On a Windows laptop or tablet with a built-in display, you can usually lower brightness from Quick Settings or the Display page in Settings. Desktop monitors and external displays often use controls on the monitor itself instead.
Lower Brightness from Quick Settings
- Select the network, sound, or battery area on the taskbar to open Quick Settings.
- Find the brightness slider.
- Drag the slider to the left.
If no brightness slider appears, Windows may not control that display’s backlight directly.
Lower Brightness in Settings
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Display.
- Use the brightness control under the display brightness section when it is available.
External Monitor Brightness
For many external monitors, use the monitor’s physical buttons, joystick, or on-screen display menu. Some displays and manufacturer utilities support software brightness control, but the normal Windows brightness slider is primarily associated with supported built-in displays.
Automatic and Adaptive Brightness
Some PCs can change brightness automatically based on ambient light or displayed content. If brightness seems to change by itself, review the brightness controls under Settings > System > Display. The available automatic-brightness settings depend on the display and hardware.
If the Brightness Slider Is Missing
Check whether you are adjusting an external monitor first. On a laptop with a built-in display, missing brightness controls can also be related to display drivers or hardware support. Install display and graphics drivers from Windows Update or the PC manufacturer’s supported source rather than using an unknown driver-updater utility.
Summary
Use Quick Settings or Settings > System > Display for supported built-in displays. For an external monitor, use its own brightness controls unless the monitor or its software specifically supports Windows-based adjustment.