Windows stuck in High Contrast mode or colors look wrong
High Contrast mode is turned on and making your screen very dark. Turn it off in Settings → Accessibility → Display → High Contrast, or press Alt+Left Shift+Print Screen if you cannot access Settings normally.
High Contrast mode is a Windows accessibility feature that changes colors to make text easier to read. When it is on, your entire screen displays in very dark or inverted colors. The fix is to simply turn the feature off in Accessibility settings.
- ✓Check that you did not recently press Alt+Left Shift+Print Screen - this keyboard shortcut toggles High Contrast on and off
- ✓Check if other monitors connected to your computer have the same colors or normal colors
- ✓Check if restarting your computer brings back normal colors
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Pressing Alt+Left Shift+Print Screen multiple times and accidentally turning High Contrast back on - press it once to toggle off, and do not press it again
- Confusing High Contrast with Dark mode - Dark mode makes things darker but more readable, while High Contrast uses harsh black and white colors
Signs you need professional help
- If High Contrast is still stuck on after trying the keyboard shortcut and checking Settings, there may be a system issue. Call us.
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