Windows 11 · Windows
Adjust screen brightness in Windows 11
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Use Quick Settings or Settings > System > Display for a built-in screen; use the monitor's controls when Windows does not show a brightness slider.
Check the display brightness control before changing anything
Identify the exact device, app, account, error, and affected feature for the display brightness control. Keep the current result visible or record it first, so the page's later actions can be tested against one clear starting point.
Use the supported controls for the display brightness control
Follow the specific control path in the next steps and change only the setting or component that matches the observed problem. Do not combine resets, driver changes, account changes, or third-party tools before checking the documented route.
Use Quick Settings
Press Windows + A and move the Brightness slider for a supported built-in display.
Use Display settings
Open Settings > System > Display > Brightness and adjust the slider.
Choose automatic behavior
Expand Brightness to enable or disable automatic and content-adaptive brightness when the PC supports them.
Handle external monitors
Use the physical or on-screen controls provided by an external monitor when Windows does not expose its brightness.
Verify the result for the display brightness control
Brightness changes smoothly and persists after restart, power change, and reconnect without crushing detail or causing flicker. Repeat the original task once after reopening the relevant app or settings page, so a temporary screen refresh is not mistaken for a completed result.
Narrow down problems with the display brightness control
If the slider is absent, adaptive brightness overrides it, only one monitor changes, or the graphics driver reports an error, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, hardware or account scope, and failed step before using the linked official support channel.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the display brightness control is unchanged after the documented check, return to the first observed condition and identify whether it affects one app, account, device, or every task before repeating steps.
- If the labels differ after an update or the device is managed, retain the exact condition and use the linked owner source before removing data, resetting Windows, or installing an unrelated tool.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.