Key Points
- Microsoft Edge 138 removes non-standard -ms-high-contrast CSS features, allowing developers to focus on newer, cross-browser standards.
- Forced colors mode, a broader industry standard, has been adopted by all Chromium-based browsers and Firefox, ensuring consistent high-contrast accessibility for users.
- Developers are urged to test websites with the new standard to avoid potential display issues for users leveraging Windows high-contrast themes.
Microsoft announced that version 138 of Microsoft Edge has fully eliminated the non-standard -ms-high-contrast media feature and the -ms-high-contrast-adjust CSS property. These older tools were previously used to customize web content for users of Windows-based high-contrast themes but are no longer supported in Edge. The removal marks the end of a transition period that began over a year ago when the company introduced a newer, standards-driven approach called forced colors mode.
According to Microsoft, the shift aims to align web development practices with modern accessibility standards and promote compatibility across browsers. The -ms-high-contrast attributes originated in older versions of Edge (EdgeHTML) and Internet Explorer, which were replaced by the Chromium-based Edge in 2020. The company stated that the legacy features “were not part of Web standards” and could lead to inconsistent user experiences. By phasing out these properties, Microsoft hopes to simplify development for high-contrast modes and allow users of Windows contrast themes to see web content similarly in Edge, other Chromium-based browsers like Chrome, and Firefox.
The forced colors mode, which is now the recommended method, is supported by major browsers including those built on Chromium and Firefox. This standard leverages the forced-colors media feature and system color scheme settings to adapt web designs to user preferences more reliably. Microsoft emphasized that developers should migrate their code to the new standard to avoid disruptions for users relying on high-contrast settings, which are often used by individuals with visual impairments or those navigating low-light environments.
For developers who may have encountered issues after the deprecation, Microsoft provided resources to test their websites using the forced colors mode. A guide from the company’s initial deprecation announcement explains how to simulate high-contrast displays and apply the updated properties. Additionally, feedback channels remain open for those encountering compatibility problems. Users can report issues via Microsoft Edge’s built-in feedback tool by accessing Settings and more (…), Help and feedback, and selecting “Send feedback.” Alternatively, technical concerns about the Chromium implementation of forced colors mode can be submitted through the Chromium bug tracker.
This update affects how websites render in Windows environments, particularly for users who depend on system-level contrast settings. Microsoft noted that the consistent rendering across browsers means users will no longer face abrupt or unintended visual changes when switching platforms. The company highlighted broader efforts to streamline accessibility tools and align its products with evolving web standards.
Developers should begin updating their code to ensure compatibility with the new standard. Microsoft assured that tools and documentation are available to aid this transition. Meanwhile, users of high-contrast themes on Windows who notice display anomalies on websites can use the provided feedback methods to alert the company. The change reflects Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to supporting open web standards and improving the experience for all users, especially those with accessibility needs.
The removal of these non-standard features underscores the importance of future-proofing web development practices. As browser technologies evolve, reliance on outdated or proprietary tools risks creating divides in how content is displayed(PC hardware and software updates. With this update, Microsoft Edge continues to evolve its accessibility tools in tandem with the Chromium project and the broader web development community.
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