diff --git a/CONTRIBUTORS b/CONTRIBUTORS
index 482d1c005..e40ed5660 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTORS
+++ b/CONTRIBUTORS
@@ -89,6 +89,7 @@ lolilolicon <lolilolicon@gmail.com>
 Gesa Stupperich <gesa.stupperich@gmail.com>
 git9527 <github.com/git9527>
 Vova Selin <vselin12@gmail.com>
+qxo <49526356@qq.com>
 
 ********************
 
diff --git a/qt/aqt/theme.py b/qt/aqt/theme.py
index 483b4dcfe..cd63fbbbf 100644
--- a/qt/aqt/theme.py
+++ b/qt/aqt/theme.py
@@ -327,7 +327,11 @@ def get_windows_dark_mode() -> bool:
         HKEY_CURRENT_USER,
         r"Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize",
     )
-    return not QueryValueEx(key, "AppsUseLightTheme")[0]
+    try:
+        return not QueryValueEx(key, "AppsUseLightTheme")[0]
+    except Exception as err:
+        # key reportedly missing or set to wrong type on some systems
+        return False
 
 
 def set_macos_dark_mode(enabled: bool) -> bool: