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How To Turn On Dark Theme In Outlook?

Tired of squinting at your email in the dark? Is the bright white glow of Outlook keeping you up at night? You’re not alone! Many people find the standard Outlook interface harsh on the eyes, especially in low-light conditions. Luckily, there’s a solution: Dark Mode! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to switch to a more eye-friendly Outlook experience.

What Is The Dark Mode In Outlook?

Dark mode in Outlook, also called night mode, offers a darker color palette for all interface elements. It reduces eye strain in low-light conditions and conserves battery power on mobile devices. You can enable dark mode on different platforms, including the Outlook desktop, Mac, Web, and the mobile app

The process to switch to dark mode is straightforward. You can change the theme in Outlook on Windows 10, adjust settings in the MS Outlook app, or turn off dark mode if needed. Microsoft Outlook includes this black theme to enhance comfort and aesthetic appeal. If dark mode doesn’t suit your needs, you can easily switch back through the settings.

This feature shows Microsoft’s commitment to user-friendly customization, allowing everyone to tailor their email experience to their preferences.

Can You Change The Background Color In Outlook?

 Yes, you can change the background color in Outlook by adjusting the theme settings. Outlook offers a variety of themes that include different background colors and styles. For instance, activating the dark mode in Outlook changes the background to a darker shade, which is easier on the eyes in low-light conditions. This is available both on the Outlook desktop app and the Outlook mobile app.

To switch from a light to a dark theme or vice versa, go to the Outlook dark mode settings and select change theme in Outlook. If you find the dark mode not to your liking, you can revert to a lighter theme or completely turn off dark mode in Outlook. Additionally, MS Outlook dark mode can be toggled on or off, providing flexibility whether you’re using Outlook in dark mode or prefer a lighter background. This customization enhances the visual comfort and user experience within Outlook.

How To Turn On Dark Theme In Outlook On Windows

You can easily turn on dark theme in Outlook on Windows. However, the process may vary slightly depending on the version you are using. Here’s how to do it for the classic versions (2010, 2013, 2019, 2021):

  • Open Microsoft Outlook on your Windows PC.
  • Click the “File” tab in the top left corner.

File option-how to change color of outlook

  • Navigate to the bottom left corner and click “Office Account.”

Office account option-how to change color in outlook

  • Look for the “Office Theme” option within the “Office Account” section.

Office theme option-dark mode outlook

  • Click on the dropdown menu and select  

Office theme dropdown-how to change color of outlook

Now the Outlook background will be changed into black color.

Outlook window-how to change color of outlook

How To Enable Dark Theme In Outlook On Mac 

Here’s a quick guide to turning on the dark theme in just a few clicks:

  • Open Outlook on your Mac.
  • Navigate to the top menu and click on “Outlook.”
  • Select “Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
  • 4Click on the “General tab” in the “Preferences window.”
  • Choose “Dark” under the “Appearance section.”
  • Choose your preference:
    • Select Dark for a permanent dark theme in Outlook.
    • Select System if you want Outlook to automatically switch between light and dark based on your Mac’s settings.
  • Close the “Preferences window” in the end.

Here you go! Your Outlook interface will now have a soothing dark theme.

How To Change Outlook To Dark Mode On Web App

Follow these easy steps to change your Outlook to dark mode on a web browser:

  • Go to outlook.office.com on your web browser.
  • Enter the login details and Click “Next.”

Outlook login window-how to change outlook to dark theme

  • Locate the “Settings gear” icon in the top right corner and tap on it.

Gear icon-outlook email view changed

  • Select “General” from the settings menu.

General option-how to change color in outlook

  • Choose “Appearance” from the menu.

Appearance option-outlook dark mode

  • Pick “Dark” to enable the dark theme.

dark mode-dark mode outlook

  • Hit “Save” to confirm the change.

Save option-how to change outlook to dark theme

This will activate your browser’s dark mode, which will also affect the background color of the Outlook web app, making it appear darker.

Outlook web window-outlook email view changed

How To Enable Dark Theme In Outlook On Mobile

These days, most people often access emails on their smartphones, saving time while on the move. The bright glare of the phone screen may be exhausting on the eyes, particularly when reading emails late at night. Fortunately, Outlook for mobile has a dark mode that provides a more pleasant experience. Here’s how to enable it for both Android and iPhone:

  • Launch the Outlook app on your mobile.
  • Click on your profile picture at the top left corner.

Profile photo-how to change outlook color

  • Tap on the “Settings icon” located at the bottom left corner.

Settings icon-dark mode outlook

  • Select “Display & Appearance” under “Quick Settings.”

Display option-how to change outlook color

  • Toggle “Theme.”

Theme option-outlook dark mode

  • Enable “Dark” to turn your Outlook background to black color.

Dark option-how to change outlook to dark theme

That’s it! With the dark theme activated, your Outlook app will switch to a dark background.

Also Read: How To Change The Background In Gmail?

Advantages And Limitations Of Using Dark Mode In Outlook

Advantages

  • Reduced Eye Strain: Dark mode reduces screen glare, minimizing eye strain, especially in low-light settings. This allows for more comfortable, prolonged email reading without fatigue.
  • Battery Savings: On OLED or AMOLED screens, dark mode uses less power. These screens can turn off pixels for black or dark colors, leading to lower battery consumption.
  • Improved Focus: The darker palette emits less light, helping to reduce distractions. This makes it easier to concentrate on emails and calendar entries.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Many users prefer the sleek, modern look of dark mode. It offers a visually appealing option for personalizing the application.

Limitations

  • Limited Availability: Dark mode isn’t available in all versions of Outlook. Some elements and older versions may not fully support it, leading to inconsistencies.
  • Readability Issues: In bright light, reading text in dark mode can be difficult. The contrast between dark backgrounds and light text might cause blurred text or ghosting.
  • Color Distortion: Colors can appear less vibrant in dark mode. Users dealing with colored content, like images and formatted texts, may find color presentation less accurate.
  • Adaptation Time: Switching to dark mode may require an adjustment period. Users accustomed to lighter themes might find navigation and reading speed temporarily affected.

FAQs:

Is dark mode better in Outlook?

Yes, dark mode in Outlook reduces eye strain, saves battery life on devices with OLED screens, and can make it easier to read emails in low-light conditions.

Can I change my Outlook back to the classic view?

Yes, you can change Outlook back to the classic view by going to Settings > View all Outlook settings > Mail > Layout > Focused Inbox, and then toggle off the “Focused Inbox” option.

Is Outlook dark mode good for eyes?

Outlook dark mode can be easier on the eyes for some in low light. It minimizes screen glare and may limit blue light exposure, affecting your sleep. However, the advantages are not assured. Dark themes may take more eye attention. And some people may find it difficult to see bright writing against dark backgrounds. Ultimately, test it and see whether it feels right for you.

Conclusion

Enabling the dark theme in Outlook helps reduce eye strain and save battery. Follow these steps to switch to a more comfortable and efficient interface. Whether you use the desktop app or the web version, you can easily activate the dark theme to fit your preference. This feature can make your email experience better, especially during long hours. If you have issues, check the troubleshooting tips or Outlook’s support for more help.

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