How to get correct color profile for your monitor on Windows 11
If colors are not looking as they should on the screen, it’s probably because the device isn’t using the correct color profile. Here’s the fix on Windows 11.
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OnWindows 11, similar to any operating system, accurate color rendering on the screen is critical, even more for those professionals working on video editing, photography, or gamers. As a result, in this guide, you will learn the steps to set the correct color profile for your monitor.
A color profile is a combination of settings that manufacturers create to describe how colors should be rendered on the display. Only after setting the correct profile will you be able to experience the intended color representation.
Although the operating system can detect and configure the appropriate profile if you notice that the colors don’t look accurate, the problem is probably not the monitor but rather the profile, which you can update from the Color Management application available on Windows 11.
In thishow-to guide, I will walk you through the steps to use the correct color profile on Windows 11 version 24H2, 23H2, and older releases.
How to download color profiles for a display on Windows 11
Usually, the color profiles (“ICM” or “ICC” files) available for your monitor come in the driver package or the installation disc. However, you can always download the files from the manufacturer’s website.
To find and download the correct color profile on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you can install the appropriate color profile for the computer’s monitor on Windows 11.
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How to install color profiles for a display on Windows 11
On Windows 11, you can install and manage color profiles from the “Color Management” tool or from the Settings app starting with version 24H2 and higher releases.
Steps for Windows 11 2023 Update
To install a color profile on Windows 11 (version 23H2 and older releases) from the legacy Color Management settings, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the profile will apply, and you should now be able to notice a change in how the display renders colors.
If you want to remove the specific profile, follow the same instructions, but instep 9, select the profile from the list and click the"Remove"button. However, the file containing the profile instructions will continue to be available on your computer. You can refer to the reset instructions to remove it.
Steps for Windows 11 2024 Update
To install a color profile on Windows 11 (version 24H2 and higher releases) from the modern Color Management settings, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the new profile will be applied to your computer.
If you want to remove the specific profile, follow the same instructions, but instep 9,click the"Remove"button. However, the file containing the profile instructions will continue to be available on your computer. You can refer to the reset instructions to remove it.
How to reset color profile settings on Windows 11
In the case that you need to roll back the previous settings, you can use the instructions below to reset to the default color profile configuration on Windows 11 version 24H2, 23H2, and older releases.
To reset the color profile to the default settings, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the profile settings will roll back to the original configuration for that specific monitor.
It’s important to note that even though you can configure a custom profile for your monitor manually, typically, when you connect a display to the computer, the system sets up the recommended color profile. As a result, you should only consider using these instructions if the device is using the wrong profile or you have specific requirements to change the color profile on Windows 11.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
