How to Disable Microsoft Word 2016 Dark Mode: Step-by-Step Guide - Solve Your Tech (2024)

by Matthew Burleigh

Disabling Microsoft Word 2016’s dark mode is a simple process that can make your document viewing experience more comfortable for your eyes. If you prefer the classic white background over the sleek dark mode, this guide will walk you through the steps to switch back to the light theme.

Table of Contents show

Step by Step Tutorial to Disable Microsoft Word 2016 Dark Mode

Before we jump into the steps, let’s understand why you might want to disable dark mode. Dark mode is designed to reduce eye strain, especially in low-light conditions. However, some users find the dark background with light text harder to read or just prefer the traditional look of a white background. Whatever your reason, here’s how to disable it.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word 2016

Launch Microsoft Word 2016 on your computer. Make sure you are on the main screen where you can choose to open a new document or a recent one.

Step 2: Go to File

Click on the “File” tab located in the upper-left corner of the screen. This will bring up the backstage view where you can manage your Word settings and documents.

Step 3: Select Account

On the left-hand side of the screen, you will see a list of options. Click on “Account” which can usually be found towards the bottom of the list.

Step 4: Change Office Theme

Under the “Office Theme” section, you will see a dropdown menu. Click on it and select “Colorful” or “White” to disable the dark mode.

Step 5: Close and Restart Word

After selecting your desired theme, close Microsoft Word 2016 and then reopen it. Your changes should now be in effect and dark mode will be disabled.

After completing the action, your Microsoft Word 2016 will revert to the light theme. This means that you will have a white background with black text which is the default setting for Microsoft Word. The change will apply to all documents you open in Word, providing a consistent viewing experience.

Tips for Disabling Microsoft Word 2016 Dark Mode

  • Ensure that you have saved all your work before closing Word to avoid losing any unsaved changes.
  • If you frequently switch between dark and light mode, consider using keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process.
  • Remember that the office theme you choose will apply to all other Microsoft Office applications as well, such as Excel and PowerPoint.
  • If you’re not sure which theme you prefer, try each one for a day to see which is easier on your eyes.
  • Keep in mind that the appearance of images and graphics may vary depending on the background color of your theme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I want to disable dark mode?

Some users find it easier to read and edit documents with a light background, or they may simply prefer the look of the classic white background over the dark mode.

Will disabling dark mode affect my documents?

No, disabling dark mode will not affect the content of your documents. It will only change the appearance of the Word interface and background.

Is it possible to customize the themes beyond just light and dark?

Yes, Microsoft Word 2016 offers additional theme options such as “Colorful” which adds a splash of color to the interface while maintaining a light background.

Can I switch back to dark mode later if I change my mind?

Absolutely, you can switch back and forth between dark and light mode as often as you like by following the same steps.

Does disabling dark mode impact performance?

No, the theme you choose is purely cosmetic and has no impact on the performance of Microsoft Word 2016.

Summary

  1. Open Microsoft Word 2016.
  2. Click on “File”.
  3. Select “Account”.
  4. Choose “Colorful” or “White” in the Office Theme dropdown.
  5. Close and restart Word.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you’re a night owl who loves the sleek look of dark mode or a traditionalist who prefers the classic white backdrop, Microsoft Word 2016 gives you the flexibility to toggle between themes. Disabling dark mode is a straightforward process that you can do in just a few clicks, and it can significantly impact your document viewing experience. Remember, the choice of theme is a personal preference, and you should opt for whatever feels best for your eyes. So go ahead, give it a try – your perfect Word environment is just a few steps away. And if you ever find yourself missing the dark side of Word, switching back is just as easy.

How to Disable Microsoft Word 2016 Dark Mode: Step-by-Step Guide - Solve Your Tech (1)

Matthew Burleigh

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

Related posts:

  • How to Enable or Disable Twitch Dark Mode on Chrome Desktop
  • How to Enable Windows Explorer Dark Theme in Windows 10
  • How to Enable Dark Mode – Google Pixel 4A
  • How to Enable Word 2019 Dark Mode: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • How to Turn on the Dark Mode iPhone 13 Setting
  • Why Is My iPhone Battery Yellow (2024 Guide)
  • How to Add a Dark Mode Switch to the Control Center on an iPhone 11
  • 15 iPhone Settings You Might Want to Change
  • How to Change Background from Black to White on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • How to Remove Section Breaks in Word Documents
  • How to Enable Dark Mode or Night Mode in Youtube on iPhone
  • How to Change Hyperlink Color in Powerpoint 2010 (An Easy 5 Step Guide)
  • How to Turn Off Theater Mode on Apple Watch [2023 Guide]
  • How to Make All Columns the Same Width in Excel 2013
  • How to Create Borders for Word Documents
  • How to Silence Apple Watch
  • How to Return to Normal View in Word 2010
  • How to Set Out of Office in Outlook 2013
  • How to Install Microsoft Office Software on Your Laptop: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • Will Office 2010 Change Word 2007 Documents? Find Out Here!
How to Disable Microsoft Word 2016 Dark Mode: Step-by-Step Guide - Solve Your Tech (2024)

FAQs

How to Disable Microsoft Word 2016 Dark Mode: Step-by-Step Guide - Solve Your Tech? ›

Turn Dark theme on or off in your phone's settings

Important: When you turn on Dark theme for your phone, many apps also use Dark theme. On your phone, open the Settings app. Tap Display. Turn Dark theme on or off.

How do I change Word back to Light mode? ›

How to Change Microsoft Word to Light Mode on Windows
  1. Step 1: Open Microsoft Word. Launch the Start menu. ...
  2. Step 2: Access the Options menu. Click on the “File” tab at the top left of your screen. ...
  3. Step 3: Go to the “General” tab. ...
  4. Step 4: Select the “Light” theme.

How do I turn off dark mode? ›

Turn Dark theme on or off in your phone's settings

Important: When you turn on Dark theme for your phone, many apps also use Dark theme. On your phone, open the Settings app. Tap Display. Turn Dark theme on or off.

How do I get Microsoft Office out of dark mode? ›

Go to the app preferences (For example, in Word, select Word > Preferences). Select the General tab. Under Personalize, select Turn off Dark Mode.

How do I change my Word background from black to white? ›

Go to Design > Page Color. Choose the color you want under Theme Colors or Standard Colors. If you don't see the color you want, select More Colors, and then choose a color from the Colors box.

How do I change from Dark Mode to Light mode on a computer? ›

Select Start > Settings . Select Personalization > Colors. Under Choose your color, select Light.

How do I turn off Dark Mode on Microsoft Windows? ›

To turn off the Dark Mode in Windows 10, open Settings and go to Personalization. On the left column, choose Colors, and then select the following options: In the "Choose your color" dropdown list, choose Custom.

How do I remove the black background in Word? ›

Open your doc in Word. Click “Design” on the top of the menu bar. Select “Page Color” > “No Color” to remove the background color in Word.

Why is my Microsoft words in Dark Mode? ›

If you already have your OS or browser theme set to Dark Mode, Word for the web will automatically turn on Dark Mode. You can check the these steps below to see whether you change it to white mode.

How do I change my background from black back to white? ›

Select Start > Settings > Personalization > Colors, and then choose your own color, or let Windows pull an accent color from your background.

Why did my background turn black in Word? ›

If you have your operating system or browser set to Dark Mode, Word for the web will use Dark Mode by default. To turn it off, select View > Dark Mode, or change the background color to white using the Switch Background button.

How do I change the theme from dark to light in Word? ›

Switch Word From Dark Mode to Light Mode

In Word's top-left corner, click "File." From the sidebar on the left, choose "Account." On the right pane, in the "Office Theme" section, click the drop-down menu and choose "White." This disables dark mode and activates light mode.

How do I get my Microsoft Word back to normal? ›

To fix this, go to the “File” menu in the top left corner. Choose “Options,” then locate the “Reset” button. Clicking on it will restore all settings back to their defaults, returning your Word to its regular view.

How do I change the black Word to white? ›

Open Microsoft Word and go to the “Design” tab at the top. Here you can find the “Page Color” option. Click it for a drop-down menu with colors. Select “No Color” to remove any existing background color and go back to white.

Why is my Microsoft Word not letting me edit? ›

If you receive or open a document and can't make any changes, it might be Open for viewing only in Protected View. Follow these steps to edit: Go to File > Info. Select Protect document.

How do I disable dark mode on WPS? ›

Steps to Disable Dark Mode
  1. Open Microsoft Word and click on the "File" tab located in the top-left corner. “Microsoft Word File tab screenshot ”
  2. From the sidebar on the left, choose the "Account" option. ...
  3. Under the "Office Theme" section, click the drop-down menu to choose the "White" option.
Aug 9, 2023

What is the shortcut to switch between dark and light mode? ›

Ctrl + Shift + L → Activate Dark/Light mode instantly.

Why is the Word black background? ›

Microsoft created dark mode to help reduce eyestrain, especially in low light. However, if it's not for you, you can change it back to the default theme or one of the other alternatives.

How do I turn off Dark Mode on my Mac? ›

On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Appearance in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.) Select Light, Dark, or Auto on the right. Light is a light appearance that doesn't change.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Aron Pacocha

Last Updated:

Views: 6423

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aron Pacocha

Birthday: 1999-08-12

Address: 3808 Moen Corner, Gorczanyport, FL 67364-2074

Phone: +393457723392

Job: Retail Consultant

Hobby: Jewelry making, Cooking, Gaming, Reading, Juggling, Cabaret, Origami

Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.