Windows 10 doesn’t have a setting to pick the font color of desktop icon labels. They’re always white with a soft drop shadow so they show up on most wallpapers. To make them easier to read, you can switch to a darker or less busy wallpaper, turn the label shadows on or off, or use a high contrast theme, which lets you choose your own text color for all of Windows. This guide covers each option and how to change the label size.
Option 1: Change the wallpaper for better contrast
The simplest fix for hard-to-read labels is a background that contrasts with white text.
- Right-click the desktop and choose Personalize.
- Under Background, pick Picture and choose a darker image, or pick Solid color and choose a dark color.
- If you like your photo, set Choose a fit so the busiest part of the image isn’t behind your icons, or move the icons to a darker area.
Option 2: Turn icon label shadows on or off
- Press Windows key + R, type
sysdm.cpland press Enter. - Open the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance.
- On the Visual Effects tab, tick or untick Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop.
- Click OK.
Leaving the shadow on usually makes labels more readable on light or busy pictures. If the setting is off, turning it back on is often all it takes.
Option 3: Use a high contrast theme with your own text color
High contrast themes replace Windows’ colors with your own, including the text color. They change every window and app, not just the desktop, so they suit people who want stronger contrast everywhere.
- Open Settings > Ease of Access > High contrast.
- Turn on Turn on high contrast, or press Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen.
- Choose a theme from the list, such as High Contrast Black.
- Click the color box next to Text and pick a color, then click Apply.
Press the same shortcut to turn high contrast off again. In this mode, the desktop wallpaper is replaced with a solid color.
Make the icon labels bigger
- Bigger icons and labels: right-click the desktop, choose View, and pick Large icons. See how to change icon size on Windows 10.
- Bigger text everywhere: go to Settings > Ease of Access > Display and drag Make text bigger, then click Apply.
- Scale everything: Settings > System > Display > Scale and layout, for example 125%.
Changing the label font
Windows 10 also removed the option to choose the desktop icon font. Changing it now means editing the registry, which changes the system font across Windows. See how to change fonts in Windows 10 for the steps and the risks, and create a restore point first.
What about third-party tools?
Some customization apps can recolor desktop labels, usually by hooking into Explorer. They can break after Windows updates and occasionally make Explorer crash. If you try one, download it only from the developer’s website and check that it has been updated recently.
Troubleshooting
Labels have a colored box behind them
This usually happens when visual effects are turned off for performance. In Performance Options, choose Let Windows choose what’s best for my computer, or tick Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop.
Labels turned black or disappeared
A high contrast theme may be on. Press Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen to turn it off. If icons are missing entirely, right-click the desktop and choose View > Show desktop icons.
Text looks blurry
Search for Adjust ClearType text in Start and follow the wizard, and make sure your display uses its recommended resolution.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make the labels black?
Only through a high contrast theme with a light background or a third-party tool. Standard themes always use white labels.
Does dark mode change the label color?
No. Dark mode in Settings > Personalization > Colors changes apps and menus, not desktop labels.
Can I hide the labels?
Not with a setting. You can rename a shortcut to a blank character, but the simpler option is to hide all desktop icons with View > Show desktop icons. To create new ones later, see how to create a desktop shortcut in Windows 10.
Summary
- Windows 10 has no setting for desktop label color.
- Use a darker wallpaper for better contrast.
- Turn on drop shadows for icon labels.
- Use a high contrast theme to choose your own text color.
- Enlarge labels with Large icons or Make text bigger.
Related: change app icons in Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.