How to Adjust the Screen Brightness on a Windows 10 Computer

Key takeaways:

  • There are several ways to adjust screen brightness in Windows 10, including keyboard shortcuts, Action Center, Settings, and Windows Mobility Center
  • Adjusting brightness can help reduce eye strain, conserve battery life on laptops, and improve visibility in different lighting conditions
  • Some Windows PCs support automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient lighting

Knowing how to adjust your screen brightness in Windows 10 is important for reducing eye strain, conserving battery life on laptops, and ensuring optimal visibility in various lighting conditions. Whether you’re working indoors or outdoors, watching a movie, or playing a video game, setting the right brightness level can greatly enhance your experience.

Windows 10 offers several convenient methods to change your screen’s brightness, allowing you to quickly adapt to your surroundings and preferences. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways you can adjust your display’s brightness, including keyboard shortcuts, the Action Center, Settings app, and Windows Mobility Center.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Many laptops and keyboards come with dedicated keys for adjusting screen brightness. These keys usually have a sun icon and are often located in the function key row (F1-F12). To use these shortcuts:

  1. Look for the brightness keys on your keyboard (usually F1 and F2 or F11 and F12)
  2. Press the Fn key (if present) along with the appropriate brightness key to increase or decrease the brightness

For example, on an HP Spectre 13t laptop, you can use the F2 and F3 keys to lower or increase the screen brightness. On a Lenovo Legion Y520 laptop, you can press Fn + F11 to lower the brightness and Fn + F12 to increase it.

Adjusting Brightness in the Action Center

The Action Center in Windows 10 provides quick access to various settings, including screen brightness. To adjust brightness using the Action Center:

  1. Click on the Action Center icon in the taskbar or press Windows + A
  2. Locate the brightness slider at the bottom of the Action Center
  3. Click and drag the slider to the left to decrease brightness or to the right to increase it

Changing Brightness in the Settings App

You can also adjust your screen brightness through the Windows Settings app. To do this:

  1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I or clicking on the gear icon in the Start menu
  2. Click on “System”
  3. In the Display settings, use the “Change brightness” slider to adjust the brightness level

Here, you can also enable the “Change brightness automatically when lighting changes” option if your device supports automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient light.

Using the Windows Mobility Center

The Windows Mobility Center provides a centralized location to access various settings, including screen brightness. To use it:

  1. Type “mobility” in the taskbar search field and click on “Windows Mobility Center”
  2. Use the “Display brightness” slider to adjust the brightness level

Adjusting Brightness on External Monitors

If you’re using a desktop computer with an external monitor, you’ll need to use the monitor’s built-in controls to adjust the brightness. These controls are usually located on the front or side of the monitor and may include buttons or a joystick for navigation.

Consult your monitor’s manual for specific instructions on adjusting brightness, as the process varies between models.

Troubleshooting Brightness Issues

If you’re having trouble adjusting your screen brightness, try these troubleshooting tips:

  • Update your display driver: Press Windows + X and select “Device Manager.” Expand “Display adapters,” right-click on your display adapter, and choose “Update driver.”
  • Restart your computer: A simple restart can sometimes resolve brightness control issues.
  • Check your power settings: Ensure that your power plan isn’t set to automatically dim the screen or limit brightness.

By mastering these methods for adjusting your screen brightness, you can create a more comfortable and efficient working environment, reduce eye strain, and extend your laptop’s battery life.

FAQ

How do I adjust screen brightness using keyboard shortcuts?

Look for keys with a sun icon, usually F1, F2, F11, or F12. Press the Fn key (if present) along with the appropriate brightness key to increase or decrease the brightness.

Can I adjust brightness from the Windows Action Center?

Yes, click on the Action Center icon in the taskbar or press Windows + A. Then, use the brightness slider at the bottom of the Action Center to adjust the brightness level.

How do I change brightness in the Windows Settings app?

Open the Settings app (Windows + I), click on “System,” and use the “Change brightness” slider in the Display settings to adjust the brightness level.

What if my external monitor doesn’t have brightness controls in Windows?

External monitors typically have built-in controls for adjusting brightness. These controls are usually located on the front or side of the monitor and may include buttons or a joystick for navigation. Consult your monitor’s manual for specific instructions.

What should I do if I can’t adjust my screen brightness?

Try updating your display driver, restarting your computer, or checking your power settings to ensure they aren’t limiting brightness. If the issue persists, you may need to consult your device manufacturer’s support resources for further assistance.