how to turn on high contrast mode with keys

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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20-01-2025

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High contrast mode dramatically alters your computer's display, increasing the contrast between text and background colors. This can significantly improve readability and accessibility for users with visual impairments or those who simply prefer a more stark visual presentation. While you can usually find the setting in your operating system's display settings, using keyboard shortcuts provides a faster, more efficient way to toggle high contrast on and off. This article will guide you through the process for Windows and macOS.

Accessing High Contrast Mode in Windows

Windows offers a few different keyboard shortcuts to activate high contrast mode. The simplest method is generally the most effective.

Method 1: The Standard Shortcut

The most common and widely supported shortcut is:

• Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen

Pressing these three keys simultaneously will toggle high contrast mode on or off. If high contrast is already on, pressing the keys will turn it off, and vice versa. This works across most versions of Windows.

Method 2: Using the On-Screen Keyboard

If your keyboard is malfunctioning or you're using an on-screen keyboard, you can still access high contrast.

1. Open the On-Screen Keyboard. You can typically find this in your Windows settings under Ease of Access.
2. Use the on-screen keyboard to navigate to the Ease of Access Center.
3. Then, locate and select the High Contrast option.

Accessing High Contrast Mode on macOS

macOS handles high contrast differently than Windows. It doesn't have a dedicated single-keystroke shortcut. Instead, you'll need to use the Accessibility features within System Preferences. While there isn't a direct keyboard shortcut to toggle high contrast, you can use keyboard navigation to quickly access the setting.

1. Open System Preferences: Use the keyboard shortcut ⌘ + Space (Command + Space) to open Spotlight search. Type "System Preferences" and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Accessibility: Use the arrow keys to navigate to the "Accessibility" icon and press Enter.
3. Select Display: Use the arrow keys to navigate to and select the "Display" tab.
4. Activate High Contrast: Use the Tab key to navigate through the options until you reach the "Increase Contrast" checkbox. Press Space to toggle it on or off.

Troubleshooting and Additional Tips

• Multiple Monitors: If you have multiple monitors, high contrast may affect only the main display.
• Custom High Contrast Themes: Windows allows you to create and customize your high contrast themes to better suit your preferences.
• Temporary High Contrast: The shortcuts provide a temporary toggle. If you want high contrast to always be on, you'll need to enable it through your operating system's settings.

This method provides a quick and easy way to adjust your screen's contrast. Remember to adjust your settings according to your specific needs and preferences. If you experience any issues, consulting your operating system's help documentation can provide further assistance.

Remember to save your work before altering display settings, just in case.

High contrast mode is a valuable accessibility feature. Learning these keyboard shortcuts allows for swift and convenient activation whenever needed.