Office Settings & Configuration

How to Enable Dark Mode in Outlook for Microsoft 365

Nimra Malik Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

User needs to restore the Black theme to enable Dark Mode in the Outlook desktop application.

How to Enable Dark Mode in Outlook for Microsoft 365

Product: Outlook for Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Configuring the Office theme settings after Dark Mode was disabled or lost.
Observed behavior: Outlook only displays Light or Use System Settings, preventing the user from utilizing the Dark Mode theme.

Before you start

Ensure your Microsoft 365 subscription is active and your Outlook application is updated to the latest version to access all theme options.

Solution 1Recommended

Change Office Theme to Black in Outlook

The most direct way to enable dark mode in Outlook is through the Office Account settings menu.

This setting will change the visual appearance of your Outlook interface to a dark background, which is helpful for reducing eye strain in low-light environments. Note that this change will apply globally to all Microsoft 365 desktop apps on your device.

Open Outlook Account Settings

Launch the Outlook application and click on 'File' in the top left corner of the ribbon, then select 'Office Account' from the bottom left menu.

Select the Black Theme

Locate the 'Office Theme' dropdown menu and select 'Black' from the list of available themes.

Verify the Changes

Click the back arrow in the upper left corner to return to your Outlook inbox and confirm that Dark Mode has been successfully applied.

Background Toggle: When using the Black theme, you can easily toggle the email reading pane between dark and light backgrounds using the sun/moon icon inside the message window.

Solution 2

Update or Repair Microsoft 365

If the Black theme is missing from the dropdown or does not apply correctly, updating or repairing your Office installation can resolve the issue.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless and Eye-Friendly Experience

While troubleshooting Microsoft 365 issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative with excellent format compatibility and its own customizable reading modes to protect your eyes.

1. Visit the WPS Website: Go to the official WPS Office website on your browser.
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3. Install and Open: Run the downloaded setup file, complete the quick installation, and instantly open your existing Office files.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Black theme missing from my Outlook Office Theme dropdown?

The Black theme might be missing if you are using an older, non-subscription version of Office (like Office 2016 or 2019) that does not support it, or if your Microsoft 365 installation needs to be updated to the latest build.

Does changing the theme in Outlook affect other Microsoft 365 apps?

Yes, the Office Theme setting applies globally. When you select the Black theme in Outlook, it will automatically enable Dark Mode in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft 365 desktop applications installed on your computer.

How can I switch between light and dark backgrounds while reading an email in Dark Mode?

When the Black theme is active, you can toggle the message background from dark to light by clicking the sun or moon icon (Switch Background) located in the message toolbar.

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