How to Change Brightness on Windows 11 Devices

This article explains how to change the screen brightness in Windows 11.

Why Adjust Your Screen Brightness?

Windows can automatically adjust your screen brightness based on the light around you. This helps keep your screen easy to read no matter where you are. Some advanced computers may also adjust the brightness based on what’s showing on your screen.

However, these automatic settings don’t always work well with external monitors. If you use an external monitor, you’ll need to use the buttons on the monitor itself to change the brightness.

Where to Find the Brightness Slider

Windows 11 has a brightness slider in Quick Settings. You can also find it in the Windows Settings app. Just go to Start menu > Windows Settings > System > Display. Then move the brightness slider to adjust your screen.

For external monitors, you may need to use the physical buttons on the monitor instead Windows to adjust the screen brightness and contrast based.

How to Adjust Screen Brightness in Windows 11

Method 1: Using Quick Settings

1. Look at the far-right corner of your taskbar. Find the Network (WiFi) icon.
2. Click the Quick Settings button. This is a hidden button near your WiFi, Speaker, and Battery icons.

3. A pop-out window will appear.
4. Find the brightness slider in this window.
5. Move the slider left to make your screen darker or right to make it brighter.

Method 2: Using Windows Settings

1. Click the Start button.
2. Go to Windows Settings.
3. Click System.
4. Click Display.
5. Look for “Brightness & color” section.
6. Move the “Change brightness” slider to adjust your screen brightness.

Summary

What you learned: Windows 11 gives you two easy ways to adjust your screen brightness. You can use the Quick Settings button on your taskbar for fast changes. Or you can use the Windows Settings app for more detailed control. External monitors need to be adjusted using their physical buttons instead.

Why this matters: Adjusting brightness helps reduce eye strain and makes your screen easier to read in different lighting conditions. You can turn off automatic brightness if it doesn’t work well in your space and adjust it manually instead.