Switching to Dark Mode in Outlook: A Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

Changing to dark mode in Outlook is a popular feature that many users prefer due to its sleek and modern look. As an avid Outlook user, I have found that dark mode is not only aesthetically pleasing but also easier on the eyes, especially when working in low-light environments. If you are wondering how to change to dark mode in Outlook, you have come to the right place.

To enable dark mode in Outlook, the process is relatively simple and can be done in a few clicks. Whether you are using Outlook on your PC, Mac, or mobile device, the steps are similar. With the latest updates, Outlook now allows users to switch to dark mode with ease, making it an accessible feature for everyone.

In this article, I will guide you through the steps required to change to dark mode in Outlook. I will also provide tips and tricks to make the transition to dark mode as seamless as possible. So, whether you are a new user or a seasoned Outlook veteran, read on to learn how to change to dark mode in Outlook.

Enabling Dark Mode in Outlook

Dark mode is a popular feature that is being implemented in most applications. It is a great way to reduce eye strain and improve the overall user experience. In this section, I will explain how to enable dark mode in Outlook for different devices and platforms.

For Windows and Mac Users

If you’re using Outlook on your Windows or Mac computer, enabling dark mode is a straightforward process. You can follow these simple steps:

1. Open Outlook and click on “File” in the top left corner.
2. Click on “Options” and select “General” from the left-hand menu.
3. Under the “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” section, click on the “Office Theme” dropdown menu and select “Black.”
4. Click “OK” to save your changes.

Once you’ve completed these steps, Outlook will switch to dark mode.

On Mobile Devices

Enabling dark mode on your mobile device is also a simple process. Here’s how you can do it:

For Android Users

1. Open the Outlook app on your Android device.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top left corner to open the menu.
3. Scroll down and tap “Settings.”
4. Tap “Appearance.”
5. Toggle the switch next to “Dark mode” to enable it.

For iOS Users

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap “Display & Brightness.”
3. Select “Dark” to enable system-wide dark mode.
4. Open the Outlook app, and it will automatically switch to dark mode.

Outlook on the Web

Enabling dark mode on the web app is also a simple process. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Log in to your Outlook.com or Office account.
2. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Click on the “Dark mode” toggle button to switch to dark mode.

In conclusion, enabling dark mode in Outlook is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Whether you’re using Outlook on Windows, Mac, mobile devices, or the web, dark mode can help reduce eye strain and improve your overall user experience.

Customizing Appearance Settings

Customizing your Outlook appearance settings can help you personalize your experience and make it more comfortable for your eyes. In this section, I will show you how to choose themes and colors, and adjust brightness and contrast.

Choosing Themes and Colors

Outlook offers several themes and colors to customize your interface. You can access these settings by clicking on the “File” menu, selecting “Options,” and then clicking on the “General” tab. From there, you can personalize your copy of Microsoft Office by choosing an Office theme, which changes the background color of the Outlook window.

You can also choose a color scheme, which changes the color of the ribbon and other elements. If you prefer a dark interface, you can select the “Dark gray” or “Black” theme, which changes the background color to black. If you prefer a light interface, you can select the “White” theme, which changes the background color to white.

Adjusting Brightness and Contrast

In addition to choosing themes and colors, you can also adjust the brightness and contrast of your Outlook window. This can help reduce eye strain and make it more comfortable to focus on the reading pane or message background.

To adjust the brightness and contrast, you can go to the “File” menu, select “Options,” and then click on the “General” tab. From there, you can choose a background color and adjust the brightness and contrast using the sliders provided.

By customizing your appearance settings, you can make your Outlook experience more comfortable and personalized. Try experimenting with different themes and colors to find the one that works best for you.

Benefits of Dark Mode

As someone who spends a significant amount of time on their computer, I recently switched to using dark mode on Outlook, and I can attest to its benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider switching to dark mode in Outlook:

Reduce Eye Strain

One of the most significant benefits of dark mode is that it can reduce eye strain. When you use Outlook in a bright environment, the white background can be harsh on your eyes. Dark mode, on the other hand, uses a black background with white text, which is much easier on the eyes. This can help reduce eye fatigue and headaches, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of your computer.

Improved Comfort

Another benefit of dark mode is that it is more comfortable to use, especially in low-light environments. The dark background is less harsh on your eyes and can help you focus on the content of your emails. Plus, it just looks more modern and sleek than the traditional white background.

Battery Life

If you’re using a device with an OLED screen, such as a smartphone or tablet, using dark mode can help save battery life. OLED screens use less power to display black pixels, so using dark mode can help extend your device’s battery life.

In conclusion, switching to dark mode in Outlook can have several benefits, including reducing eye strain, improving comfort, and saving battery life on OLED devices. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Disabling Dark Mode

If you’ve enabled Dark Mode in Outlook and want to disable it, you can do so by following these simple steps:

1. Click on the File tab located in the top left corner of the desktop app.
2. Select Options from the list of available options.
3. In the new window that opens, click on the General tab.
4. Locate the checkbox labeled “Office Theme” and select the Light option.
5. Click on OK to save the changes.

Once you’ve completed these steps, Outlook will revert to the Light Mode, and you’ll no longer have to deal with the dark background.

Email Legibility Concerns

If you’re having trouble reading emails in Dark Mode, you’re not alone. Many users have reported legibility concerns when using this feature. The main issue is that black text on a white background is much easier to read than white text on a black background.

To address this issue, you might want to consider disabling Dark Mode and switching to Light Mode. Alternatively, you can try changing the message window and reading pane background colors to a light shade of gray. This can help improve legibility without reverting to the Light Mode.

To change the message window and reading pane background colors, follow these steps:

1. Click on the File tab located in the top left corner of the desktop app.
2. Select Options from the list of available options.
3. In the new window that opens, click on the Personalize tab.
4. In the Message Surface section, select a light shade of gray as the background color.
5. In the Reading Pane section, select the same light shade of gray as the background color.
6. Click on OK to save the changes.

These steps should help improve legibility when using Dark Mode in Outlook. However, if you’re still having trouble, you might want to consider using the Light Mode instead.