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How Can I Set Up Different Color Profiles, With Different Gamma, For Different Purposes?

Marja Erwin 60 Reputation points
2025-09-11T03:48:10.0366667+00:00

Hi,

I have weak eyesight, and a light sensitivity. I struggle to read thin or faint text, and can't read parts of the Windows 11 interface., of some applications, etc. I also struggle to read light text on dark backgrounds because of a halo around the text. I also struggle to read anything on bright screens, so I need to keep brightness and contrast down.

I have tried so many things; so far the best built-in tools are to reduce screen resolution, and to change color profiles to reduce gamma to make medium-gray letters look like black. I need both of these to read enough of the Windows 11 interface. I have also tried scaling, but that doesn't work everywhere; reducing screen resolution does. I have also tried 3rd-party tools.

But while reducing gamma works well in light mode, some apps only allow dark mode, and reducing gamma makes them even less readable. Maybe increasing gamma would make them readable.

Also if I'm watching movies, standard gamma might be better.

Windows 11 color calibration only allows me to create one color profile at a time, and doesn't let me name it for easy reference. Is there a way to create or download 3 profiles, for very low gamma, standard gamma, and very high gamma, name them, and switch them when needed?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Display and graphics
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  1. Lychee-Ng 18,255 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-09-11T08:19:07.4733333+00:00

    Hi Marja Erwin,

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

    Thank you for sharing your experience with visual accessibility challenges in Windows 11. Your need for gamma control and screen contrast, to read text comfortably across different apps and environments, are very well understood. Fortunately, the newest update of Windows 11 (version 24H2) does support multiple color profiles via Settings > System > Display > Color profile:

    User's image

    With a few extra steps, you can create and switch between them to suit your needs.

    1 - Add multiple ICC color profiles:

    2 - Switch profiles quickly:

    • Manually switch it via Setting > Color profile each time you want to change
    • Third-party tools for automated profile switching (e.g. AutoHotkey or ArgyllCMS)

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    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it to assist others who might face similar issues. If you have extra questions, please click "Comment".

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