How to set "New Outlook" to a gray appearance. Not black or white

Question

How to set "New Outlook" to a gray appearance. Not black or white

Donna 30

How to set "New Outlook" to a gray appearance? Not black or white which are too extreme in each case.

RustlngWork 35 Reputation points

2025-07-30T08:15:34.07+00:00

The Dark Grey Theme on Outlook is close to perfect why is this not an option in Windows - iF you want to know how to do a theme check out 3D MAX
Barry Everett 45 Reputation points

2025-09-11T07:18:14.06+00:00

I too much preferred the old Dark Grey theme in old Outlook. Dark is too dark and light is too light and bright on the eyes. Does anyone have a solution for this?
Klaer, Wolfgang 45 Reputation points

2025-10-18T00:48:41.5433333+00:00

Microsoft just does not get it what customer want: The same light grey appearance in "Old" Oultook for the New Outlook. No wonder why people hesitate to switch to New Outlook
Tegh Kalsi 20 Reputation points

2025-11-03T22:29:50.59+00:00

I also miss the Outlook Grey theme. It was a good balance between the light and dark (black) theme. The light and dark theme are too harsh on the eyes. I hope Microsoft are taking this feedback on board and developing the Grey theme as an option for the new Office Applications.

2 answers

Your answer

RustlngWork 35 Reputation points

2025-07-30T08:15:34.07+00:00

The Dark Grey Theme on Outlook is close to perfect why is this not an option in Windows - iF you want to know how to do a theme check out 3D MAX
Barry Everett 45 Reputation points

2025-09-11T07:18:14.06+00:00

I too much preferred the old Dark Grey theme in old Outlook. Dark is too dark and light is too light and bright on the eyes. Does anyone have a solution for this?
Klaer, Wolfgang 45 Reputation points

2025-10-18T00:48:41.5433333+00:00

Microsoft just does not get it what customer want: The same light grey appearance in "Old" Oultook for the New Outlook. No wonder why people hesitate to switch to New Outlook
Tegh Kalsi 20 Reputation points

2025-11-03T22:29:50.59+00:00

I also miss the Outlook Grey theme. It was a good balance between the light and dark (black) theme. The light and dark theme are too harsh on the eyes. I hope Microsoft are taking this feedback on board and developing the Grey theme as an option for the new Office Applications.

Answer 1

Jon 45

I assume this is the color scheme Donna is referring to. Not black with gray accents, but light and dark gray. It was available in classic Outlook, not in New Outlook. I also agree that this gray color scheme was much easier on the eyes than the light and dark mode options in New Outlook.

User's image

Klaer, Wolfgang 45 Reputation points

2025-10-18T00:42:35.0533333+00:00

Absolutly agree. There are so many comments on getting back the colour theme similar to old Outlook. Microsoft just does ignore that. How hard can it be. Alternative: Go back to old Outlook, or switch to Linux and use apps there
Jeremy Duffy 5 Reputation points

2026-04-30T13:46:52.83+00:00

Honestly, why does Microsoft struggle so hard to make simple software updates. Isn't that supposed to be kinda their thing?

Yes. What Jon posted is what we need. A simple theme with dark and light tones that works, not this "LED lights in your face" light and "Everything hidden in the shadows" dark mode. How is it possible to mess up both options?

I wouldn't even care if we could use the simple and perfectly functional theme from old outlook as pictured.

Answer 2

Anonymous

Dea Donna

Thank you for posting your question on the Q&A forum.

Based on the information you provided, I understand that you'd like to set the “New Outlook” to a gray appearance instead of black or white. After some research, I was able to change the theme successfully. You can try the steps below:

-Open New Outlook.

-Click the Settings (gear icon) at the top-right corner.

-In the left sidebar, go to General.

-In the middle panel, select Appearance.

-Under the Modern themes section, choose a gray-toned theme (e.g., Neutral or Mountain).

-Turn ON the “Use colorful app icons” toggle under the Navigation bar section.

-Click Save to apply the changes.

This will switch your New Outlook interface to a gray-themed appearance.

I appreciate your cooperation and look forward to resolving this issue. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance.

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Anonymous

2025-07-04T10:27:31.6733333+00:00

Hi Donna,

I hope this message finds you well. I'm just reaching out to see how things are going with the Outlook appearance setting issue you mentioned, specifically switching to the gray theme.

Since it’s been some time since we last touched base, I wanted to check whether everything’s been sorted out or if there's anything new that’s come up. If you're still running into trouble or need further assistance, please feel free to let me know. I'm always here and happy to support you.

Looking forward to hearing back from you.
Anonymous

2025-07-07T03:48:50.6566667+00:00

Dear Donna,

I hope you're having a smooth and productive day. I’m reaching out to follow up on the issue you previously raised regarding setting the new Outlook interface to a gray appearance instead of black.

As I haven’t heard back from you in a while, I wanted to check in to see if the issue has been resolved. If there are any new developments or if you still require assistance, please feel free to share. I’m always here and ready to support you.

Looking forward to your response.
Donna 30 Reputation points

2025-07-07T11:05:53.6166667+00:00

Hi Tammy,

I followed your steps and indeed there is now a grey boarder but the primary color on the screen is still black. I would like to change the black too and the white is so bright it hurts my eyes.

Thanks,

Donna
Dan W 15 Reputation points

2025-12-03T13:37:23.81+00:00

Agreed - this changes the border color but what's missing is darkening of the overall background. Especially on large monitors, light is TOO light, and dark is too dark.
JulienANAZEYROLLAS-5519 15 Reputation points

2025-12-22T05:01:13.0066667+00:00

Agree as well, this is not the classic dark grey, sill to black (especially for the back ground of the text message
Klaer, Wolfgang 45 Reputation points

2025-12-25T23:07:02.9166667+00:00

You/Microsoft doesnt get it. Naive, really. Just get the "dark grey" in the Old Outlook appearance settings also possible in the New Outlook. There are soooo many comments and threads. I will NOT switch to the New Outlook at all (I have 4 MS accounts, 3 for business) until this is fixed. Are there some smart guys in Microsoft around who understand this (many requests!!!0 and fix it? It can't be difficult. Really naive if the question and issue is not understood by High-Tech company
Dragonsteel 10 Reputation points

2026-04-01T14:26:33.22+00:00

Most useless comment. Not the window banners; the actual color of the back ground under the email reading pane and such. New Outlook is garbage on this.
Jeremy Duffy 5 Reputation points

2026-04-30T13:47:22.39+00:00

That does not work. That's just the dark theme with a grey banner. Look at Jon's answer. Give us THAT.
KG 0 Reputation points

2026-11-11T21:15:50.38+00:00

The Office Theme in Classic Outlook is called Dark Grey. Can Microsoft offer this as an option in New Outlook (as opposed to just Dark/Light)?