Microsoft is working on a new accessibility feature for windows 11 known as “Screen tint” and could become a useful option for anyone who spends long hours in front of a monitor.
The feature is currently available through Windows internal programand introduces a system-wide color overlay designed to make the desktop more pleasing to the eye. Unlike the “Color filters” Screen Tint, a feature that focuses on accessibility requirements such as color blindness, aims for overall viewing comfort, allowing users to adjust the visual tint of the entire operating system.
Once enabled, the overlay is applied across the desktop and apps, creating a more consistent viewing experience without the need for third-party tools.
Windows 11’s new screen tint feature
Screen tint appears below Settings > Accessibility > Screen tintwhere Microsoft describes the feature as a way to “displays a color overlay on the screen to reduce eye strain and improve viewing comfort.”
The setting is disabled by default, but turning it on displays several preset tint profiles along with options for further customization.
Windows 11 currently offers six built-in presets, including:
- Amber for extended screen sessions.
- Pink tint for users sensitive to fluorescent lighting or migraine triggers.
- Yellow to reduce visual stress while reading.
- Blue for glare sensitivity in bright environments.
- Green to soften intense white backgrounds.
- Grey for users who find high contrast screens tiring.
On the page there is also a “Habit” Tint option allowing users to choose the color they prefer.
Additionally, there is a dedicated Strength slider that controls the intensity with which the color overlay appears. Instead of forcing users to use predefined filter levels, Screen Tint allows precise adjustments based on personal preferences, lighting conditions, or specific visual sensitivities.
It is not the same as color filters
While Screen Tint may seem similar to Windows 11’s existing color filters feature at first glance, the two tools serve different purposes.
Color filters are designed primarily as accessibility aids for users with color vision deficiencies. On the other hand, Screen Tint appears focused on comfort and reducing visual fatigue.
Microsoft notes that enabling Screen Tint automatically disables color filters, meaning only one feature can be active at a time.
Windows Central’s opinion
I wasn’t expecting a feature like Screen Tint, but I can see why the company is exploring it. While the operating system already includes color filters and other screen settings, Screen Tint appears to offer a more flexible way to adjust the overall appearance of the screen based on personal comfort rather than a specific accessibility need.
The ability to adjust the color and intensity of the overlay could be useful for people who spend long hours in front of a monitor, especially since everyone experiences screen fatigue differently.
Of course, this is still an experimental feature, so there’s no guarantee it will ship in its current form. Overall, though, I like to see the software giant continuing to expand the customization and accessibility options available in Windows 11.
What do you think about the new Screen Tint feature in Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.
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