crazy dark colors make things hard to read

Jenn 0 Reputation points
2026-10-09T20:06:05.8966667+00:00

New PC All in One computer running Windows 11...how do I return to normal colors rather than black edges and backgrounds for open windows?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
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  1. Hendrix-V 19,940 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-10T02:48:13.71+00:00

    Hi Jenn,

    Since the usual Windows color, contrast, and filter settings have already been covered, I’d suggest checking whether Night light is affecting the display:

    1. Go to Settings > System > Display.
    2. Turn Night light Off if it is enabled.
    3. Restart the PC and check the colors again.

    If the dark or unusual colors remain, could you share a screenshot as suggested by the Independent Advisor that would help determine whether this is a Windows theme/display setting or something specific to the display itself.

    I hope this helps narrow it down.

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  2. EmilyS726 271.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-09T20:40:53.0833333+00:00

    Judging by your description, I think it can be due to color contrast being enabled. Use the AI to instruction to see if that is the case.

    If that doesn't work, to be more precise, it would be super helpful if you can provide a screenshot so I can see the visual to determine what else could cause it.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-10-09T20:06:33.5533333+00:00

    Set Windows 11 to Light mode under Settings > Personalization > Colors to restore light window backgrounds and borders.

    Restore the normal colors

    1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
    2. Select Personalization > Colors.
    3. Open Choose your mode and select Light. Windows and supported apps should immediately return to light backgrounds. ^1^

    If the screen still has unusually black backgrounds or extreme colors:

    1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Contrast themes.
    2. Set Contrast themes to None.
    3. Select Apply. ^2^

    Then check for a color filter:

    1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Color filters.
    2. Turn Color filters Off. Filters—particularly Inverted—can reverse the normal screen colors. ^3^

    If only Word, Excel, or Outlook remains black

    Microsoft 365 applications can have a theme separate from Windows:

    1. Open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
    2. Select File > Options > General.
    3. Under Office Theme, choose White, Colorful, or Use system setting. ^4^

    References

    1. Personalize your Colors in Windows | Microsoft Support
    2. Change color contrast in Windows | Microsoft Support
    3. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/accessibility/windows/use-color-and-contrast-for-accessibility-in-microsoft-365)
    4. Change the look and feel of Microsoft 365 | Microsoft Support
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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