To adjust brightness in Windows 11, open Quick Settings with Windows + A and move the Brightness slider, or go to Settings > System > Display and use the Brightness control. On many desktop PCs and external monitors, Windows does not show a brightness slider, so you need to use the monitor’s physical buttons or on-screen display instead.
How to Adjust Brightness on Windows 11
The fastest method on a Windows 11 laptop or tablet is Quick Settings. You can also use the Display page in Settings when you want access to automatic brightness options and other display controls.
Step 1: Open Quick Settings
Press Windows + A, or click the network, volume, or battery area at the right side of the taskbar.
Step 2: Find the Brightness Slider
Look for the slider with a sun icon. This control is normally available on laptops, tablets, and other computers with a supported built-in display.
Step 3: Move the Slider
Drag the slider to the left to make the screen dimmer or to the right to make it brighter. The display changes as you move the slider, so you can stop when the screen feels comfortable.
How to Change Brightness from Windows 11 Settings
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Display.
- Find Brightness.
- Move the slider left or right to adjust the built-in display.
The Settings method is useful when you also want to review automatic brightness, content-adaptive brightness, HDR, Night light, or other display options.
Why Is the Brightness Slider Missing?
A missing brightness slider does not always mean something is wrong. Microsoft notes that desktop PCs using an external monitor often do not show the Windows brightness slider. In that situation, use the buttons or joystick on the monitor to open its on-screen display and change the monitor’s brightness there.
If you are using a laptop or another device with a built-in screen and the brightness control is unexpectedly missing or does not work, updating the display adapter driver in Device Manager can help. Restarting Windows after the driver update is also worth trying.
Related: If you are trying to control a separate display, see our guide to changing the brightness on a second monitor in Windows 11.
How Automatic Brightness Works in Windows 11
Some Windows 11 PCs can change brightness automatically. If your computer has a supported ambient-light sensor, go to Settings > System > Display, expand Brightness, and look for an option that changes brightness when lighting changes.
Windows 11 can also use content-adaptive brightness on some built-in displays. This can change brightness and contrast based on what is currently shown on the screen. Depending on the device, you may be able to set this feature to Off, Always, or On battery only.
Related: If Windows keeps changing the brightness when you do not want it to, see how to turn off adaptive brightness in Windows 11.
Can You Use a Keyboard Shortcut to Change Brightness?
Many laptops include brightness keys in the top row of the keyboard. They usually show small and large sun icons and may require you to hold the Fn key. The exact keys vary by computer manufacturer.
Windows does not use one universal function-key combination for brightness because those keys are determined by the laptop hardware. However, Windows + A is a reliable Windows shortcut for opening Quick Settings, where the brightness slider appears on supported displays.
Related: Our Windows 11 brightness shortcut-key guide explains the hardware-key method in more detail.
Does Lowering Brightness Save Battery?
Yes. Microsoft recommends reducing display brightness as one way to extend battery life on portable Windows devices. Windows 11’s Energy saver can also lower screen brightness while reducing other background power use.
You do not need to keep the screen unusually dark just to save power. A comfortable brightness level that works for your room is usually the better everyday choice.
Brightness vs. Night Light
Brightness controls how much light the display produces. Night light changes the color temperature by making the screen warmer. If a screen feels harsh at night, you may prefer to lower brightness and enable Night light rather than reducing brightness alone.
Tips for Adjusting Windows 11 Brightness
- Use Windows + A when you want the fastest software brightness control.
- Use Settings > System > Display when you need automatic-brightness options.
- Use the monitor’s own controls for an external display when Windows has no brightness slider.
- If the built-in display slider is missing or broken, check the display adapter driver.
- Lowering brightness can help extend laptop battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to change brightness in Windows 11?
Press Windows + A to open Quick Settings, then move the Brightness slider. This is usually the quickest method on a laptop or tablet.
Why don’t I see a brightness slider on my desktop PC?
If the PC uses an external monitor, this can be normal. Microsoft recommends changing the brightness with the monitor’s physical controls or on-screen display.
Can Windows 11 adjust brightness automatically?
Yes, on supported hardware. Some PCs can adjust brightness based on ambient lighting, and some can adjust brightness and contrast based on the content on the built-in display.
Why does my screen brightness keep changing by itself?
Automatic brightness or content-adaptive brightness may be enabled. Open Settings > System > Display, expand the Brightness section, and review the automatic options available on your PC.
Does Windows 11 have a brightness keyboard shortcut?
Windows + A opens Quick Settings, where you can use the brightness slider. Many laptops also have dedicated brightness function keys, but the exact key combination depends on the manufacturer.
Summary
- Press Windows + A to open Quick Settings.
- Move the Brightness slider left or right.
- For more controls, go to Settings > System > Display.
- Use a monitor’s built-in controls if Windows does not show a slider for an external display.
- Check automatic-brightness settings if the screen keeps changing on its own.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.