Users who have been using a Windows-running laptop for a while are likely familiar with the standard methods for adjusting the screen brightness on a Windows 11 device.
However, if you are new to the Windows 11 world, you will be surprised to know that there are half a dozen ways to adjust screen brightness in Windows 11.
The following are the six ways to adjust screen brightness in Windows 11.
Method 1 of 6
Use keyboard shortcuts to adjust screen brightness on a Windows 11 laptop
Depending on your laptop’s brand and how the function key is configured, the hotkey to adjust screen brightness varies.
For instance, on my ThinkPad T480, I use Function + F5 to reduce the brightness and Function + F6 to increase the screen brightness.
Look for brightness icons on the function keys (located at the top row of a standard keyboard). Try pressing them to adjust the brightness. If pressing the key does not change the brightness, hold down the Fn key and then press the brightness key.
Method 2 of 6
Adjust screen brightness from the Quick Settings panel in Windows 11
Step 1: Open the Quick Settings panel by clicking the network/volume/power icon in the taskbar system tray area.
You can also use Windows logo + A keyboard shortcut to access the Quick Settings panel.
Step 2: Move the brightness slider to the left or right to adjust the display brightness to your needs.
Method 3 of 6
Change screen brightness from the Settings app in Windows 11
Step 1: Launch the Settings app using the search function or the Windows logo + I shortcut.
Step 2: On the left pane of the Settings app, click System. On the right side, click Display.
Step 3: In the ‘Brightness’ section, move the slider to the left or right to adjust the screen brightness.
Method 4 of 6
Adjust external display brightness in Windows 11 with a third-party app
Windows 11 does not support adjusting the brightness or contrast of the external screen. Because of this, if you are using a desktop computer or have connected your laptop to an external screen, you have no option but to use third-party tools to adjust the brightness of the external screen.
Twinkle Tray is an excellent free app available in the Microsoft Store that allows you to adjust the external screen brightness and contrast directly from the Windows 11 taskbar.
You may refer to our how to adjust external display brightness in Windows 11 guide for more information about the tool.
Method 5 of 6
Turn brightness up or download from the Command Prompt in Windows 11
In addition to the methods mentioned above, one can also use the built-in Command Prompt to adjust the screen brightness. Here is how.
Step 1: Launch Command Prompt as administrator. To do that, search for ‘Command Prompt’, right-click its entry in the search result, and then click Run as administrator.
Click the Yes button when you see the User Account Control prompt.
Step 2: At the Command Prompt window, type or copy and paste the following command before pressing the Enter key.
powershell (Get-WmiObject -Namespace root/WMI -Class WmiMonitorBrightnessMethods).WmiSetBrightness(1,55)
In the above command, replace ‘55’ with the brightness level that you would like to apply. For instance, if you wish the brightness level to be at 60, use the number 60 in the above command.
Method 6 of 6
Use Windows Mobility Center to adjust display brightness in Windows 11
Step 1: Type ‘Windows Mobility Center’ in the taskbar search or Start menu search field and then press the Enter key to open the Windows Mobility Center dialog.
Step 2: Here, in the Display Brightness section, move the slider to change the screen brightness instantly.
Our guide on how to rotate the screen in Windows 11 may also be of interest to you.
