How to Dim a Computer Screen on Windows

Step 1: Lower the backlight

On a laptop use the brightness keys or the Windows slider. On a desktop monitor use the on-screen menu or a brightness utility so you can do it from the keyboard. This is the only method that actually reduces emitted light.

Step 2: Reduce contrast slightly

If whites still glare after the backlight is low, dropping monitor contrast a few steps helps. Go gently; too little contrast makes the image look muddy.

Step 3: Enable Night light

Night light changes colour temperature, not light output, so use it in addition to dimming rather than instead of it.

1. Open Settings > System > Display.
2. Turn Night light on and set the strength.
3. Optionally schedule it from sunset to sunrise.

Step 4: Software dimming below the minimum

When zero percent is still too bright, an overlay or gamma-based dimmer takes the image darker. It works on any display, including monitors with no DDC/CI support. See display dimmer and monitor dimmer.

Step 5: Fix the room, not just the screen

• Add a small amount of ambient light behind the monitor to reduce contrast with the room.
• Angle the screen away from lamps and windows to cut reflections.
• Match all displays so your eyes are not readjusting constantly.