Driver Guide

[Fix] Night Light Not Working on Windows 10/11

While working on the computer for long hours, continuous exposure to blue light can cause eye strain and disrupt sleep patterns. Microsoft introduced the Night Light function with Windows 10 Creators update in 2017. The feature that switches the screen to warmer tones is excellent. However, it sometimes stops working due to several reasons.

If you also encounter issues with the night light or cannot turn it on on Windows 10 or 11, We’re here to help.

Common Issues with Night Light

  • Night Light interferes with sleep mode.
  • The Night Light automatically turns on or off.
  • The Night Light feature is greyed out and appears to be dysfunctional.

Causes for Windows Night Light Not Working

  • Recent Windows 11 update
  • Outdated or corrupt display driver
  • The computer connects via a docking station.
  • You are not logged into your Microsoft account.

How To Fix Can’t Turn On Night Light – Windows 10/11

Now that we know the problem and what can cause it, let us explain how to fix the issue of the Night Light not working on Windows 11,10.

Fix 1. Check If the Night Light is Enabled or Not

Before we learn the technical ways, let’s check whether the Night Light feature is turned on. If not, follow these steps to get Night Light enabled:

  • Press the Windows + I keys to access Windows Settings.
  • Click System > select Display.
  • Go to Brightness & color section > enable Night Light by sliding the switch next to it.

  • Double-click on Night Light to adjust the settings & prevent it from auto start and auto stop.
  • To set a schedule, slide the button next to Schedule night light and Set Hours to run the Night Light automatically at a scheduled time.

  • Restart the PC to see if Windows 10,11 Night Light is working.

Fix 2. Set the Correct Date and Time

As reported by some users, wrong date and time settings can also be the reason for Windows 10,11 Night Light greyed-out issues. Therefore, to fix it, try checking the data and time.

  • Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.
  • Select Time & language > click on Date & time.
  • Toggle on both the options – Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.

  • Click the Additional settings section > Sync Now. This will automatically synchronize the system date and time.

Fix 3. Check Night Light Strength

Sometimes, when the strength of the night light is weak, you might face issues with it not working with Windows 10. To fix it, make the following changes to the Settings menu.

  • Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  • Click System > Display.

  • Select Night Light and move the slider under the Strength menu. As you increase the strength level, you will see the difference.

Fix 4. Enable the Location Services

The location service on the PC should be enabled to get the night light feature working on Windows 11. This helps us know the time of day and evening. Therefore, if the Location service is disabled, you might face Windows Night Light grayed out. To enable the Location services, follow these steps:

  • Open Windows Setting by pressing the Win + I key.
  • Select Privacy & Security > click Location under the App permissions.
  • Enable Location services.

Fix 5. Automatically Update Graphics Card Driver

A corrupt or problematic graphics card driver can sometimes set off Night Light. We suggest updating the graphics card to the latest version to fix it. The best way to update the driver without any hassle is to use a driver updating tool like Advanced Driver Updater. To use it, follow these steps:

  • Run it and click Start Scan Now to scan the PC for corrupt drivers.

  • Review the scan results and update the outdated drivers.

  • Remember, if you are using the free version, you can update only one driver in a go using the Update Driver link. However, if you are a paid user, you can update all outdated driver by clicking the Update All button.

  • After updating the driver, reboot the PC to apply changes.

Now check the Windows 11. The night light should be working.

Read Advanced Driver Updater Review Here –  Is it Safe to Use Best Driver Updating Utility

Fix 6. Turn the HDR Feature Off and On

The HDR feature is used in Windows to make pictures look vibrant. However, sometimes, this feature interferes with Windows 11 Night Light, and the PC doesn’t wake up from Sleep mode. Hence, we suggest toggling the switch off and on to fix the issue.

  • Open Windows settings.
  • Click System > Display.
  • Disable and re-enable the Use HDR option.

Now check the night light issue; it should be fixed.

Fix 7. Use Windows Registry to Modify Night Light Settings

If the above methods did not help, we suggest changing the Windows Registry to get Night Light mode working.

If you are unsure about making changes to the registry, please take a backup of the Windows Registry. Once you have the backup, follow the steps to make changes to the registry.

  • Press the Win + R key to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type Regedit and press the Enter key.
  • Go to the following path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > CloudStore > Store > DefaultAccountCloud > Cloud

  • Right-click the following folder

default$windows.data.bluelightreduction.bluelightreductionstate

Select Delete.

  • Restart PC. The Night Light should now be working.

Must Read:How To Update Drivers On PC

Bonus Solutions –

For users who use the Docking Station

– If you connect your computer via a docking station, disconnect it and connect it directly to the monitor. Once this is done, enable Night Light.

Not Logged in with a Microsoft Account

– If none of the above fixes have worked, ensure you are logged in with your Microsoft account.  Logging into your Mircosoft account will fix the issue.

Fixed Night Light Not Working on Windows

Night Light mode in Windows is an excellent feature that reduces eye strain. When the feature stops working, it creates problems for those who are habitual in using it. The above fixes will help fix the issue of the night light not working on Windows 11 and 10. However, if it doesn’t help, we suggest resetting Windows 11. To do so, press Windows + I open Windows Settings > click Update & Security > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.

So, before using the feature, ensure you have a data backup and proceed. Now, try to use the Night Light feature; it should work fine.

We hope that, using the step explained above, you were able to fix the problem of being unable to use Night Light mode on Windows 11,10. Please share your feedback in the comments section.

Also Read: How To Update Realtek Bluetooth Driver – Windows 11,10

Preeti Seth

A UX writer who loves explaining technical details in a clear, crisp, and concise manner. She loves writing about technical troubleshooting, How-To's, product reviews, etc. In her free time, she loves reading, meditating, and traveling.

View Comments

  • You've forgotten to ask one of the most important questions about Night Light (or any other display settings, for that matter) not working: Is the computer connecting via a docking station? If the answer is yes, than 99.9% of the time that's the cause of the display problem. Docking stations are great--but they have their own drivers that can severely limit the functionality of the computers settings, or make them unusable entirely.

    If you're using a Docking Station -- disconnect it and connect your computer directly to the monitor with the appropriate cable. If that doesn't work, then go ahead and try the more in-depth troubleshooting. But do that first to avoid unnecessary pain and frustration!

  • Yep, mine was the docking station. At first, though I disconnected & reconnected it before and after rebooting, it still didn't work on the monitors or the laptop itself.
    I was about to start fiddling with the registry when I decided to try all the methods at the same time.
    I disconnected the docking station, then rebooted, then got it working on the laptop alone first, then reconnected the docking station & it started working again as normal.

  • I had this problem, you need to make sure you are logged into your microsoft account, then the night light options will work again.

    • Hello Edward

      Thank you for your feedback.

      We will add this point in the post.

      Thanks and Regards

  • Fix 7. Use Windows Registry to Modify Night Light Settings

    this one fixed for mine.

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