Turning down the brightness on your Windows 10 computer can be a lifesaver for your eyes, especially in dim lighting. It’s also a great way to save battery power if you’re using a laptop. To adjust the brightness, you can use the built-in settings in Windows 10. This quick guide will walk you through the simple steps to reduce your screen brightness, ensuring a more comfortable viewing experience.
How to Turn Brightness Down on Windows 10
In this section, we’re going to guide you through the easy process of reducing your screen’s brightness on a Windows 10 device. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dimmer screen in no time.
Step 1: Open Settings
Start by clicking the Start menu and selecting “Settings.”
The Settings app is your control center for a variety of adjustments. You can easily find it by clicking the Start button, which looks like a little window in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings directly.
Step 2: Go to System
Next, click on the “System” option.
Once you’re in Settings, you’ll see various categories. The System category handles all things related to your device’s display, sound, notifications, and power. It’s typically the first option you see.
Step 3: Access Display Settings
Click on “Display” in the left sidebar.
In the System menu, you’ll find “Display” listed on the left. This section is where you can adjust your screen’s resolution, orientation, and most importantly, its brightness.
Step 4: Adjust Brightness Level
Use the slider under “Brightness and color” to adjust the brightness level.
Now, you’ll see a brightness slider labeled “Change brightness.” Drag this slider to the left to reduce brightness. You can adjust it to a level that feels comfortable for your eyes.
Step 5: Close Settings
Finally, close the Settings window to save your changes.
Once you’ve set the brightness to your liking, simply close the Settings window. The new brightness level will remain until you decide to change it again.
After completing these steps, your computer screen will have a reduced brightness level. This adjustment can help reduce eye strain and conserve battery life, especially useful for laptop users.
Tips for Turning Brightness Down on Windows 10
- Use keyboard shortcuts: Some laptops have shortcut keys to adjust brightness. Look for keys with sun icons on the function keys.
- Enable Night Light: This feature reduces blue light and can make the screen easier on the eyes at night.
- Use battery saver mode: This mode often reduces brightness to conserve battery automatically.
- Check graphics card settings: Some graphics cards have additional brightness settings.
- Update drivers: Ensure your display drivers are up-to-date, as outdated ones may cause brightness issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust brightness on a desktop computer?
Yes, but you may need to use the monitor’s physical buttons instead of Windows settings.
Why can’t I find the brightness slider?
It might be due to outdated drivers. Check for driver updates in the Device Manager.
Does reducing screen brightness save battery life?
Yes, lowering brightness can extend battery life on laptops.
What should I do if the brightness slider is greyed out?
Try updating your display drivers or restarting your computer to fix this issue.
Can I automate brightness adjustment?
Yes, you can set your device to adjust brightness automatically based on ambient light if your device supports it.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to System.
- Access Display settings.
- Adjust brightness level.
- Close Settings.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, spending long hours in front of a screen is almost inevitable. Taking steps to ensure our comfort and eye health is crucial. By learning how to turn brightness down on Windows 10, you can create a more pleasant computing experience. Whether you’re working late into the night or just want to conserve your battery life, these simple adjustments can make all the difference.
If you often find yourself squinting at a bright screen, adjusting the brightness might just be your new best friend. Plus, for those who use their devices outdoors or in different lighting conditions, knowing how to tweak your screen brightness on the fly is incredibly useful.
Remember to explore additional options like the Night Light feature if you often use your computer in low-light settings. It not only reduces brightness but also filters out blue light, which can be harsh on the eyes.
Keep in mind that your device’s hardware, such as a laptop’s function keys or a desktop monitor’s settings, can offer additional ways to adjust brightness. So next time your screen feels like staring into the sun, you’ll know exactly what to do to turn things down a notch.

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.