How to change the brightness in Windows 11

Adjusting the screen brightness can significantly enhance your computer experience. Not only does it help with readability, but it can also reduce eye strain and improve battery life on laptops. Let's take a look at how to change the brightness of your screen inside of Windows 11.

With Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced a more streamlined and user-friendly interface to help you easily change the brightness settings of your display. In this article, we'll explore various methods for adjusting screen brightness in Windows 11, providing step-by-step instructions to help you find the best option for your needs.

Using the Quick Settings Menu

One of the simplest ways to adjust your screen brightness in Windows 11 is through the Quick Settings menu. This menu allows you to quickly change various settings, including brightness.

1. Left-click on the network, battery, or volume icon located in the system tray at the bottom-right corner of the taskbar. This will open the Quick Settings menu.
2. You'll see a brightness slider in the center of the Quick Settings panel. Drag the slider to the left to decrease the brightness or to the right to increase it. As you move the slider, you'll notice your screen brightness adjusting in real-time.
3. Once you're satisfied with the brightness level, you can click anywhere outside the Quick Settings menu to close it.

Using the Settings app

If you prefer a more detailed approach or need to change additional display settings, using the Settings app is a great option.

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings.
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on System.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Display.
5. Under the Brightness and color section, you'll see a brightness slider. Drag the slider to the left to decrease brightness or to the right to increase it. You may also see an option for Night light, which helps reduce blue light emissions in the evenings. If your device supports automatic brightness adjustment, you can enable this feature here. This setting allows your screen brightness to adjust automatically based on ambient lighting conditions.

Using keyboard shortcuts

Many laptops and some desktop keyboards come with dedicated brightness keys. These keys are often marked with a sun icon and can provide a quick way to adjust your screen's brightness.

1. On the top row of your laptop keyboard, you'll typically find brightness keys on the Function keys (F1 to F12). Look for a key with a sun icon or a brightness symbol.
2. To adjust brightness, you may need to hold down the Fn key (located next to the Windows logo key) while pressing the brightness Function key. The exact combination may vary depending on your laptop's manufacturer.
3. Press the brightness-up key to increase brightness or the brightness-down key to decrease it.

Using a Graphics app

If you have a dedicated graphics card, you may also adjust brightness through the graphics app provided by your graphics card manufacturer (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA, AMD).

1. Right-click on your Desktop and select your graphics app (e.g., NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD Radeon Software, or Intel Graphics Command Center). You may need to select Show more options to find the link to the graphics app.
2. Within the graphics app, navigate to the display settings section.
3. Look for brightness or color settings. You can often find advanced options for adjusting brightness, contrast, and other display settings.

Changing the brightness of your screen in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through several different methods, including the Quick Settings menu, the Settings app, keyboard shortcuts, and the graphics app. Each method offers its own advantages, allowing you to choose the most convenient option based on your preferences and hardware.

Maintaining an appropriate screen brightness not only enhances your viewing experience but also prolongs your device's battery life and reduces eye strain. By following the steps outlined above, you'll ensure a comfortable and visually appealing computing experience.