Turning up the brightness on your Windows 10 computer is a simple task that can significantly enhance your viewing experience, especially in low-light conditions. You can adjust your screen’s brightness using the settings menu or the keyboard shortcut, depending on your device. This guide will walk you through the steps to adjust the brightness on your Windows 10 computer, ensuring that your screen is easy on the eyes and perfectly suited to your environment.
How to Turn Up Brightness on Windows 10
Adjusting the brightness on your Windows 10 device is all about making the screen more visible and comfortable for your eyes, whether you’re using a laptop or a desktop with an external monitor. The following steps will guide you through the entire process.
Step 1: Open Settings
To start, click on the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner of your screen, then select the gear icon to open the ‘Settings’ menu.
The ‘Settings’ menu is your control hub for managing your device’s features, including display settings. This menu is where you’ll tweak your screen’s brightness.
Step 2: Access System Settings
Within the ‘Settings’ menu, locate and click on the ‘System’ option.
The ‘System’ section encompasses various configurations like display, sound, notifications, and power. Display settings are housed here, making it easy to find the brightness controls.
Step 3: Adjust the Brightness Slider
Find the ‘Display’ tab on the left-hand side, then locate the brightness slider under the ‘Brightness and color’ section.
The brightness slider lets you manually increase or decrease the screen brightness. Slide it to the right to make your screen brighter, or to the left to make it dimmer.
Step 4: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
If your device supports it, you can use the keyboard shortcuts, usually represented by sun symbols, to increase brightness.
Many laptops and some desktops have shortcuts on the keyboard to adjust brightness quickly. These keys are usually located on the top row and are quite handy when you need to make quick adjustments.
Step 5: Adjust Automatic Brightness
For laptops, you might want to enable or adjust the automatic brightness feature. This is also found in the ‘Display’ settings.
Automatic brightness can save battery life by adjusting the screen brightness based on ambient light. It’s a smart feature to keep in mind for those on the go.
Once you’ve adjusted your brightness, your screen will be easier to view, and you can feel more comfortable working or playing on your device. Your eyes will thank you, especially during extended use in dim lighting conditions.
Tips for Turning Up Brightness on Windows 10
- If your keyboard shortcuts aren’t working, ensure your keyboard drivers are updated.
- Remember that increasing brightness can reduce battery life on laptops.
- Consider using ‘Night Light’ in Windows 10 to reduce blue light exposure, which is easier on the eyes.
- If the brightness slider is missing, check your graphics driver for updates.
- For an external monitor, use the physical buttons on the monitor to adjust brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I adjust my brightness in Windows 10?
Sometimes, the brightness adjustment option is missing due to outdated display drivers. Updating your drivers might solve this issue.
How do I know if my brightness is too high or too low?
Your screen should be comfortable to look at without strain. If your eyes feel tired or you see glare, adjust the brightness.
Does increasing brightness affect battery life?
Yes, higher brightness levels can drain your laptop’s battery faster.
Can I set my brightness to adjust automatically?
Yes, for laptops, you can enable automatic brightness adjustments based on ambient light.
What do I do if my brightness keys aren’t working?
Check if the function (Fn) key is enabled or update your keyboard drivers if the brightness keys are unresponsive.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Access System Settings.
- Adjust the Brightness Slider.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts.
- Adjust Automatic Brightness.
Conclusion
Understanding how to turn up brightness on Windows 10 not only optimizes your device’s display settings but also enhances your overall computing experience. Whether you’re working late into the night or enjoying a sunny afternoon, having the right brightness level can make all the difference in comfort and visibility.
While it’s easy to overlook such a simple feature, it’s one that can impact your health and productivity. Adjusting the brightness can minimize eye strain and prolong your device’s battery life, creating a more efficient working environment. And with the handy steps outlined, you’ll have no trouble navigating through Windows 10’s settings like a pro.
If you find yourself struggling with brightness adjustments or facing any technical difficulties, don’t hesitate to explore further resources or seek help from Microsoft support. Keep your screen’s brightness in check for the best viewing experience, and remember, a well-lit screen is a window to the digital world, just waiting for you to explore.

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.