Background color and text color

To get back to a dark email background in classic Outlook, switch Outlook to the Black theme and use dark mode in the message window:

1. In Outlook, select File > Office Account.
2. Under Office Theme, select Black.
3. Return to Outlook.
4. When reading a message, select the moon button at the top of the message window to make the background black.
5. When composing a message, use the dark mode button on the Message toolbar to switch the message window to black.

If the message window stays white, check this setting:

1. Go to File > Options.
2. On the General page, find Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office.
3. Make sure Office Theme is set to Black.
4. Clear Never change the message background color.
5. Select OK.

For the text color, classic Outlook lets the default font color be changed:

1. Go to File > Options > Mail.
2. Under Compose messages, select Stationery and Fonts.
3. Under New mail messages and Replying or forwarding messages, select Font.
4. Choose the font color wanted, then select OK three times.

If the goal is specifically yellow text, the available context does not provide a built-in Outlook setting that restores a black background with yellow text exactly. A Windows contrast theme can change colors across Windows and many apps:

1. Press Windows logo key+U or go to Start > Settings > Accessibility.
2. Select Contrast themes.
3. Choose a theme, or select Edit to customize colors such as Text.
4. Select Apply.

References:

• Dark Mode in Outlook
• Change the default font or text color for email messages in Outlook
• Use color and contrast for accessibility in Microsoft 365