The Tool Desk
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsOutbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
To apply an ICC profile in Windows 11, open Settings > System > Display > Color profile, select the monitor, choose Add profile, and select the profile file. Then select that profile and choose Set profile to make it the default for the selected display.
Adding a profile and making it the default are separate steps. You do not need a colorimeter to apply an existing profile; Windows also provides a separate calibration option for creating a profile.
Apply an existing ICC profile
- Open Settings.
- Select System, then Display, and open Color profile.
- Select the display you want to manage. On a multi-monitor system, check that the correct display is selected before proceeding.
- Choose Add profile and locate the ICC or color profile file on your computer.
- In the selected display’s profile list, select the profile you want to use and choose Set profile.
Microsoft documents this process in Change display brightness and color in Windows. The profile controls apply to the selected display, so repeat the process for another monitor if needed.
If you do not have a profile
Windows provides a Calibrate display option in the Color profile settings area. Use it as an alternative when you want Windows to guide you through creating a profile rather than applying an existing file. Microsoft says the calibration process creates a new color profile for the display where the calibration tool is located.
#1 Best Overall
- ACHIEVE TRUE COLOR - Ensures your monitor displays colors accurately, critical for photography, design, and video editing, with unlimited gamma, whitepoint, and brightness settings. Standard Calibration provides professional-grade results in 90 seconds, or New Deeper Calibration measures more points across the grayscale for an average 30%+ accuracy improvement (varies by display).
- OPTIMIZE DISPLAY PERFORMANCE - Calibrate a wide range of backlight types including Wide LED, Standard LED, OLED, QD-OLED, Apple Liquid Retina XDR, and Mini LED, with support for brightness up to 12,000 nits, ensuring consistent and accurate color across all your screens.
- ENHANCE WORKFLOW EFFICIENCY - Projector Calibration feature allows for accurate color representation during presentations, while Display Analysis/MQA provides comprehensive screen quality assessment. Export 3D LUTs (.cube) for compatible video monitors, with support for Rec.709, Rec.2020, and DCI-P3.
- WIDE DEVICE COMPATIBILITY - Supports unlimited number of displays (per computer capability) and offers native USB-C connection plus an included USB-A adapter, ensuring seamless connectivity with modern laptops and desktop computers for streamlined use. StudioMatch and SpyderTune keep color consistent across multi-monitor setups.
- USER-FRIENDLY SOFTWARE - Features an intuitive interface supporting 10 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese and Japanese, making calibration accessible to a global audience. Existing SpyderPro users upgrade to the new software free.
For an HDR-enabled external display, Microsoft says the calibration flow prompts you to use the Windows HDR Calibration app. This calibration route is not required simply to apply an existing profile.
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| You already have a profile file | Add it in Color profile settings, then select Set profile. |
| You want Windows to help create a profile | Choose Calibrate display in Color profile settings and follow the prompts. |
Automatic color management
Windows has an automatic color management setting for supported displays. Look for it in the selected display’s Color profile settings; it may not be available on every device. It is a separate setting from adding a profile and selecting it as the default.
Rank #2
- 𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗥: Groundbreaking lens-based color engine provides a higher level of color accuracy for multiple monitors. Spyder X Pro features room-light monitoring, automatic profile changing and significantly more precise screen color, shadow detail and white balance.
- 𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗬-𝗧𝗢-𝗨𝗦𝗘: Spyder X Pro is so intuitive, you don’t have to be a color expert. It features quick and easy single-click calibration and wizard workflow with 12 predefined calibration targets for advanced color accuracy.
- 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗥 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Calibrating your monitor to achieve color precision is quick and easy, taking just a minute or two.
- 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘 & 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥: SpyderProof functionality provides before-and-after evaluation of your display and allows you to see the difference using your own images.
- 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗟𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗦: Spyder X software allows you to calibrate multiple laptops and desktop monitors.
Remove a profile
- Open Settings > System > Display > Color profile.
- Select the display that has the profile.
- Expand the profile in the list and choose Remove.
FAQ
How do I apply an ICC profile in Windows 11?
Open Settings > System > Display > Color profile, select the target display, add the profile file, then choose Set profile for that profile.
Recommended Free Tools
Where do I set a monitor color profile in Windows 11?
Use the selected monitor’s Color profile page under Settings > System > Display.
Rank #3
- QUICK & EASY COLOR CALIBRATOR: Whether you're editing photos, designing graphics, or producing content, SpyderExpress helps you view colors with precision and confidence; Ideal for creators who want accurate, lifelike colour in both digital and print
- READY FOR THE LATEST DISPLAYS: The only calibrator of its kind to currently support the latest Liquid Retina XDR displays, including the MacBook M4 mini-LED screen, alongside everyday monitors; Upgrade the software for OLED and advanced mini-LED support
- 3x FASTER THAN TYPICAL ENTRY-LEVEL TOOLS: Get edit-ready color in just 90 seconds - see skin tones, shadows, and highlights as they’re meant to be, with consistent, trustworthy results
- GROW YOUR TOOLKIT WITH SOFTWARE UPGRADES: Unlock advanced features like ambient light adjustment, multi-display profiling, and DevicePreview - shows how your work will appear across different devices; No new hardware needed, upgrade when you're ready
- REAL COLOUR, REAL EASY: Download the software, plug in the device, and follow the 3 simple steps. Save profiles, calibrate up to 3-connected displays per workstation, and recalibrate before editing to ensure your screen always shows true-to-life color
How do I make an ICC profile the default?
After adding the profile, select it in the selected display’s profile list and choose Set profile.
Do I need a colorimeter to install an ICC profile?
No. Applying an existing profile uses Windows settings and the profile file. A colorimeter is relevant to measuring or calibrating a display, which is a different task.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SPECIFICATIONS: Photo workflow kit includes Display Pro HL high luminance monitor calibration colorimeter plus ColorChecker Passport Photo 2, supports custom camera profiles for RAW still workflows and accurate monitor calibration for photo editing on modern display technologies including mini LED OLED and Apple XDR, and includes Calibrite PROFILER software.
- COMPLETE WORKFLOW: Combines camera profiling and monitor calibration to create a consistent capture to edit process, helping photographers reduce color guesswork and maintain reliable results across sessions, locations, and changing lighting.
- MONITOR CONFIDENCE: Display Pro HL calibrates and profiles modern laptop and desktop displays for photo editing, supporting mini LED OLED and Apple XDR panels so what you see while editing is closer to final output.
- CAPTURE ACCURACY: Passport Photo 2 enables custom camera profiles for RAW workflows and supports consistent white balance and exposure reference, improving repeatability and reducing unwanted shifts before grading or retouching.
- PRO EDIT CONTROL: Calibrite PROFILER software provides presets and customizable targets such as white point and gamma, helping you start from a neutral baseline and refine creative color with greater confidence and consistency.
Rank #4
- SPECIFICATIONS: Monitor calibration colorimeter with Easy 1 2 3 software workflow, USB C connection, compact body approx. 34mm tall x 37mm diameter, adjustable counterweight for screen placement, supports up to 2 displays, brightness target selection including Native or Photo with before and after check.
- EASY SETUP: Guided 1 2 3 workflow makes calibration fast and approachable, helping photographers and creators achieve more accurate color without complicated settings, so you can edit with confidence and trust what you see on screen.
- COLOR ACCURACY: Corrects common monitor color shifts to deliver truer tones and more reliable contrast, improving consistency across editing sessions and helping your images look closer to final output on other screens and devices.
- DUAL DISPLAY SUPPORT: Calibrates up to 2 monitors for matching color across a multi screen workspace, ideal for photo editing, video work, and creative setups where consistent viewing on both displays matters.
- BEFORE AFTER CHECK: Built in comparison view lets you instantly see the difference after calibration, making it easy to confirm improved accuracy and maintain consistent results by repeating the process on a regular schedule.
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.
