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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.
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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.
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- 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗟𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗦: Spyder X software allows you to calibrate multiple laptops and desktop monitors.
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.
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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.
Where do I set a monitor color profile in Windows 11?
Use the selected monitor’s Color profile page under Settings > System > Display.
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- 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.
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.
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