iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If your screen keeps getting dimmer, first check whether the change follows a setting or situation: room lighting, changing screen content, battery use, looking away, HDR content, or an external monitor. Then adjust the control that matches the display. Windows laptops, external monitors, and Samsung Galaxy phones use different brightness controls, and a dim screen does not point to one universal fault.
Start by identifying when the screen dims
Notice whether the display is always dim, changes with room lighting, shifts between light and dark scenes, dims after unplugging the device, or changes only in one app. Also note whether it happens when you look away or only on an external monitor. These patterns can help identify which setting to check, but none proves a cause on its own.
- Room lighting changes: check automatic brightness based on ambient light.
- Different scenes or content: check content-adaptive brightness.
- Switching to battery: check power-saving behavior and content-adaptive brightness settings.
- Looking away: check presence-sensing or attention-aware dimming, if available.
- Only HDR content or one app: check Windows HDR/SDR brightness balance.
- Only an external monitor: start with the monitor’s own controls.
For an overview of Windows brightness and color controls, see Microsoft’s Windows display guidance.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchAdjust brightness on a Windows built-in display
- Open Settings > System > Display > Brightness and raise the brightness slider.
- If the display changes with room lighting, look for the automatic brightness option and test whether disabling it stops the changes.
- If brightness or contrast shifts as scenes change, look for Change brightness based on content. On supported Windows 11 PCs, set it to Off or On Battery Only, depending on when you want the adjustment. Microsoft notes that turning this feature off can reduce battery life.
These controls are not available on every PC. Windows may also offer presence-sensing or attention-aware dimming on supported devices. Microsoft documents adaptive dimming for Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, but availability and settings depend on the hardware. See Microsoft’s adaptive-dimming documentation.
#1 Best Overall
- CRISP CLARITY: This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
- WORK SEAMLESSLY: This sleek monitor is virtually bezel-free on three sides, so the screen looks even bigger for the viewer. This minimalistic design also allows for seamless multi-monitor setups that enhance your workflow and boost productivity
- A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE: For busy office workers, EasyRead mode provides a more paper-like experience for when viewing lengthy documents
Check HDR when only some content looks dim
If SDR content or a particular app looks dim on an HDR display, review Windows’ HDR/SDR brightness balance in Settings > System > Display > HDR, if that option is available. The right setting depends on the display and content; turning HDR on or off is not a universal fix.
After changing the brightness balance, restart the affected app if its appearance does not update. Microsoft notes that some SDR apps may not respond to the balance setting. For supported controls and details, see Microsoft’s HDR settings guide.
Rank #2
- CRISP CLARITY: This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- 100HZ FAST REFRESH RATE: 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games to life. Stream, binge, and play effortlessly
- SMOOTH ACTION WITH ADAPTIVE-SYNC: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid response time. Every frame will be rendered smoothly with crystal clarity and without stutter
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
Use the monitor’s controls for an external display
Adjust an external monitor with its physical buttons or on-screen display (OSD). The Windows brightness slider for a built-in display may not appear for an external monitor. If the problem is limited to HDR content or SDR apps on an HDR monitor, check both the Windows HDR/SDR brightness balance and the monitor’s own picture settings.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Stop a Samsung Galaxy phone from dimming
- Open Settings > Display and check Adaptive brightness. Adjust the brightness bar manually to see whether automatic adjustment is behind the change.
- Check whether Power saving is enabled. Some power-saving modes dim the screen to conserve battery.
- If the screen turns off unexpectedly rather than merely getting darker, make sure a case or screen protector is not blocking the proximity sensor.
Menu names and options vary by Galaxy model and region. Samsung’s instructions are available for Galaxy brightness dimming and Galaxy display troubleshooting.
Rank #3
- Clear visuals. Fluid motion: A 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT deliver smooth, tear‑free motion across work, gaming, and streaming for clearer, more fluid viewing.
- Eye comfort: TÜV Rheinland 3‑star* certification reduces harmful blue light while preserving stunning color quality without compromise. *TÜV Rheinland 3-star eye comfort certification.
- Wide viewing angle: Get consistent views across a wide 178° /178° viewing angle.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS): See excellent color accuracy and consistency across wide viewing angles with In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.
- Ultra-thin bezels: Maximize your viewing experience with thin bezels.
Know when to seek device service
For a Galaxy phone with visible display damage from a strong impact, Samsung advises stopping use and having the device inspected at a service center. For other devices, the appropriate repair depends on the model and fault. If the relevant brightness, power, sensor, and HDR settings do not explain persistent dimness, contact the device manufacturer or an authorized technician for model-specific diagnosis.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
Rank #4
- CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT: An immersive viewing experience with a curved monitor that wraps more closely around your field of vision; It creates a wider view, enhancing depth perception and minimizing peripheral distraction
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT: Stay in the action when playing games, watching videos, or working on creative projects; The 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur so you don't miss a thing in fast-paced moments¹
- MORE GAMING POWER: Gain the edge with optimizable game settings; Color and image contrast can be adjusted to see scenes more vividly and spot enemies hiding in the dark; Game Mode adjusts any game to fill the screen so you can view every detail²
- KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES: Care for your eyes and stay comfortable, even during long sessions; Advanced eye comfort technology certified by TÜV reduces eye strain by minimizing blue light and reducing irritating screen flicker²
- INCREASED VERSATILITY: Connect to more; Plug devices straight into your monitor for increased flexibility, making your computing environment even more convenient
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
