Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

If text selection looks different after a Windows update, first check whether a Windows contrast theme is active: go to Settings > Accessibility > Contrast themes and select None to test. If you rely on a contrast theme, keep it on and adjust its Selected Text color instead. A change noticed after an update does not, by itself, prove the update caused it.

First identify what changed

“Highlight” can mean the background behind selected text, a text cursor or pointer, or an app’s own selected-state color. These are not necessarily controlled by the same setting. Also note whether the change appears across Windows and several apps or only in one app; that distinction helps narrow the cause.

The available report matching this symptom is an individual Microsoft Q&A post from December 20, 2025. Its author described black selection highlighting in Word and Outlook, but that report does not establish a widespread Windows bug or connect the symptom to a particular update, version, or build. Read the Microsoft Q&A report.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Check and adjust Windows contrast themes

Temporarily turn the theme off to diagnose

  1. Open Settings > Accessibility > Contrast themes.
  2. If a contrast theme is selected, choose None, then apply the change.
  3. Check whether selected text returns to the appearance you expect, including in the apps where you noticed the problem.

Microsoft says contrast themes change screen colors when applied and documents the shortcut Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen for turning them on or off. Treat disabling a theme as a diagnostic test, not a recommendation to leave it off if you depend on the stronger contrast for readability. Microsoft’s guide to contrast themes and accessibility settings.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Amazon Basics Wired QWERTY Keyboard, Works with Windows, Plug and Play, Easy to Use with Media Control, Full-Sized, Black
  • KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
  • EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
  • VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
  • SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
  • FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.

Keep the theme and customize selected text

If you need a contrast theme, return to Settings > Accessibility > Contrast themes, choose the theme, and select Edit. Adjust Selected Text and any other colors that need changing, then save and apply the theme. Microsoft describes Selected Text as applying to selected menu items or options, including selected text in Word’s ribbon; it is not documented as a universal control for every app’s text-selection color.

Check personalization and the affected app

Windows color mode and accent color

Open Settings > Personalization > Colors to review the Windows color mode and accent color. Accent color is used for interface elements such as buttons, links, and other interactive components. It is separate from the Selected Text control in contrast themes, and changing it is not established as a universal fix for text selection in every application. Some apps also have their own light or dark appearance settings, and not all apps support dark mode. Microsoft’s Windows color settings guidance.

Rank #2
Sale
Logitech MK270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo - Black
  • Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
  • Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
  • Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
  • Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
  • Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites

When the problem is limited to one app

Check the app’s appearance or theme settings and whether the app itself has an available update. If the problem remains confined to one program, report it to that app’s support channel with the app version and a screenshot. Microsoft’s developer guidance explains that app styling and high-contrast handling can affect how selected content is rendered; this is a possible diagnostic direction, not proof of the cause in a particular case.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For Windows apps, Microsoft documents that high-contrast adjustment can render white foreground text on a black highlight background. The behavior is intended to maintain contrast, and app styling can influence selection appearance. Microsoft Learn: Contrast themes for Windows apps.

Rank #3
Sale
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
  • All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
  • Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
  • Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
  • Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
  • Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If it started after an update, collect details before blaming the update

Record the Windows edition, version and build, the update’s KB number, the affected app and its version, and whether the same change appears in multiple apps. Include a screenshot if you contact Microsoft or the app developer. The timing may be useful, but the cited user report does not identify a particular update, and the available documentation does not verify that a Windows update caused this exact symptom.

A Microsoft Q&A independent advisor says Windows 11 does not provide a supported setting for a broader, universal text-selection color change outside contrast themes. That is an advisor response rather than a formal Microsoft specification. The thread also contains a volunteer moderator’s macro suggestion, but it does not show that the suggestion fixed the issue. The cited material therefore does not establish registry edits, macros, or display-driver changes as proven remedies. See the Q&A discussion.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 3
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*; Product carbon footprint: 4.02 kg CO2e
$12.39
SaleBestseller No. 5
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
Plastic parts in K270 include 38% certified post-consumer recycled plastic; Eight hot keys: For instant access to the Internet, e-mail, music volume and more
$21.48
Best Value
Sale
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
  • All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
  • Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
  • Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
  • Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
  • Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Rank #4
Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard Low Profile Fluid Precise - Graphite
  • Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
  • Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
  • Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
  • More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
  • Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.