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This guide is going to inform you on how to change dark mode on Outlook. 

If you’re using Outlook on the web or the Windows app for Outlook, there is a very straightforward way to easily turn off or on dark mode for Outlook. 

If the bright interface of Outlook keeps bothering you and hurting your eyes, its appearance can be changed to dark mode.You can even save the battery life on your PC if the display is OLED. If you’re ready, let’s find out how to change Outlook to dark mode.

Does Outlook Have Dark Mode?

Microsoft Outlook has dark mode, but it’s available on recent versions of Outlook for Windows, mobile devices, and Outlook on the web. 

For different versions of Outlook, there are varied theme options such as colorful, dark gray, white, or black (dark mode).

Remember that Outlook dark mode affects other Office documents since they are shared across Office programs. So, choose the theme you like best! 

Also read: How to Set Microsoft Office Word as Default in Windows 10?

You must subscribe to Microsoft Office 365 to use Outlook’s dark mode theme on your desktop. You can use a dark gray theme if you have another Office version, but that’s the closest you can get to dark mode.

How to Change Outlook to Dark Mode

If you are using the Microsoft Outlook app on your Windows PC, this is how to set Outlook to dark mode. I’ll start with how to change Microsoft Outlook 2016 and later versions to dark mode.

Microsoft Outlook 2016

  • Once you’ve opened the Outlook app, go ahead and find the File option. 
  • Click File on the menu bar. 
  • Find Office Account in the left navigation pane and click it.
  • Click the drop-down menu under Office Theme and click on Black. The interface will immediately turn to dark mode.
Microsoft account

Outlook (new) 

  • After opening the Outlook app, click Settings at the top right corner of the window. It’s the one with the gear icon.
Outlook settings
  • When the Settings window opens, click General and select Appearance.
  • You should see Dark mode on the right. Click on Dark to change the interface to dark mode.
settings appearance

Also read: How to Make Google Docs in Dark Mode Easily

When you choose the Use system setting option, Outlook will turn to dark or light mode, depending on your Windows dark mode settings.

How to Turn Off Dark Mode in Outlook on Windows

If you have enabled dark mode, follow the steps below to disable it:

Microsoft Outlook 2016

  • Open the Outlook app on your Windows PC and click the File tab. 
  • Click Office Account on the left panel.
  • Search for Office Theme and click the drop-down menu.
  • Select White or Colorful to turn off dark mode in Outlook.

Outlook (new) 

  • Open the Outlook app and click the gear icon at the top right corner of the window.
Outlook settings
  • When the Settings window opens, click General and select Appearance.
  • On the right, click on Light to change the interface to light mode.
Settings Appearance General

Also read: How to Fix “MS Outlook Not Responding” Issue

How to Change to Dark Mode in Outlook on the Web

Here’s how to change Outlook to dark mode if you’re using Outlook on the web (OWA). The steps are super easy:

  • Sign in to your Outlook account online at https://outlook.office.com/. 
  • Open the Settings window by tapping on the gear icon in the upper right corner.
  • Select the Dark radio button under Dark mode.
  • Alternatively, click on General in the settings window that opens up, then select Appearance. 
  • To turn on dark mode in Outlook, go ahead and choose Dark.
  • Click Save at the bottom of the page to save changes.
Outlook Settings Appearance Dark

Also read: How to Add a Gmail Account to Outlook?

How to Disable Dark Mode in Outlook on the Web

Here’s how to disable Outlook dark mode if you’re using Outlook on the web:

  • Open your Outlook account at https://outlook.office.com/. 
  • Open the Settings window by clicking on the gear icon on the top right corner 
  • Select the Light radio button under Dark mode.
  • Alternatively, click General and select Appearance. 
  • Then, select Light to disable Outlook dark mode.
  • Finally, click Save to save the settings.
Settings Appearance Light
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Dark Mode in Outlook: Explained

So, there are methods to change dark mode in Outlook. The steps are incredibly easy, and you can enable and disable the dark mode theme in seconds.

Please tell us about the different methods you are aware of that we didn’t mention by sharing them in the comments section!

FAQ

Does using dark mode save battery life on a PC?
Yes. If your device has OLED or AMOLED screens, dark mode in Outlook can help you save battery life. These screens use less power when displaying dark colors compared to bright ones.
Can you use dark mode in Outlook during the day?
Definitely yes! There is no restriction on when dark mode in Outlook should be applied because it works perfectly at any time according to your aesthetic preferences as well as comfortability at different times.