To turn off high contrast mode, the quickest method is usually a keyboard shortcut: press left Alt + left Shift + Print Screen.
If that doesn't work, or if you prefer using the settings menu, follow these steps:
Turning Off High Contrast in Windows
Here's how to disable High Contrast mode via the Settings app in Windows:
- Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Accessibility: Click on "Accessibility."
- Select Contrast themes: In the Accessibility menu, scroll down and click on "Contrast themes". (In older versions of Windows, look for "High contrast".)
- Disable High Contrast: Use the "Contrast themes" dropdown menu to select "None", then click "Apply". This will disable high contrast mode.
- If High Contrast is On/Off toggle: If you see an "On/Off" toggle instead of a dropdown menu, simply switch it to "Off."
What If the Keyboard Shortcut Doesn't Work?
Sometimes, the keyboard shortcut may not be enabled or functioning correctly. To ensure it's active:
- Follow steps 1-3 above to navigate to the "Contrast themes" setting.
- Look for a checkbox or setting related to the keyboard shortcut (e.g., "Turn High Contrast on or off when the left Alt + left Shift + Print Screen keys are pressed"). Make sure this is enabled. If the setting is missing, the shortcut may be disabled through other system configurations or third-party software.
Troubleshooting
- Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can often resolve display issues.
- Update Graphics Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can sometimes cause display problems. Check for updates via Device Manager or your graphics card manufacturer's website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
- Check for Conflicting Software: Certain accessibility software or display utilities might interfere with high contrast settings. Try disabling or uninstalling recently installed programs.