -6,8 +6,8 @@
 # https://jpanther.github.io/congo/docs/configuration/#theme-parameters
 
 colorScheme = "fire"
-defaultAppearance = "light" # valid options: light or dark
-autoSwitchAppearance = true
+defaultAppearance = "dark" # valid options: light or dark
+autoSwitchAppearance = false
 
 defaultThemeColor = "#FFFFFF"
 
diff --git a/themes/congo-146_fix/config/_default/params.toml b/themes/congo-146_fix/config/_default/params.toml
index 9524968..7efa6f3 100644
--- a/themes/congo-146_fix/config/_default/params.toml
+++ b/themes/congo-146_fix/config/_default/params.toml
@@ -6,8 +6,8 @@
 # https://jpanther.github.io/congo/docs/configuration/#theme-parameters
 
 colorScheme = "congo"
-defaultAppearance = "light" # valid options: light or dark
-autoSwitchAppearance = true
+defaultAppearance = "dark" # valid options: light or dark
+autoSwitchAppearance = false
 
 defaultThemeColor = "#FFFFFF"
 
diff --git a/themes/congo-146_fix/exampleSite/config/_default/params.toml b/themes/congo-146_fix/exampleSite/config/_default/params.toml
index 7aac966..0fbcff2 100644
--- a/themes/congo-146_fix/exampleSite/config/_default/params.toml
+++ b/themes/congo-146_fix/exampleSite/config/_default/params.toml
@@ -6,8 +6,8 @@
 # https://jpanther.github.io/congo/docs/configuration/#theme-parameters
 
 colorScheme = "congo"
-defaultAppearance = "light" # valid options: light or dark
-autoSwitchAppearance = true
+defaultAppearance = "dark" # valid options: light or dark
+autoSwitchAppearance = false
 
 enableSearch = true
 enableCodeCopy = true