Unlock the Benefits: What Does High Contrast Mode Do?

High contrast mode is an accessibility feature in Windows that helps users with low vision by increasing the contrast of text and other screen elements against their backgrounds.

This feature can make it easier for users to read text and interact with applications without straining their eyes. Moreover, on Windows 11 it can:

• Provide a variety of pre-defined high-contrast color schemes: Instead of a single on/off switch, most devices offer various themes. They use different color combinations that meet high contrast requirements.

• Customize the color scheme according to user preferences: This can be helpful for people with specific color blindness conditions or those who prefer a particular combination for better readability.

Here’s how you can enable and use high contrast mode in Windows 10 and 11.

How to Enable High Contrast Mode in Windows 10 and 11?​

1. Enabling High Contrast Mode in Windows 10​

• Open Settings:
  • Click on the Start button on the taskbar.
  • Select Settings (the gear icon).
• Navigate to Ease of Access:
  • In the Settings window, click on Ease of Access.
• Turn on High Contrast:
  • Click on High contrast in the left pane.
  • Toggle the switch under Turn on high contrast to turn it on.
  • From the drop-down menu, select a high contrast theme that suits you.
  • You can customize colors for items like text links and button text.
  • Click Apply to activate the selected theme.

To turn off high contrast mode, simply toggle the switch under Turn on high contrast again.

This method will help you easily enable high contrast mode, making text and screen elements more readable.

2. Quick Access from Sign-In Screen​

• Click the Ease of Access button in the lower-right corner of the sign-in screen.
• Toggle the switch under High Contrast to turn it on or off.

This quick access method allows you to enable high contrast mode directly from the sign-in screen.

3. Quick Access Using Keyboard Shortcut​

• Press Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen to toggle high contrast mode on or off.

This method makes it easy to quickly enable or disable high contrast mode without navigating through multiple settings menus.

4. Enabling High Contrast Mode in Windows 11​

• Open Settings:
  • Click on the Start button.
  • Select Settings.
• Navigate to Accessibility:
  • In the Settings window, choose Accessibility.
• Turn on Contrast Themes:
  • Click on Contrast themes.
  • From the drop-down menu, select the theme you want.
  • Click Apply.
  • Wait for a few seconds as Windows applies the contrast theme.

To turn off contrast themes, select None from the drop-down menu and click Apply.

This method ensures you can switch high contrast mode on or off without delving into the settings every time.

5. Customizing High Contrast Themes​

• Select a Theme to Edit:
  • In the Contrast themes section, select a theme and click Edit.
• Modify Colors:
  • You can change colors for various screen elements like text, hyperlinks, disabled text, selected text, button text, and the background.
  • Click on the color picker palette to choose a new color.
  • Adjust the brightness of the selected color using the slider below the palette.
• Save and Apply:
  • Once you’ve made your changes, click Done.
  • Select Save as, give your custom theme a name, and then click Save and apply.

Customizing high contrast themes allows you to create a more personalized and comfortable viewing experience based on your specific needs.

6. Using High Contrast Mode in Different Applications​

High contrast mode affects how various applications display content:

• Microsoft Word: Simplifies the color scheme to make reading easier.
• Microsoft Excel: Conditional formatting and color scales might not be visible; charts may lack color differentiation.
• Email Clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail): Text and hyperlinks adjust to the high contrast theme, but images and graphics remain unchanged.

Understanding how high contrast mode interacts with different applications can help you anticipate and adjust to changes in display and functionality.

7. Additional Tips for Using High Contrast Mode​

• For Migraines: High contrast mode can be easier on the eyes and reduce strain.
• Visibility in Screenshots: High contrast mode is preserved in screenshots, making it easier to share what you see.
• Reporting Bugs: Use the Feedback tool to report any bugs related to high contrast mode.
• Technical Support: Contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for assistance with high contrast mode.

Enabling and customizing high contrast mode in Windows can significantly enhance usability for users with vision impairments, making everyday tasks easier and more accessible.