How to Change the Color Profile on Windows 11

Learn to personalize your PC in no time

by Loredana Harsana
Loredana Harsana
Loredana Harsana
Managing Editor
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was... read more
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  • You can manually change the color profile in Windows 11 in multiple different ways.
  • By adjusting the Windows 11 color settings you will be able to customize the display mode and the colors for every menu on your OS.
  • You may also change the appearance by replacing the background or choosing a different theme from the available options.
  • Users with color blindness may need to adjust the OS's accent color or calibrate the monitor.
5 Ways to Tweak Windows 11 Color Settings

Despite making changes to the display of Windows 11, Microsoft still allows users to change their Windows color settings. This is without ignoring that Windows 11 is the most aesthetically designed.

However, the OS is meant to be used on your personal laptop or computer and should be allowed to look how you like.

Read on as we highlight how you can easily tweak your Windows display color settings if you have been unable to do so.

We would also direct you on some quick fixes if you encounter issues changing your Windows default color settings.

How do I change the color profile on Windows 11?

1. Via Color Management

1. Hit the Windows key to open the search box and then type Color Management in it.

2. Press the Enter key to open the app.

3. Go to the Advanced tab.

4. Click on the drop-down menu next to Device profile and select one of the options.

choose device profile windows 11

5. In order to install a custom color profile, go to the Advanced tab and click on the Add… button. You will need to browse your PC for a profile to install.

6. After you select the desired color profile, click on Close.

You can change your Windows 11 color profile from the Color Management app, that is built-in on your device.

The Color Management app allows you to change your color profile to a a different one within a few clicks. You can choose a pre-existing default profile or install a new custom one.

2. Change the Windows colors mode

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Choose Personalization.
    Personalization
  2. Select Colors.
    Color
  3. In Choose your mode, select the drop-down box to select the color you like. Either Light or Dark.
  4. Set the Accent color to Automatic to allow Windows to choose a color itself. Or pick one from the Windows 11 color palette.
    Accent Color
  5. If you prefer a custom setting, choose your default Windows mode and default app mode. Changes will be effective automatically.

This is how you can easily change the color profile in Windows 11 and customize the appearance of your OS.

To further personalize your desktop experience, you can change the title bar color and window border; read this guide to learn the steps.

3. Configure the desktop background

3.1 Change system theme

  1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop home screen. Next, select Personalize.
    Windows personalize
  2. Select a theme of your choice from the options.
    Theme
  3. The color of your desktop should be changed by now. If you don’t like the default options offered by Windows, you can download more themes instead of changing your Windows 11 color settings.

3.2 Pick a Contrast theme

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Select Accessibility.
    Accessibility
  2. Scroll and choose Contrast themes.
    Accessibility-Contrast Themes
  3. Pick your preferred Contrast theme from the list of drop-down options. Then select Apply or Edit as you want.
    Contrast options

This option is very useful if you have problems distinguishing different colors or the text within the boxes and messages.

4. Change the HDR settings

  1. Turn on your system and make sure it has been powered for about 30 minutes. This will also work for changing your Windows 11 color settings if you are sharing your screen with a monitor or other display.
  2. Right-click on a free space on your desktop and select Display settings.
    Display Settings
  3. Scroll to Display resolution and select and select the recommended solution by your system. If already in place, no need to change it. Move to the next step.
    System Display
  4. Scroll up to select HDR.
  5. Then, pick Optimize for image quality when viewing HDR content on battery power.

Keep in mind that not all monitors have HDR capability. Only apply this tweak if you see that the feature is supported under the Display capabilities section.

Otherwise, changing these settings will have no effect on your system whatsoever.

5. Calibrate your Windows 11 display

  1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key + I. Type Calibrate in the Search Box and click on Calibrate display color.
    Calibrate
  2. Click on Next and follow the displayed instructions on the screen.
  3. After reading the instructions and consecutively clicking Next. You will see notes on how to adjust Gamma.
    Gamma
  4. Adjust the Gamma the way you like. Then, select Next.
    Adjust Gamma
  5. Click on Next to complete the set-up.
  6. You can decide to Skip brightness and contrast adjustment. If you don’t want to skip it, just select Next.
  7. The screen information is well detailed to enlighten the steps to take. Proceed from each step by selecting Next. Adjust the brightness and contrast to a level you are satisfied with.
  8. You will also be prompted to adjust the color balance. The information on how to do this will be displayed on your screen.
  9. At the end of this setting, You’ve successfully created a new calibration will be displayed. Select Finish to complete the set-up.
    New calibration
  10. Check if you are satisfied with the new color settings. If not, check other methods to change it below.

The Windows 11 color calibration for your monitor is not an easy task for regular users and if you want to use your monitor for graphics applications, it’s better to consult a specialist.

6. Change the Windows wallpaper

  1. Right-click on an empty space on Desktop Home Screen. Next, select Personalize.
    Windows personalize
  2. Click on Background.
  3. Choose how you will like to adjust the display color setting by choosing from the list of options in Personalize your background. You can select the photos you prefer using the Browse photos option to create a slideshow.

There you have it all. With any of the methods explained so far, you should by now be able to customize your Windows default color settings to your taste.

Also, we have an article on what to do if Color Management is not working in Windows 11, in case you are experiencing these kinds of issues.

It’s also helpful to note that if your copy of Windows is not activated, you will not be able to access the personalization options, and therefore, you will not be able to change the theme or access the color settings from that menu.

If you are interested in customizing the window border color and width the way you like, read this guide.

Let us know your thoughts and contributions about changing the color profile in Windows 11 in the comment section below.

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