How to Change Screen Brightness in Ubuntu Linux
Screen brightness in Ubuntu Linux controls the light level of your display to help you see clearly in different rooms and save laptop battery power. You can adjust this light level on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and newer versions using a quick slider in the top-right corner of your screen.
Most keyboards also have special brightness keys stamped with sun icons that turn the brightness up or down with a single press.
Adjust screen brightness in Ubuntu by clicking the top-right status area and using the slider, or by going to Settings, then Power, and adjusting the Screen brightness slider. Many laptops also allow brightness adjustments via dedicated function keys.
How to adjust the screen brightness in Ubuntu Linux
To adjust screen brightness Ubuntu users can click the status area in the top-right corner of the desktop to open the Quick Settings menu. From there, drag the brightness slider left or right until your display is comfortable to look at. This is the fastest way to change your screen light level without opening the main Settings app .
Method 1: Using the Quick Settings Menu
- Click the status area in the top-right corner of your screen. This is where your Wi-Fi , battery, and volume icons live.
ubuntu system menu button on top bar - Look for the brightness slider in the menu that pops up.
- Drag the slider left or right to change the light level.
ubuntu linux screen brightness slider
Method 2: Using the Settings App
- Open your app drawer and click on Settings.
- In the left sidebar, click on the Power tab.
ubuntu linux screen brighness slider in settings - Under the Screen section, move the Screen brightness slider to your preferred level.
General
To adjust screen brightness Ubuntu using the terminal, you can use command-line tools like xrandr or modify the backlight system files directly. This advanced method works well if your desktop menu is missing or if you want to automate brightness changes. Keep in mind that these commands depend on your specific graphics drivers and display setup.
Note on compatibility: Brightness control depends on your display server (Wayland vs. X11) and your graphics drivers. If the sliders do not appear or do not work, ensure your graphics drivers are up to date. Some older hardware may not support software-based brightness control, requiring you to use the monitor's built-in hardware menu instead.
To gain full manual control over screen brightness, you may need to disable the automatic brightness setting. This setting, often found in the display preferences, uses ambient light sensors to adjust screen brightness automatically. Disabling automatic brightness allows you to set the brightness level yourself, ensuring your preferred screen visibility in all lighting conditions.
Adjusting your brightness helps you see better and keeps your device running smoothly. Follow these steps whenever your screen feels too bright or too dim.
How to control monitor brightness in Linux?
The Linux Situation The brightness keys on the keyboard only control the built-in laptop display. The external monitor? You're on your own. Open the OSD menu, navigate to brightness, nudge the value.
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Richard
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Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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