Windows 11 lets you change the brightness of a built-in laptop or tablet display from Quick Settings or the Display page in Settings. Desktop PCs using an external monitor may not show a Windows brightness slider, because many external displays require their own hardware controls.
Change Brightness from Quick Settings
- Select the Network, Sound, or Battery area on the right side of the taskbar to open Quick Settings.
- Find the Brightness slider.
- Move the slider left to make the built-in display dimmer or right to make it brighter.
Change Brightness in Windows Settings
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Display.
- Use the Brightness control to adjust the built-in display.
Why Is the Brightness Slider Missing?
Microsoft notes that the Windows brightness slider may not appear on desktop PCs using an external monitor. In that case, use the monitor’s physical buttons, joystick, or manufacturer-provided controls.
If the computer has a built-in display but its brightness control is unexpectedly missing or does not work, check Windows Update and the PC manufacturer’s display-driver guidance.
Automatic Brightness
Some PCs can automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light or displayed content. These options appear under Settings > System > Display > Brightness only on supported hardware. If changing brightness seems to have little effect, inspect those automatic-brightness options as well.
Summary
For a built-in screen, use the Brightness slider in Quick Settings or Settings > System > Display. If you use an external monitor and Windows has no brightness slider, adjust the display using the monitor’s own controls.