9 Ways to Adjust Screen Brightness on Your Windows 10 or 11 PC

Screen brightness adjustment is an essential feature for any computer user. It impacts not only the visibility of the display but also can have effects on eye strain, battery life, and overall user experience. For users of Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, there exist multiple ways to modify screen brightness. This article will explore nine effective methods to adjust screen brightness, allowing you to optimize your viewing environment according to the situation.

Many Windows laptops and desktops come equipped with dedicated function keys for adjusting screen brightness. These shortcuts usually involve a combination of the "Fn" key and one of the function keys from F1 to F12, often labeled with a sun icon.

Step-by-step instructions:

Locate the function key that features a sun or brightness icon (often F1, F2, F11, or F12).

Hold down the "Fn" key (located near the bottom-left corner of your keyboard).

While holding "Fn," tap the brightness key repeatedly to increase or decrease the screen brightness.

Keep in mind that these shortcuts may vary by manufacturer, so check your device’s documentation if you cannot find them.

Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 provide a straightforward way to adjust screen brightness through system settings.

Windows 10:

Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).

Choose System.

Click on Display on the sidebar.

Use the Change brightness slider under "Brightness and color" to adjust your brightness.

Windows 11:

Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.

Navigate to System and choose Display.

Adjust the Brightness and Color slider to your desired level.

This method is convenient for users who prefer using menus over keyboard shortcuts.

Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 include an Action Center (or Quick Settings) feature that provides quick access to common settings, including screen brightness.

Steps for Windows 10:

Click the Action Center icon in the taskbar (it looks like a speech bubble).

Look for the brightness slider, and move it left or right to decrease or increase the brightness.

Steps for Windows 11:

Click on the Network icon in the taskbar to bring up Quick Settings.

Locate the brightness slider and adjust it according to your needs.

This method allows for quick adjustments without navigating through multiple settings.

In Windows 10, you can also adjust brightness settings through the notification area of the taskbar.

Steps:

Right-click the Battery icon in the taskbar.

Select Power Options.

Click on Change plan settings next to your selected power plan.

Under "Adjust plan brightness," use the slider to manage the brightness level while plugged in or on battery.

This approach is particularly useful for users who are conscious of battery consumption when on the go.

Although the Control Panel is a traditional method that may seem outdated, it still provides a viable option for advanced users.

Steps:

Type "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar and open it.

Navigate to Hardware and Sound.

Click on Power Options.

On the left side, select Change plan settings for your active power plan.

Adjust the sliders for brightness while on battery and while plugged in.

Using the Control Panel might be beneficial for users who prefer traditional desktop environments or need to adjust other power settings at the same time.

If you have a dedicated graphics card, its accompanying software might provide more advanced brightness settings. Software from manufacturers like NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel may include options for adjusting display settings directly.

For NVIDIA users:

Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.

Go to Display and then adjust Adjust desktop color settings.

Move the brightness slider to your desired level.

For AMD users:

Right-click on the desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings.

Navigate to the Display tab and adjust the brightness there.

This method can yield very specific adjustments tailored to your graphics hardware, allowing for optimal picture quality based on personal preferences.

There are several third-party applications available that provide advanced display management capabilities, including brightness adjustment. Some popular options include:

f.lux: Primarily designed to reduce eye strain by adjusting screen color temperature based on the time of day, it also offers brightness settings to complement the changes.

Dimmer: A simple software application that allows you to lower screen brightness beyond the default minimum setting.

To use third-party software:

Download your chosen application from its official website.

Install the software and follow on-screen instructions.

Use its interface to adjust screen brightness to your liking.

These programs provide additional features that may enhance the user experience beyond just adjusting brightness.

The Windows Mobility Center is a handy feature that provides quick access to common laptop settings, including brightness control.

Steps:

Press the Windows + X keys together to open the Quick Access menu.

Click on Mobility Center from the list.

Find the Display Brightness section and adjust the slider to your desired level.

This tool is particularly beneficial for laptop users who frequently move between different environments and need a swift way to adapt their display settings.

For users who have specific visual needs, Windows 10 and 11 offer accessibility options that allow for brightness adjustments tailored to individual requirements.

Steps:

Open Settings and select Ease of Access.

Go to Color filters and enable the color filter you need, which may include brightness adjustment options.

As an added benefit, adjusting accessibility settings can help users with visual impairments by customizing their screen’s appearance to enhance clarity and readability.

Adjusting screen brightness on your Windows 10 or 11 PC is a simple yet vital task that can improve your experience and provide the comfort necessary for prolonged usage. Whether using keyboard shortcuts, system settings, third-party software, or built-in utility features, there are numerous methods to achieve optimal display conditions.

Whichever method you choose, regularly adjusting your screen’s brightness in line with your environment and time of day can help reduce eye fatigue and maintain overall digital wellness.