How to Use Contrast Themes in Windows for Low Vision or Light Sensitivity

Whether you have a visual impairment, light sensitivity, or any other issues that make it hard to see elements of the Windows UI, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s an easy solution. There are plenty ofWindows accessibility features for disabled people, including Windows High Contrast Themes, that allow you to change the look of the Windows UI by swapping element colors for alternatives — for example, buttons or text.

How Do High Contrast Themes Work?

High Contrast Themes make everything easier to see. They do this by using a small color palette to help reduce eye strain, make elements easier to see, and improve the readability of text. They use a contrast ratio of at least 7:1 in order to do this. Contrast themes are different from light ordark mode, neither of which will necessarily improve contrast or make it easier to see things.

How to Use High Contrast in Windows 11 and 10

It’s easy to use High Contrast Themes in Windows 10 and 11 with just a few clicks. Below, we’ll show you how to turn on high contrast themes (also known as high contrast mode) in Windows 10 and 11.

Note:There’s a quick keyboard shortcut you can use on some keyboards to turn on High Contrast Mode. Just press theleft-Alt key + Shift key + Print Screen(PrtSc) to do this. You should see a popup that says, “Do you want to turn on High Contrast?” ChooseYesto enable High Contrast Mode.

By default, all Windows apps have High Contrast Adjustment turned on, so all text is white with a solid black highlight behind it, meaning it contrasts perfectly with all backgrounds. For other apps, here’s how to turn on High Contrast Adjustment in Windows 11:

Here’s how to turn on High Contrast Mode in Windows 10:

Customizing High Contrast Color Palettes

As well as several Contrast Themes to choose from, both Windows 10 and 11 allow you to customize the high contrast color palettes on offer to suit your specific requirements. Below, we’ll show you how to do this.

For Windows 11:

For Windows 10:

Now you know how to use contrast themes to ensure everything in Windows is clearer and easier to see. If you’re simply looking for a way to make your computer screen easier to view in low light or at night, you could use High Contrast Mode, but you might want toenable dark mode everywhere on Windows 10instead.

Paula Beaton is a freelance technology and food writer based in Scotland. Before making the move to writing, Paula worked as a call handler for the police, served refreshments on trains, and even trained as a nursery nurse. Since she became a writer in 2012, Paula has written everything from how-to guides to reviews, specialising in Android, Windows, and gaming. She’s also a foodie fascinated by food history and culture.Read Paula’s Full Bio

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