How to Adjust Brightness on Windows 11

Windows 11 offers three built-in routes to brightness on laptops and none for desktop monitors. Here is each method, plus what to do when the slider is missing.

Method 1: Quick Settings

Press Windows + A, or click the battery, network or volume icons in the taskbar.
Drag the brightness slider at the top of the panel.
Click anywhere on the desktop to close the panel.

Method 2: Settings

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System > Display.
Expand Brightness and set the level.
Optionally turn off automatic brightness changes while you are here.

Method 3: Keyboard keys

Most laptops have sun icons on the function row. Press them directly or hold Fn first, depending on your keyboard's behaviour. These keys are handled by the OEM driver, so if they stop working, reinstall the keyboard or display driver from the manufacturer.

External monitors on Windows 11

None of the above affects a monitor plugged into your graphics card. Use the monitor's own buttons, or install a utility that sends brightness over DDC/CI. See external monitor brightness and the download page.

If the slider is missing or greyed out

A full diagnostic walkthrough is in fix brightness control on Windows 11.

Update the graphics driver from Intel, AMD, NVIDIA or your PC manufacturer.
In Device Manager, check that Monitors shows a proper entry, not a broken device.
Disable content adaptive brightness control if the level changes by itself.
For desktops, remember the slider is simply not provided by Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the keyboard shortcut for brightness on Windows 11?

There is no universal Windows shortcut. Laptops use OEM function keys, and on a desktop you can create shortcuts with a third-party brightness utility.

Why does Windows 11 brightness change on its own?

Adaptive brightness or content adaptive brightness control is enabled. Both can be turned off under Settings > System > Display > Brightness.