Test high-contrast use with a simple built-in skin and keyboard navigation. The important checks are readable text, visible focus, and recognizable selection states. A dark theme that looks similar is not automatically equivalent to a high-contrast accessibility configuration.
What to do
- Enable the Windows accessibility contrast configuration you actually use, then open a built-in Open-Shell layout. Avoid adding custom transparent backgrounds during the first test.
- Navigate without the mouse and inspect focus in the program list, search box, and submenu items. Check that highlighted and disabled labels remain distinguishable.
- Compare another supplied skin if a particular color combination disappears. Record the Windows build, program version, and selected skin with the result.
- Save the working layout and test again after application or Windows updates. Accessibility behavior can change independently from cosmetic preferences.
Check the result
Complete a normal app launch and a folder navigation using the keyboard alone. A screenshot cannot demonstrate keyboard focus or screen-reader behavior.
Limits & precautions
The 4.4.201 pre-release notes mention accessibility improvements. Do not turn that changelog entry into a blanket accessibility certification for this website or every program build.
Questions & answers
Is a dark skin the same as high contrast?
No. Test the real Windows accessibility mode and all control states.
Has this guide certified screen-reader compatibility?
No. The guide identifies checks to perform; no Windows assistive-technology lab result is claimed.
Sources & scope
Documentation checked October 30, 2026. These instructions are documentation-led, not a claim of hands-on testing on your Windows build.