How To Change Outlook Background To Black – Enabling Dark Mode Backgrounds

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Setting Outlook’s background to black reduces eye strain in low-light environments and extends battery life on OLED screens. If you are wondering how to change outlook background to black, you have come to the right place. This guide will walk you through every method, from simple settings tweaks to registry edits, so you can work comfortably day or night.

Microsoft Outlook does not have a one-click dark mode button like some other apps. But don’t worry—you can still achieve a fully black background with a few adjustments. We will cover the official dark theme, the “Black” theme option, and workarounds for older versions.

Why Change Outlook Background To Black

Switching to a black background is not just about looks. It has real benefits for your eyes and your device. Here are the main reasons people make the change:

  • Reduced eye strain in dim or dark rooms
  • Less blue light exposure before bedtime
  • Better battery life on OLED and AMOLED screens
  • Improved readability for some users with visual sensitivities
  • A cleaner, more modern appearance

If you work late at night or in low-light conditions, a black background can make a huge difference. It also helps if you have migraines or light sensitivity.

How To Change Outlook Background To Black

This is the core section of the article. We will show you multiple ways to achieve a black background in Outlook. Follow the method that matches your version and preferences.

Method 1: Use The Built-In Dark Theme (Microsoft 365 And Outlook 2016+)

Microsoft 365 subscribers and users of Outlook 2016 or newer have a built-in dark theme. This is the easiest and most reliable method.

  1. Open Outlook and click on File in the top-left corner.
  2. Select Options from the left sidebar.
  3. In the Outlook Options window, go to the General tab.
  4. Under the “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” section, find the Office Theme dropdown.
  5. Choose Black from the list. If you see “Dark Gray” or “White,” pick “Black.”
  6. Click OK to apply the change.

This changes the entire Office suite to a black theme, including Outlook. The reading pane, folder list, and ribbon will all turn dark. Note that some areas like the message body may remain white unless you also change the message background.

Method 2: Change The Message Background To Black

The dark theme changes the interface but not the email content. To make the message reading area black, you need a separate setting.

  1. In Outlook, go to File > Options.
  2. Select Mail from the left sidebar.
  3. Scroll down to the “Stationery and Fonts” section.
  4. Click Stationery and Fonts…
  5. In the new window, go to the Personal Stationery tab.
  6. Under “New mail messages,” click Font…
  7. Choose a light font color (like white or light gray) and set the font size you prefer.
  8. Click OK to close the font window.
  9. Now click Theme… and select a dark theme from the list. If no dark theme is available, choose “Blank” and manually set the background color later.
  10. Click OK twice to save changes.

This method changes the background of new emails you compose. For reading emails, you can use the “Read Aloud” feature or simply rely on the dark theme for the interface.

Method 3: Use Windows High Contrast Mode

If the built-in dark theme is not working or you use an older Outlook version, Windows High Contrast Mode can force a black background.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Ease of Access > High contrast.
  3. Toggle on “Turn on high contrast.”
  4. Select a high contrast theme that uses a black background, such as “High Contrast Black.”
  5. Close Settings and open Outlook.

This method affects all apps, not just Outlook. It is a system-wide change. You can customize the colors further by clicking “Choose a theme” and editing the color values.

Method 4: Registry Edit For Persistent Dark Mode

For advanced users, a registry tweak can force dark mode in Outlook even if the option is not visible. This works for Outlook 2019 and Microsoft 365.

Warning: Editing the registry can cause problems if done incorrectly. Backup your registry first.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common
  3. Right-click on the Common folder and select New > Key. Name it Experiment.
  4. Inside the Experiment key, right-click and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it EnableDarkMode.
  5. Double-click EnableDarkMode and set the value to 1.
  6. Create another DWORD named DisableFullScreenDarkMode and set it to 0.
  7. Close Registry Editor and restart Outlook.

This forces the dark theme in Outlook. If it does not work, try setting the value to 2 or 3. Some users report success with value 2 for a more complete dark mode.

Method 5: Third-Party Tools For Customization

If none of the above methods work, you can use third-party tools. These apps can override Outlook’s color settings and apply a black background.

  • WindowBlinds: Customizes window borders and backgrounds.
  • Classic Color Panel: A lightweight tool for changing system colors.
  • Dark Reader: A browser extension that works with Outlook Web App.

Be cautious with third-party tools. Only download from trusted sources to avoid malware.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes the dark theme does not apply correctly. Here are fixes for common problems.

Dark Theme Not Showing In Options

If you do not see the “Black” option under Office Theme, your Outlook version may be too old. Update to the latest version of Microsoft 365 or Outlook 2019. If you are using Outlook 2013 or earlier, the built-in dark theme is not available.

Message Background Still White

The dark theme only changes the interface. To change the message background, follow Method 2 above. Alternatively, use Windows High Contrast Mode to force all backgrounds to black.

Text Becomes Invisible

When you change the background to black, white text may become hard to read if the font color is also white. Adjust the font color in the Stationery settings. Choose a light gray or soft white for better contrast.

Registry Edit Not Working

If the registry edit does not work, check that you used the correct path. The “16.0” folder is for Office 2016 and later. For Office 2013, use “15.0.” Also ensure you restarted Outlook after making changes.

Additional Tips For A Better Dark Experience

Once you have the black background, optimize your settings for comfort.

  • Reduce screen brightness to match the dark theme.
  • Use a dark wallpaper on your desktop to avoid bright flashes.
  • Enable “Night Light” in Windows to reduce blue light further.
  • Adjust the font size in Outlook for easier reading.
  • Use the “Reading Pane” on the right to minimize eye movement.

These small changes can make your dark mode experience much more pleasant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Changing Outlook Background To Black Save Battery?

Yes, on OLED and AMOLED screens, black pixels are turned off, which saves power. The effect is more noticeable on mobile devices but still helps on laptops with OLED displays.

Can I Change Outlook Background To Black Without Changing Other Office Apps?

The Office Theme setting applies to all Office apps. To change only Outlook, use the registry edit method or Windows High Contrast Mode. Third-party tools can also target specific apps.

Why Is My Outlook Dark Mode Not Working After Update?

Updates sometimes reset settings. Go to File > Options > General and re-select the Black theme. If the option is missing, reinstall Outlook or run a repair from the Control Panel.

Is There A Way To Make The Calendar Black Too?

The dark theme usually affects the calendar as well. If not, go to Calendar settings and choose a dark color scheme. You can also set the calendar background to black using the same registry tweak.

How Do I Revert Back To The White Background?

Simply go to File > Options > General and change the Office Theme back to “White” or “Colorful.” For registry edits, delete the EnableDarkMode value or set it to 0.

Conclusion

Changing Outlook’s background to black is a simple process once you know the right steps. Whether you use the built-in dark theme, modify the registry, or rely on Windows settings, you can achieve a comfortable, eye-friendly workspace. Start with the official method and try the others if needed. Your eyes will thank you.

Remember to adjust font colors and brightness for the best experience. If you encounter issues, the troubleshooting section above should help. Now you know exactly how to change outlook background to black, so go ahead and make the switch today.