How to Adjust Brightness on Windows 11: A Handy Step-by-Step Guide

Fine-Tuning Your Screen Brightness on Windows 11: An Easy Approach

Changing the screen brightness in Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s an important adjustment for reducing eye fatigue during long working sessions or saving battery life when you’re out and about. If the brightness slider feels stubborn or refuses to budge, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Let’s break down how to sort it out.

How to Set Your Desired Brightness

Getting your display just right can make a big difference—whether you want it bright for clarity or dimmed to save your eyes. Here’s how to navigate Windows Settings effectively.

Opening the Settings

Start by clicking the Start menu, then tap the gear icon to open Settings. Or, if you prefer, press Win + I to skip the mouse clicks. Either way, this is your hub for adjusting all kinds of settings, including brightness.

Finding the System Section

In Settings, look out for System. This area covers the main settings for your device—display, sound, notifications, and more. It’s where the magic begins.

Accessing Display Settings

Next, click on Display from the left menu. This section offers several display options, including resolution and, of course, that all-important brightness slider. Here, you can tailor your screen to suit your environment.

Using the Brightness Slider

Look for the Brightness and colour option. The slider should be there, ready for your adjustments. Drag it to the right to boost brightness or to the left to make it dimmer. As you move it, you should see the screen change live—it’s pretty handy when it works, which it usually does.

If the slider is greyed out or missing, it might be time to update your display drivers. Typically, outdated drivers cause this issue. Head over to Device Manager, expand Display adapters, and check for updates.

Quick Brightness Fixes with the Action Centre

If the slider isn’t cooperating, try opening the Action Centre. Click the network, sound, or battery icon in the taskbar to see if there’s a brightness toggle ready to go. If your laptop has dedicated brightness keys (often look like little suns), you can press Fn along with those keys to adjust on the fly:

Press Fn + F11 to dim or Fn + F12 to brighten.

Bear in mind, not all devices are the same—check your manual if you’re unsure.

Your Settings Are Saved Automatically

Once you’ve set the brightness where you want it, just close the Settings window—there’s no need for extra confirmation. Windows 11 saves the setting instantly, so you’re all set. Your screen should now behave exactly as you prefer.

Extra Tips for Managing Brightness

Beyond the basics, there are a few handy tricks that can help you better control your screen brightness. Many laptops have those sun icons on function keys for quick adjustments, usually with Fn.

If you work late at night, turning on Night Light can cut down on blue light, making it easier on your eyes—especially if you’re falling asleep after a long session:

Settings > System > Display > Night Light

You can even schedule Night Light to turn on when the sun sets or at specific times. Just remember, when your device switches to Battery Saver mode, it might automatically dim the screen—annoying, but a power-saving measure. You can tweak this in:

Settings > System > Power & Battery

If you’re using an external monitor, adjusting brightness usually involves physical buttons on the monitor itself or on-screen menus—Windows doesn’t control this directly, which is a bit unusual but typical for external displays.

Common Questions About Brightness

How do I adjust brightness with my keyboard?

Most laptops have function keys dedicated to brightness control. Hold down Fn and tap the brightness keys—usually F11 to lower and F12 to raise. If that doesn’t work, consult your device manual—sometimes the keys do different things.

What if I can’t change the brightness?

If the controls are unresponsive, it’s likely that your display drivers need updating. Check in Device Manager under Display adapters to ensure you’ve got the latest drivers installed.

Can I set different brightness levels for when I’m plugged in vs. running on battery?

Yes, you can. Head to:

Settings > System > Power & Battery > Battery saver > Adjust brightness

This allows you to save power or create a more comfortable viewing experience depending on your situation.

What’s the benefit of Night Light?

Night Light shifts your screen’s colours to warmer tones, reducing blue light at night. It’s a real help for better sleep, especially if you find it hard to wind down after a late-night scroll or work.

Settings > System > Display > Night Light

How do I adjust brightness on external monitors?

For external screens, you’ll usually find dedicated physical buttons or menu options on the monitor itself. Windows doesn’t manage external brightness directly, so it’s all about what’s available on your monitor.

Quick Recap

Press Win + I to open Settings from the Start menu.
Navigate to System for display options.
Click on Display.
Adjust the Brightness and colour slider.
Close Settings—it’s as simple as that.

Nailing your screen’s brightness can really boost your Windows 11 experience. Whether it’s for comfort, visibility, or saving battery, tuning these settings makes your device more personal and user-friendly. Remember, keeping your drivers up to date helps prevent issues. With a few tweaks, you’ll find Windows 11 a lot more tailored to your needs—and a lot less frustrating.