How To Turn Down Brightness On PC

Is the brightness of your screen too high, causing eye and other problems? Let’s understand how you can change the brightness of the display. 

There are several ways to turn down brightness on a PC. You can adjust brightness settings using the Quick Settings flyout, Settings app, keyboard shortcuts, your monitor’s built-in controls, and other methods. This guide lists the best possible ways to do this.

Why Should You Turn Down Brightness In Windows 11/10

Lowering the brightness on your PC can be beneficial for several reasons:

1. Reduced brightness helps prevent eye strain, particularly during extended periods of computer use.
2. Lower brightness consumes less power, potentially extending battery life for laptops and reducing electricity costs for desktops.
3. Dimming the screen reduces light pollution, making it less distracting in low-light environments or shared spaces.
4. Adjusting brightness can enhance visibility in different lighting conditions, improving readability and color accuracy.
5. For various tasks, many users find a lower brightness setting more comfortable and easier on the eyes.

Adjusting brightness levels according to your needs and surroundings can significantly enhance your PC’s comfort and efficiency.

How To Turn Down Brightness In Windows 11/10

Method 1: Use Quick Settings

Step 1: Click the Quick Settings section in the right corner of the taskbar. Alternatively, press Win + A to display the Quick Settings box.

Step 2: Use the mouse to drag the Brightness slider to the left to change the brightness level and reduce the screen brightness to a minimum.

Method 2: Use Display Settings

Step 1: Press Win + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Click on the System tab in the left section and the Display option on the right page.
Step 3: Move the slider next to the Brightness option towards the left to lower the display brightness.

Step 4: Next, click the brightness drop-down arrow and choose “Always” or “ Battery Only” to lower the screen brightness under specific conditions.

Method 3: Change Power And Battery Settings

Step 1: Press Win + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Click the System tab on the left panel and the Power & Battery option on the right.
Step 3: Scroll to the Battery section and click the Battery Saver option.

Step 4: Choose the percentage at which the Battery Percentage should this feature turn on.
Step 5: Ensure the toggle button next to Lower Screen Brightness… is enabled.

Read Also: Can’t Change Display Resolution in Windows

Method 4: Make Changes Within The Graphic App

Graphics card manufacturers like Nvidia and AMD provide applications for managing card settings, typically offering options to adjust screen brightness. Here are the steps to change brightness using the Nvidia Control Panel:

Step 1: Press Win + S to open the Windows Search box, then type Nvidia Control Panel followed by Enter.
Step 2: Click on the relevant result under Best Match.
Step 3: Locate  “Adjust desktop color settings” in the left pane and click on it.

Step 4: Modify the intensity with the slider next to the Brightness option.

Method 5: Use the Control Panel To Change the Brightness Level And Lower the Display Brightness

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run box and type Control followed by the Enter Key.
Step 2: Click on System and Security, followed by Power Options.

Step 3: Next, locate Windows Mobility Center in the left button corner and click the link.

Step 4: Lower the brightness intensity by moving the Brightness slider towards the left.

Read Also: How To Fix Windows 10/11 Brightness Slider Missing

Method 6: Utilize Keyboard Shotcut

To adjust screen brightness using a keyboard shortcut, utilize the dedicated function keys on the top row. Each manufacturer varies in their setup, but typically, they assign brightness controls to keys like “F1” (decrease) and “F2” (increase) or “F2” and “F3.”

If you have customized the function keys to perform other actions, you might need to press and hold the “FN” key along with one of the function keys from the top row, such as “F1,” “F2,” “F3,” and so on.

Method 7: Use Monitor Controls To Lower Screen Brightness

Suppose you have a desktop computer or laptop connected to an external monitor. In that case, adjusting the brightness using the monitor’s built-in controls rather than the software settings is advisable.

The built-in controls, often accessible through the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu, are typically located on the monitor’s left, right, bottom, or back. After accessing the menu, navigate the available settings until you locate the brightness option. Use the physical controls provided to decrease or increase the brightness level.

Bonus Tip: Update Graphics Drivers To Lower Display Brightness

If the above methods are not working, it could be because of a communication gap between the software and hardware of your PC. This gap can only be bridged by updating graphics drivers. There are three ways to do that:

Fix 1: Use the Manufacturer’s website

Using the manufacturer’s website is crucial for obtaining the most up-to-date drivers and software tailored specifically for your device. This ensures optimal performance, compatibility, and access to any new features or enhancements that have been released. Always check the make and model number of your hardware and search for the same on the official website of your device’s manufacturer to download and install the latest drivers and updates.

Fix 2: Use Device Manager

Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to manage and update device drivers. It’s a convenient way to ensure your hardware components run smoothly and efficiently. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Press Win + X to access the Power menu and choose Device Manager.
Step 2: Click on Display Adapter to reveal your Graphics card.
Step 3: Right-click on your Graphics Driver and choose Update Driver option.
Step 4: Follow the onscreen instructions and reboot your PC.

Fix 3: Use Advanced Driver Updater

Advanced Driver Updater is the best method for ensuring all device drivers are current and optimized. This software scans your system, identifies outdated drivers, and provides one-click updates to enhance performance and stability. It simplifies the process of maintaining drivers, saves time, and ensures your hardware functions at its best with the latest updates available.

Step 1: Download Advanced Driver Updater from the link provided below.

Step 2: After downloading the file, double-click on it to begin the installation process.
Step 3: Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
Step 4: Launch the app by double-clicking on the app shortcut icon.
Step 5: Click the Start Scan Now button once the app opens.

Step 6: Wait for the app to identify all the driver anomalies on your system. A list will be present on your screen within the app’s interface.

Step 7: Click on the Update link next to the Graphics Driver and wait some time to ensure the updation process is complete.
Step 8: Reboot your computer.

After your graphics drivers have been updated, you can use any of the above-explained methods to lower your PC’s display brightness.

Turn Down Brightness in Windows

Mastering how to adjust brightness in Windows is essential for enhancing comfort and efficiency while using your computer. You can use keyboard shortcuts, manufacturer applications, or monitor controls to optimize your screen’s brightness. Please write to us in the comments section below about your chosen method and why.