Where can I find the below setting when I'm in the "New Outlook" mode: If you prefer, you can disable dark mode so that the message window is always white when using the black theme. The icons to switch dark mode on or off are disabled when you disable dark mode. In Outlook, go to File > Options . On the General page, look for Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office . Set the Office Theme to Black and select the check box next to Never change the message background color . Select OK . Thx

No it isn't ideal, but we are talking about MS here.

THIS!!!! THIS is the solution! Finally, it seems MS actually added the functionality, albeit without telling anyone. I can confirm that this works for me, and is persistent across multiple emails and after closing and reopening New Outlook. That said, even this seems to be a half-measure. I have four accounts and I have to click the setting for each one, but two of the accounts are missing this button entirely. I don't know what's different about them, but it seems that even when finally rolling out the setting we've been asking for, they still couldn't get it completely right.

I have found a work around for my new Outlook. By selecting "Light Reading Pane" under the View tab, the setting remains consistent even after logging off and back on. It actually works for new emails and replies as well, finally something I can work with. This may resolve the issue for others who have experienced this problem with Microsoft New Outlook. I'd love to know if this worked for anyone else.

There are 229 people with the same issue. How come this has not been resolved yet?

New Outlook mode - Light/Dark background setting

Anonymous

Where can I find the below setting when I'm in the "New Outlook" mode:

If you prefer, you can disable dark mode so that the message window is always white when using the black theme. The icons to switch dark mode on or off are disabled when you disable dark mode.

In Outlook, go to File > Options.
On the General page, look for Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office.
Set the Office Theme to Black and select the check box next to Never change the message background color.
Select OK.

Thx

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

98 answers

Anonymous

2025-02-03T23:16:12+00:00

No it isn't ideal, but we are talking about MS here.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2025-02-03T23:07:53+00:00

THIS!!!!

THIS is the solution! Finally, it seems MS actually added the functionality, albeit without telling anyone. I can confirm that this works for me, and is persistent across multiple emails and after closing and reopening New Outlook.

That said, even this seems to be a half-measure. I have four accounts and I have to click the setting for each one, but two of the accounts are missing this button entirely. I don't know what's different about them, but it seems that even when finally rolling out the setting we've been asking for, they still couldn't get it completely right.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2025-02-03T22:15:55+00:00

I have found a work around for my new Outlook. By selecting "Light Reading Pane" under the View tab, the setting remains consistent even after logging off and back on. It actually works for new emails and replies as well, finally something I can work with.

This may resolve the issue for others who have experienced this problem with Microsoft New Outlook.

I'd love to know if this worked for anyone else.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2025-02-03T22:01:37+00:00

I'm fed up with MS BS!
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2025-02-03T15:05:35+00:00

There are 229 people with the same issue. How come this has not been resolved yet?
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments