How to enable high-contrast themes on Windows 11

How-to
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Windows 11 has a high-contrast mode that makes the experience more usable for people with low vision. Here's how to use the feature.

Windows 11 high contrast
Windows 11 high contrast (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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Although Windows 11's default system color scheme suits most users, it also offers four high-contrast themes tailored for individuals with low vision. However, anyone can benefit from these themes. Activating these themes adjust elements like text, links, buttons, and backgrounds to specific high-contrast colors, enhancing readability both on Windows 11 and online. Additionally, you can create and apply a custom theme with colors that meet your specific needs.

In this how-to guide, I'll explain how to enable and configure high-contrast mode on your laptop or desktop computer.

Recent updates

These instructions has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process in the operating system.

How to enable high-contrast mode on Windows 11

To switch to one of the contrast Windows 11 themes, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accessibility.
  3. Click the Contrast themes page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Select one of the available themes under the "Contrast themes" setting:
  • Aquatic.
  • Desert.
  • Dusk.
  • Night sky.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the Apply button.
  2. (Optional) Use the "Left Alt key + Left Shift key + Print screen" keyboard shortcut to enable or disable the contrast theme.

Once you complete the steps, the Windows experience will switch to the high-contrast mode. When applying a high-contrast theme, it's normal to see a "Please wait" screen for a few seconds while the system applies the changes.

How to create custom high-contrast mode on Windows 11

To create a custom high-contrast theme, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accessibility.
  3. Click the Contrast themes page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Select one of the available themes under the "Contrast themes" setting — for example, Desert.
  2. Click the Edit button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Use the Background setting to set the background for the elements that show text on Windows 11.
  2. Use the Text setting to set the text color for Windows 11 and web pages.
  3. Use the Hyperlink setting to set the text color of links available on Windows 11 or web pages.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Use the Inactive text setting to change the text color for inactive text across the experience.
  2. Use the Selected text setting to choose the text color for text selection.
  3. Use the Button text to set the color for buttons and text inside the buttons.
  4. Click the Save as button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Confirm a name for the new custom theme.
  2. Click the "Save and apply" button.

As you make the changes, you will see a preview in the setting. After you complete the steps, the theme will apply immediately with all the custom settings.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.

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