How to Brighten Up Your Monitor’s Colours with ICC Profiles on Windows 11
Applying ICC Profiles: A Real User’s Journey
Start with the Colour Management Tool
Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings > Colour management. Or, press Win + R, type colorcpl, and hit Enter—that’ll take you directly to the colour settings. Not too shabby, eh?
Select Your Monitor Like a Pro
Devices” tab. You’ll see a dropdown list of your connected displays. Pick the right one—this is especially important if you have multiple monitors, as applying the wrong profile can cause some colour confusion.
Configure Your Colour Settings
Next, tick the box that says “Use my settings for this device.” This step is vital if you want to use a specific profile instead of the default. It’s particularly useful for calibrated screens or custom profiles you’ve downloaded or created yourself.
Add Your New ICC Profile
Click “Add” below your current profiles. Browse to find the ICC profile file you downloaded—look for files ending in .icc or .icm. Windows prefers those. Alternatively, you can copy the ICC file directly into C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\color. Once added, it’ll be available to select.
Set the Profile as Default
Select your new profile and click “Set as Default Profile.” That way, Windows will use it every time you start up your monitor. For more advanced tweaks, you can also head to Control Panel > Colour Management > Advanced.
Tips for Managing Your ICC Profiles on Windows 11
- Use ICC profiles designed specifically for your monitor model. Check your manufacturer’s website for the best options, or consider using calibration hardware that creates personalised profiles for your screen.
- It’s a good idea to back up your current setup before making changes. In Colour Management, you can export your existing profiles via Profiles > Add….
- If the built-in calibration tools aren’t quite enough, hardware calibrators like the Datacolor SpyderX or X-Rite i1Display produce seriously accurate profiles based on precise measurements.
- Keep your graphics card drivers up to date to prevent compatibility issues with colour profiles. Check via Device Manager or your GPU’s dedicated software.
- After applying profiles, you can fine-tune your display further using Windows’ built-in calibration tool: go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings > Colour calibration.
Common Questions About ICC Profiles on Windows 11
What exactly is an ICC profile?
It’s a file that tells your monitor how colours should look, ensuring consistency across different displays and devices. Essential for colour-critical work like design or video editing.
Do I really need a custom ICC profile for my monitor?
Absolutely. Profiles made for your specific model provide the best colours. You can get them from your monitor’s manufacturer or create your own with calibration hardware.
Can I have multiple profiles and switch between them?
Yes, you can store multiple profiles, but only one can be active per device at a time. Switch profiles via Colour Management or the Control Panel as needed.
How do I check if my ICC profile is working well?
If your colours look vivid, accurate, and consistent, you’re likely set up correctly. You can also run calibration tests using Windows’ built-in tools or third-party software to verify.
What if I don’t like the new profile after applying it?
No worries—just go back into Colour Management, select your monitor, and choose a different profile. Alternatively, using the monitor’s own on-screen menu can reset it to factory defaults.
In Summary