Ever feel like your Windows 11 monitor colors look dull, washed out, or too bright? Or maybe you just want that perfect warm tone for nighttime use or a cool tone for productivity. Whatever the reason, Windows 11 gives you multiple ways to adjust your monitor colors, whether for work, gaming, or multimedia.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about changing monitor colors in Windows 11, including built-in settings, color profiles, night light, HDR, and third-party calibration tools. By the end, your screen will look exactly the way you want it.
Why Adjust Monitor Colors on Windows 11?
Adjusting your monitor colors isn’t just about aesthetics. Here’s why it matters:
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Eye comfort – Reduce strain by softening harsh colors.
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Better productivity – Cool tones can help you stay alert.
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Accurate color work – Essential for designers, photographers, and video editors.
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Gaming & entertainment – Enhance visuals for a more immersive experience.
Step 1: Use Windows 11 Display Settings
The quickest way to change monitor colors is through Display Settings.
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Right-click your desktop and select Display settings.
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Scroll down and click Advanced display.
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Click Display adapter properties for Display 1.
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In the Color Management tab, click Color Management…
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Go to the Advanced tab and adjust:
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Color calibration
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Gamma, brightness, contrast
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Click Apply when done.
This is the built-in Windows method, perfect for basic tweaks.
Step 2: Calibrate Your Display for Accurate Colors
Windows 11 has a Display Color Calibration tool for precise adjustments.
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Press Win + S and type Calibrate display color.
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Select Calibrate display color from the results.
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Follow the wizard:
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Adjust gamma
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Set brightness and contrast
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Fine-tune color balance
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Save the calibration and apply it.
This is ideal if you want colors closer to real-life accuracy.
Step 3: Adjust Night Light for Warmer Tones
If you want a warm, eye-friendly screen at night, use Windows 11’s Night Light feature.
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Go to Settings > System > Display.
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Toggle Night light on.
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Click Night light settings to adjust:
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Color temperature
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Schedule (sunset to sunrise or custom)
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Night Light reduces blue light, helping you sleep better while protecting your eyes.
Step 4: Enable HDR for Richer Colors
High Dynamic Range (HDR) makes colors brighter and more vivid, ideal for gaming and video:
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Go to Settings > System > Display.
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Scroll to Use HDR and toggle it on.
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Adjust HDR/SDR brightness balance for the best look.
Make sure your monitor supports HDR for this feature to work.
Step 5: Use Color Profiles (ICC/ICM Files)
If you want professional color accuracy, install a color profile:
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Open Color Management (right-click desktop → Display settings → Advanced display → Color Management).
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Check Use my settings for this device.
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Click Add… and select an ICC/ICM profile.
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Set it as default and click Close.
Designers and photographers often use this method for exact color reproduction.
Step 6: Adjust Monitor Colors via Graphics Card Software
If you have an NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics card, you can use the manufacturer’s control panel:
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NVIDIA Control Panel → Display → Adjust desktop color settings.
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AMD Radeon Software → Display → Color → Adjust color temperature, brightness, and contrast.
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Intel Graphics Command Center → Display → Color → Adjust color settings.
This gives more advanced options than Windows settings alone.
Step 7: Use Third-Party Color Calibration Tools
For the most precise control, you can use third-party apps or devices:
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Datacolor Spyder – Professional monitor calibration hardware.
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X-Rite i1Display – Accurate color profiling for designers.
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f.lux – Software for automatic color temperature adjustment based on time of day.
These tools are great if you need high-level color precision.
Step 8: Troubleshooting Color Issues
Sometimes your colors may look wrong even after adjustments:
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Check cable type – HDMI vs. DisplayPort may affect color quality.
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Update graphics drivers – Go to NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel website for latest drivers.
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Reset to default color settings – In Color Management, click Reset my settings.
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Check monitor presets – Many monitors have “sRGB,” “Game,” “Movie” modes affecting color.
Tips for Optimal Color Experience
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Always calibrate your monitor after connecting a new PC.
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Avoid extreme color temperature settings; aim for natural tones.
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Use Night Light for evening use to reduce eye strain.
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If editing photos/videos, use ICC profiles for accuracy.
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Keep your graphics card drivers updated to prevent color glitches.
Conclusion
Changing your monitor colors in Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you want eye comfort, gaming vibrance, or professional color accuracy, Windows 11 has multiple ways to adjust your display. From built-in Display Settings and Night Light to HDR, ICC profiles, and graphics card software, you can fine-tune colors for any purpose.
With the right adjustments, your screen will look better, your eyes will thank you, and your content will appear exactly as intended.
FAQs
Q1. Can I change monitor color without graphics card software?
Yes, you can use Windows 11’s built-in Display Settings, Night Light, or Color Management.
Q2. What is the best color profile for photo editing?
Use sRGB for general work or AdobeRGB for professional photography.
Q3. Does Night Light change actual colors permanently?
No, Night Light only applies a temporary warm filter for eye comfort.
Q4. How do I reset my monitor colors to default?
Go to Color Management → Advanced → Reset my settings for this device, or reset in your monitor’s on-screen menu.
Q5. Will HDR work on any Windows 11 monitor?
No, HDR requires a compatible monitor and connection (DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+).