How to Enable Dark Mode in Microsoft Outlook (Windows, Mac, and Mobile)

By | 2024-10-07

Dark mode has become a popular feature across apps and operating systems, and Microsoft Outlook is no exception. Whether you’re working late at night or just prefer a darker interface, enabling dark mode can reduce eye strain and give your inbox a sleek look.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to enable dark mode in Microsoft Outlook across Windows, Mac, and mobile devices (iOS and Android). Let’s get started!

Enable Dark Mode in Outlook on Windows

Outlook for Windows lets you easily switch between light and dark modes. Here’s how to enable it:

  1. Open Outlook
    Launch the Outlook desktop app on your Windows PC.
  2. Go to File
    Click on the File tab in the top-left corner of the screen.
  3. Open Options
    Scroll down the menu and select Options. This will open a new window with various settings.
  4. Select Office Theme
    In the General tab (which should open by default), look for the Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office section.
  5. Choose Dark Mode
    Next to Office Theme, click the drop-down menu and select Black. This is the dark mode option for Outlook and other Microsoft Office apps.
  6. Turn on Dark Reading Pane (Optional)
    If you want your reading pane (where you view emails) to also appear dark, make sure the option Never change the message background color is unchecked.
  7. Click OK
    Click OK to save your settings. Your Outlook interface will now be in dark mode.

Enable Dark Mode in Outlook on Mac

For Mac users, enabling dark mode in Outlook can be done through the app’s settings or by syncing it with your macOS system theme. Here’s how:

  1. Open Outlook
    Launch the Microsoft Outlook app on your Mac.
  2. Check for System-Wide Dark Mode
    Outlook for Mac follows the system’s dark mode settings by default. To enable system-wide dark mode:
  • Go to System Preferences on your Mac.
  • Select General.
  • Under Appearance, choose Dark. This will switch all compatible apps, including Outlook, to dark mode.
  1. Manually Enable Dark Mode in Outlook
    If you only want to enable dark mode in Outlook (without affecting other apps):
  • Open Outlook and click on the Outlook menu at the top.
  • Select Preferences, then General.
  • Under Appearance, choose Dark Mode. This will apply the dark theme to just Outlook.

Enable Dark Mode in Outlook on Mobile (iOS and Android)

For Outlook on mobile devices, dark mode is easy to enable in both the iOS and Android apps. Here’s how to do it:

On iOS (iPhone and iPad):

  1. Open the Outlook App
    Launch the Outlook app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Go to Settings
    Tap on your profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen, then scroll down and select Settings (represented by a gear icon).
  3. Find the Appearance Option
    Scroll down and tap Appearance.
  4. Choose Dark Mode
    You’ll have three options:
  • Light: The standard bright mode.
  • Dark: Enables dark mode.
  • System Default: This option syncs Outlook’s theme with your iOS system theme. Choose Dark to enable dark mode.

On Android:

  1. Open the Outlook App
    Launch the Outlook app on your Android device.
  2. Go to Settings
    Tap on your profile icon (located in the top-left corner), then tap the gear icon for Settings.
  3. Select Theme
    Scroll down to the Preferences section and select Theme.
  4. Choose Dark Mode
    You’ll see three options:
  • Light: The default light theme.
  • Dark: Enables dark mode.
  • System Default: Syncs Outlook’s theme with your Android’s system settings. Tap Dark to turn on dark mode.

No matter which platform you’re using—Windows, Mac, or mobile—switching to dark mode in Microsoft Outlook is simple and can make your email experience more comfortable, especially in low-light environments.

Now that you know how to enable dark mode in Outlook, go ahead and give your inbox a new look!

Author: dwirch

Derek Wirch is a seasoned IT professional with an impressive career dating back to 1986. He brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience that is invaluable to those embarking on their journey in the tech industry.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.