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For a built-in display in Windows 11, open Network quick settings from the right side of the taskbar and move the Brightness slider, or go to Settings > System > Display. In Windows 10, use Action Center; if your version is earlier than 1903, use Settings > System > Display instead. For an external monitor, adjust brightness with the monitor’s own buttons or on-screen controls.
The right method depends on your Windows version and whether you are adjusting a built-in display or an external monitor.
Change brightness on a built-in display
Windows 11
- Select the Network icon on the right side of the taskbar to open Quick Settings.
- Move the Brightness slider left to dim the screen or right to make it brighter.
You can also open Start > Settings > System > Display and adjust brightness there. The Settings route is a useful alternative if the Quick Settings arrangement differs on your PC.
Windows 10
- Select Action Center on the right side of the taskbar and move the Brightness slider if it is shown.
- If you have a Windows 10 version earlier than 1903, open Start > Settings > System > Display and use the Change brightness slider.
The Action Center brightness slider was added in Windows 10 version 1903. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; Microsoft no longer provides its normal free Windows Update security fixes, technical assistance, or software updates for that version. The PC continues to work, and Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11.
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Adjust brightness on an external monitor
Windows may not show a usable Brightness slider when you use an external monitor. Adjust the monitor itself with its physical buttons or on-screen display (OSD):
- Press the monitor’s Menu or joystick button.
- Open its on-screen display.
- Find Brightness or a similar picture setting, adjust it, and exit the menu.
Menu names and controls vary by monitor. The Windows brightness slider is principally for a built-in display.
Change brightness automatically
Adjust brightness to the surrounding light
Some PCs have an ambient-light sensor and support automatic brightness adjustment. In Windows 11, open Settings > System > Display > Brightness and enable the automatic brightness option if it appears. Windows 10 may show a checkbox for automatic brightness under Settings > System > Display. Availability depends on the PC, and you can still adjust brightness manually. On HDR displays, automatic changes based on lighting may take longer.
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Adjust brightness based on screen content in Windows 11
Some Windows 11 PCs change brightness and contrast based on what appears on the built-in display. For example, the screen may change when a dark scene is followed by a bright one. This is separate from ambient-light adjustment: content-adaptive brightness responds to the displayed image, while ambient-light adjustment responds to the room.
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- Go to Settings > System > Display > Brightness.
- Find Change brightness based on content.
- Choose the setting you want.
| Option | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Off | Disables content-based brightness and contrast changes. |
| Always | Uses content-based adjustment whether the PC is plugged in or on battery. |
| On Battery Only | Uses the feature only while the PC is running on battery. |
Turning the feature off can reduce battery life. The setting is available only on supported PCs.
Adjust brightness for HDR and SDR content
HDR-capable displays can have separate controls for SDR content brightness and HDR content brightness. The effect depends on whether the display is built in or external, and results vary by display model.
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- Open Settings > System > Display.
- Select the HDR-capable display if more than one display is connected.
- Open HDR and adjust the relevant SDR or HDR content brightness control.
| Display type | What the Windows control changes |
|---|---|
| External HDR monitor | The SDR content brightness control changes how bright SDR content appears relative to HDR. Use the monitor’s own on-screen controls for its physical brightness. |
| Built-in HDR display | The Windows brightness setting may govern SDR content, while the HDR content slider changes HDR brightness relative to SDR. |
On a built-in HDR display, raising brightness in a bright room can reduce effective HDR dynamic range and contrast by making darker pixels brighter. Lower settings can improve contrast but may hide detail in dark scenes. Try small adjustments near the default level; the result depends on the display.
If an external HDR monitor’s SDR content looks too bright or dim, adjust SDR content brightness in Windows and use the monitor’s own controls for physical brightness. Some apps may not respond to the HDR/SDR slider until you close and restart them.
HDR on a laptop running on battery
HDR may be disabled by default on battery to conserve power. Enabling HDR on battery can reduce battery life. If an HDR-capable external display does not offer HDR while displays are duplicated, select Settings > System > Display and choose Extend these displays. These are HDR setup issues, not prerequisites for ordinary brightness adjustment.
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What to do when the brightness slider is missing or does not work
- If you are using an external monitor: Adjust brightness with the monitor’s own buttons or on-screen controls. Windows may not provide a brightness slider for that setup.
- If you are using a built-in display: Try updating the display driver. Right-click Start, open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, select the adapter, and choose Update driver.
- If only HDR content looks too bright or dim: Check the separate HDR/SDR brightness controls rather than treating it as an ordinary brightness-slider fault.
A display-driver update is a troubleshooting step, not a guaranteed fix.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Brightness is not the same as Night light
Night light makes display colors warmer; it is separate from the basic brightness control. Turn it on from Quick Settings or Settings > System > Display. To adjust its intensity or schedule, open Night light settings and change Strength or Schedule. Scheduling can use sunset-to-sunrise or custom hours.
If Night light is grayed out, the display driver may need updating. Lower screen brightness separately if the screen is still too bright.
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FAQ
Why is there no brightness slider in Windows?
Windows may not show a Brightness slider when you use an external monitor. Use the monitor’s physical controls or on-screen display. If you are using a built-in display and the slider is missing or unresponsive, try updating the display driver in Device Manager.
Where is the brightness slider in Windows 10?
In Windows 10 version 1903 or later, select Action Center on the right side of the taskbar and look for the Brightness slider. In earlier versions, use Settings > System > Display.
Why does my screen change brightness between scenes?
Some Windows 11 PCs change brightness and contrast based on displayed content. Check Settings > System > Display > Brightness for Change brightness based on content. This is different from adjustment based on the surrounding light.
Does Night light lower screen brightness?
Night light makes colors warmer; it is not the basic brightness control. Use the Brightness slider or your monitor’s controls to lower brightness.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchCan I change an external monitor’s brightness in Windows?
Windows may not provide a brightness slider for an external monitor. Use the monitor’s physical buttons or on-screen controls. HDR displays may also offer a Windows control for SDR content brightness relative to HDR, but that is distinct from adjusting the monitor’s physical brightness.
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