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Changing the color mode and accent colors on your device can significantly enhance your user experience by providing a more personalized and visually appealing interface. Whether you prefer a light or dark theme or want to add a splash of color to your user interface, adjusting these settings is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps.
Color mode
Windows supports two primary color modes: light and dark. The light mode offers a bright and clean look, ideal for well-lit environments, while the dark mode provides a darker interface that is easier on the eyes in low-light conditions. Switching between these modes can help reduce eye strain and improve readability based on your surroundings.
Example of light mode:
Example of dark mode:
Note: Some applications allow you to set dark or light mode individually, separate from the Windows color mode. Additionally, not all applications support dark mode.
To change color mode:
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In the Settings app on your Windows device, select Personalization > Colors or use the following shortcut:
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Under Choose your mode, you can select Light, Dark, or Custom mode:
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The dark mode has colors that are designed to work well in a low-lit environment. This option is for the Start menu, taskbar, and action center
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The light modeis designed to work well during daylight hours
Note: The light mode doesn't personalize the color of the Start menu, taskbar, and action center (that option is only available fordark and custom modes).
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The custom mode gives you options between light and dark
Accent Color
The accent color is used to highlight important elements in the user interface, such as buttons, links, and other interactive components. The color can be customized to match your personal preference or to complement the overall theme of your device. By selecting an accent color, you can add a touch of personality to your interface, making it more engaging and visually cohesive.
To change accent color:
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In the Settings app on your Windows device, select Personalization > Colors or use the following shortcut:
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You can let Windows automatically pick an accent color from your background, or you can choose your own color
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To have Windows automatically pick an accent color, select Automatic
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To manually select an accent color, select Manual. Then select a color under Recent colors or Windows colors, or select View colors for an even more detailed option
Show accent color on Start and taskbar
This option allows you to personalize your Windows experience by applying your chosen accent color to the Start menu, taskbar, and action center. When enabled, the accent color you select will be prominently displayed on these elements, giving your desktop a cohesive and customized look. This setting is only available if you select dark or custom as your Windows color mode.
Show accent color on title bars and window borders
This option lets you apply your selected accent color to the title bars and borders of windows. When enabled, the accent color will appear on the horizontal bar at the top of each window and the borders around the windows, providing a consistent and personalized appearance across your desktop.
Transparency effects
Transparency effects can be enabled or disabled to suit your preferences. These effects make some window backgrounds and surfaces appear slightly transparent with an acrylic blur. This can enhance the visual appeal of your desktop by adding a sense of depth and layering to the interface.
Color filters and contrast themes
Windows provides robust options for configuring contrast themes and color filters, making it easier for users with visual impairments or specific accessibility needs to interact with their devices.
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Contrast themes enhance the visibility of text and UI elements by using distinct color combinations, which can be customized to suit individual preferences
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Color filters change the color palette on the screen to help users distinguish between things that differ only by color
To learn more, see Change color contrast in Windows and Use color filters in Windows.
