How to Easily Unlock High Contrast Mode Benefits

High contrast mode in Windows helps users with low vision or light sensitivity by improving text readability through strong color contrasts. Here’s how to enable or disable high contrast mode in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How to Turn High Contrast Mode On or Off in Windows 10 and 11?​

High Contrast Mode in Windows 10​

If you find the standard Windows 10 interface a bit hard on the eyes, the High Contrast Mode can help. This mode simplifies the on-screen visuals by using bold colors and removing distractions, making text and other elements stand out.

1. Windows 10: Enabling High Contrast Mode​

• Open the Start Menu:
  • Click on the Start button located on the taskbar.
• Navigate to Settings:
  • Type Settings in the search bar and press Enter or click the Settings icon.
• Access Ease of Access:
  • In the Settings window, click on Ease of Access.
• Enable High Contrast:
  • Select High contrast from the left-hand menu.
  • Turn on the toggle switch under Turn on high contrast.
• Choose a Theme:
  • From the drop-down menu, select a theme that suits your needs.
• Customize Colors(Optional):
  • You can customize colors for text, links, and buttons by clicking on the color boxes and choosing your preferred colors.
• Apply Changes:
  • Click Apply to save your settings.
• Turn Off High Contrast:
  • To disable high contrast, simply switch off the toggle under Turn on high contrast.

This will make text and interface elements easier to read by choosing contrasting solid colors.

Contrast Themes in Windows 11​

Windows 11 introduced the Contrast Themes feature. This refined approach offers even more control over how your screen displays information, primarily when you activate accessibility settings.

2. Windows 11: Enabling Contrast Themes​

• Open the Start Menu:
  • Click on the Start button located on the taskbar.
• Navigate to Settings:
  • Type Settings in the search bar and press Enter or click the Settings icon.
• Access Accessibility Settings:
  • In the Settings window, click on Accessibility.
• Enable Contrast Themes:
  • Select Contrast themes from the left-hand menu.
  • Choose a theme from the Contrast themes drop-down menu.
• Apply Changes:
  • Click the Apply button.
  • A “Please wait” screen may appear as the colors change.
• Turn Off Contrast Themes:
  • To disable contrast themes, select None from the drop-down menu and click Apply.

These steps will change the color scheme of your Windows interface to make it more readable for users with visual impairments.

3. Quick Keyboard Shortcut to Toggle High Contrast Mode​

• Press Shortcut Keys:
  • Press Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen simultaneously.
  • A prompt will appear asking if you want to enable high contrast mode. Click Yes.

Using this shortcut is a quick way to enable or disable high contrast mode without navigating through the settings.

4. Customizing High Contrast Themes​

• Edit Theme Colors:
  • After enabling high contrast mode, click the Edit button under the Contrast themes menu.
  • Customize the colors for text, hyperlinks, disabled text, selected text, button text, and background by clicking on the colored rectangles.
• Adjust Brightness:
  • Adjust the selected color’s brightness using the slider under the color palette.
• Save and Apply:
  • Click Done after selecting your colors.
  • To save your custom theme, select Save as, type a name for your theme, and click Save and apply.

Customizing colors allows you to tailor the high contrast theme to your specific visual preferences, enhancing readability and reducing eye strain further.

5. Using High Contrast Mode in Applications​

High contrast mode can significantly improve readability in various applications:

• Web Browsers: Text and links become more distinct, although some custom themes may conflict with high contrast mode.
• Microsoft Office: High contrast mode simplifies the interface, making text and buttons easier to see.
• Email Clients: Email content remains clear, though custom themes in apps like Outlook may slightly alter the appearance.

These adjustments ensure that text and essential elements stand out, reducing visual clutter and making it easier to focus on content.

Final Tips​

• Pair with Other Accessibility Features: Combine high contrast mode with features like Magnifier, custom mouse pointers, and large print sizes for the best experience.
• Report Issues: Use the Feedback tool if you encounter bugs or issues with high contrast mode.
• Contact Support: For technical support, reach out to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk via phone or the Be My Eyes app.

Enabling high contrast mode enhances the visibility of on-screen elements, making it a valuable feature for users with low vision or light sensitivity.