Outlook background

Question

while using Outlook, my background is now black. How do I get it back to white background?

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

Are you using Outlook web, Outlook New or Classic for Windows, or the Outlook mobile app?

What troubleshooting steps have you already taken? This will help me avoid recommending them again.

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If you haven't tried anything yet please start by:

Restart your PC:

• This helps refresh any background Outlook or connection issues.

Reset the new Outlook app (Outlook New):

• Press the Windows key and search for Outlook.
• Right-click on it and select "App Settings".
• Scroll down to the Terminate section and click "Terminate".
• Then scroll down to the Reset section and click "Reset".
• Wait a moment, then try opening the app again to see if it works.
• If the issue persists, go back to the same settings, scroll down to the - Reset section, and click on "Reset" (confirm the action if prompted).
• Restart your PC and test.

Check for Windows updates:

• Sometimes system updates include fixes for Outlook connectivity issues.
• Go to Settings > Windows Update, then click Check for updates.

Try Outlook on the web:

• You can also sign in at https://outlook.com to make sure your account itself is working fine.

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If the issue persists, please provide more details by answering my questions.

Click "Add comment" below to let me know.

Answer 2

In Classic Outlook for Windows, the black background is caused by Dark Mode (Black theme). To return to a white message background:

1. In Outlook, select File > Options.
2. On the General page, under Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office:
   • Set Office Theme to White (or Colorful) to turn off the overall black theme, or
   • Leave Office Theme as Black but check Never change the message background color so messages stay white even in the black theme.
3. Select OK.

If only the current message is dark and the rest of Outlook looks normal, use the in-message toggle:

1. When reading a message, select the sun button at the top of the message window to change the background to white.
2. When composing a message, use the dark mode button on the Message toolbar to switch the compose window background back to white.

If a specific message has a colored background set (not Dark Mode):

1. While composing that message, go to Options > Page Color.
2. Select No Color to return to a white background.

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References:

• Dark Mode in Outlook
• Change a message background
• Change the look and feel of Microsoft 365
• Use color and contrast for accessibility in Microsoft 365