You can lower the brightness of a Windows 11 laptop or built-in display from Quick Settings or Settings > System > Display. If you use an external monitor, Windows may not show a brightness slider, and you may need to use the monitor’s physical controls instead.
How to Lower Brightness from Quick Settings
- Open Quick Settings from the right side of the taskbar.
- Find the Brightness slider.
- Move the slider to the left to make the built-in display dimmer.
How to Lower Brightness in Settings
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Display.
- Find the Brightness control.
- Move the slider to the left.
Why Is There No Brightness Slider?
Microsoft notes that the Windows brightness slider might not appear on a desktop PC using an external monitor. Use the buttons or on-screen controls built into that monitor. If a supported built-in display should have a slider but does not, display-driver problems can also be involved.
Why Does Brightness Keep Changing?
Some PCs can automatically change brightness based on ambient light. Some Windows 11 systems can also use content-adaptive brightness control, which changes brightness and contrast based on what is displayed. In Settings > System > Display, expand the Brightness settings to review the automatic controls your hardware supports.
Does Lower Brightness Save Battery?
Reducing the brightness of a built-in display can reduce power use, which can help battery life on a laptop. You do not need to make the display uncomfortable to read; choose a level that remains clear in your environment.
Summary
Use the brightness slider in Quick Settings or Settings > System > Display. For an external monitor with no Windows slider, use the monitor’s own brightness controls. Check automatic and content-adaptive brightness settings if the level changes by itself.