Personalising Your Display: Adjusting Monitor Colours in Windows 11
Fine-tuning your monitor colour can really make a difference — whether you’re gaming, streaming movies, or working on creative projects. Windows 11 makes this easier with some handy built-in options. All it takes is a bit of poking around in the Settings app to get the colours just right. Once you have a go, you’ll see it’s pretty straightforward, and it can transform how everything looks on your screen — especially if colour accuracy matters to you.
How to Change Monitor Colours in Windows 11
This isn’t just about making things look pretty; proper calibration ensures colours show as they should, not faded or off-tone. This is particularly useful if you do photo editing or gaming. Here’s a clear way to tweak your colours — it might take a few attempts to get it spot-on, but it’s worth the effort:
Start with Settings
Click the Start button on the taskbar and find the gear icon to open Settings. Alternatively, press Win + I for a quick shortcut. Once you get the hang of this route, it’s handy for jumping into all sorts of settings fast, especially display options.
Go to System Settings
Inside Settings, select the ‘System’ section. This is where all your hardware settings live, like display, sound, and power. Choosing ‘System’ keeps everything centralised, making it easier to find what you need when adjusting display options.
Access Display Options
Now, click on ‘Display’. This part handles all the monitor settings. Here you can change resolution, set orientation, and explore additional controls. It’s also where you’ll start getting into colour profiles.
Find Advanced Display Settings
Scroll down and select ‘Advanced display settings’. This takes you deeper into the technical side — not just the basics. Here, you can check refresh rates and colour depth. If you’re into fine-tuning your monitor, this is where the fun begins.
Open Display Adapter Properties
Under advanced settings, click on ‘Display adapter properties’. Then switch to the ‘Colour Management’ tab. This is where the real magic (or frustration) of colour calibration happens. You’ll be able to set how your monitor interprets colours here.
Work with Colour Profiles
Check the box labelled ‘Use my settings for this device’. Then, click ‘Add…’ if you want to browse different colour profiles, or select ‘Create Profile…’ to make your own from scratch. Feeling adventurous? The Windows Display Colour Calibration Wizard is easy to try. Just press Win + R, type dccw, and hit Enter. It’ll guide you through the process step by step.
Test and Set Your Profiles
Once you’ve picked or built a profile, be sure to click ‘Set as Default Profile’. Then, test how it looks with colour-sensitive images or videos. For the best results, professional calibration tools like the Datacolor SpyderX or X-Rite i1Display can really take things up a notch, especially if colour accuracy is key.
Following these steps will help your monitor display more vivid, true-to-life colours — ideal for creative work, streaming, or just enjoying your content in better quality.
Helpful Tips for Perfecting Your Colours
- Keep your graphics drivers up to date. Old drivers can cause issues with colour settings or limit new features. Check via Device Manager or visit NVIDIA or AMD’s website for the latest updates.
- Switch between different profiles for specific tasks. You might have one for gaming and another for photo editing — save and swap easily in the Colour Management tab.
- Use colour test images to see which profile looks best. It’s not just guesswork; these tests help you find a setting that appears most natural to your eye.
- Online calibration tools are worth trying if the built-in options don’t quite do it. They often guide you through detailed adjustments for better results.
- For professional-level accuracy, consider dedicated hardware like the Datacolor SpyderX or X-Rite i1Display. These come with specialised software to really fine-tune your display.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adjusting Monitor Colours
Can I calibrate colours for individual apps?
Not really — Windows 11 applies colour settings system-wide, so any adjustments affect everything. Some specialised software, like Adobe Photoshop, offers its own colour controls if you need more precise tweaks for specific programs.
What if I can’t find the Colour Management tab?
If it’s missing, your graphics drivers may need updating, or there might be Windows system issues. Make sure your drivers are current, either through Windows Update or directly from the manufacturer. You can also access Colour Management from the Control Panel:
- Control Panel > Colour Management
Or use the command line:
control /name Microsoft.ColorManagementHow do I revert to factory defaults?
You can reset your colour profiles by removing custom ones in Colour Management or re-run the Display Colour Calibration wizard and select ‘Reset’. It’s straightforward and doesn’t take long.
Is calibrating my monitor really necessary?
Not essential for everyone, but calibration can greatly improve colour accuracy — especially if you do colour-sensitive work. Even casual users tend to notice that calibrated colours look more natural and pleasing, making your overall display experience better.
Will adjusting colour settings affect my system’s performance?
Generally, no. These tweaks are software-based and don’t impact hardware performance. You might experience a slight delay when switching profiles or running calibration routines, but it’s hardly noticeable.
Quick Recap: How to Calibrate Your Display
- Open Settings by clicking the Start button or pressing Win + I.
- Select System, then click on Display.
- Scroll down to Advanced display settings.
- Click on Display adapter properties.
- In the new window, open the Colour Management tab.
- Click Calibrate Display Colour or run
dccwfrom Win + R to launch the wizard — then follow the prompts.
Getting your Windows 11 screen colours spot-on can be surprisingly simple — and the benefits are well worth the effort. Calibration isn’t just for professionals; it can make everything look sharper and more true-to-life. Once you’ve made a few tweaks, you’ll notice your display appears far more vibrant and accurate. A bit of patience and these steps can turn your screen into a more stunning, enjoyable viewing experience.