How to Adjust Color Contrast in Windows Operating Systems

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/05/12 - Updated: 2011/05/30
Category Topic: Website Accessibility - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: How to instructions for adjusting the color contrast of website pages in Windows operating systems.

Introduction

Main Content

Increasing the contrast of colors can reduce eyestrain and make items easier to read by people with vision impairments.

Websites that offer color and luminance contrasting options assist the many vision impaired people around the world.

Disabled World is currently working on several contrast setting options for viewing our website. However it is also possible to adjust your Windows contrast settings for ALL websites you view.

Here are instructions to adjust color contrast settings using Windows operating system.

Adjusting Color Contrast using the Mouse

a) Select Start (or the bottom left Windows button) - Control Panel - Ease of Access - Ease of Access Center.

b) Under Quick access to common tools, select - "Set up High Contrast".

c) Under High Contrast, select - "Choose a High Contrast color scheme".

d) Under Color scheme, select - One of the High Contrast options from the list - Then press OK.

e) Under High Contrast to turn High Contrast on or off, select - "Turn on High Contrast when left ALT + left SHIFT + PRINT SCREEN" is pressed.

f) When using keyboard shortcuts to turn Ease of Access settings on, select one or both of these notification options:

i) Display a warning message when turning a setting on for a visual notification.

ii) Make a sound when turning a setting on or off, for a sound notification.

g) Select the "Save" button.

Adjusting Color Contrast using the Keyboard

a) Open the Windows logo key Windows logo key+U.

b) Under Quick access to common tools, select - Set up High Contrast by pressing ALT+U.

c) Under High Contrast, select - Choose a High Contrast color scheme by pressing ENTER.

d) Select a Color scheme by pressing ALT+C.

e) Choose a color scheme from the list by pressing the arrow keys, then ENTER.

f) Under High Contrast to turn High Contrast on or off, select - Turn on High Contrast when left ALT + left SHIFT + PRINT SCREEN is pressed by pressing ALT+L.

g) When using keyboard shortcuts to turn Ease of Access settings on, select one or both of these notification options:

i) Display a warning message when turning a setting on for a visual notification, by pressing ALT+A.

ii) Make a sound when turning a setting on or off by pressing ALT+M.

h) Finally select Save by pressing ALT+S.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.