A laptop on its own
Lower the panel brightness with Windows, then use software dimming for a darker image.
DISPLAY DIMMER · WINDOWS 11 & 10
Brightness control for Windows.
Control laptop and external monitor brightness from one simple window on Windows 11 and 10. Adjust screens separately or together, with hardware brightness where supported and software dimming when you need it.
Free brightness control. Optional one-time Pro upgrade.
- Laptop screens
- External monitors
- Multiple displays
INTERACTIVE PREVIEW
ONE APP, YOUR WHOLE DESK
Monitor brightness control
that fits your setup.
A bright laptop and a dim second monitor do not have to share one setting. Choose the screen you want to change.
A monitor at your desk
Change compatible external monitor brightness through DDC/CI, without reaching around for the monitor’s buttons.
A laptop and extra screens
Set individual levels or choose All displays to adjust enabled screens together. Pro adds linked display groups.
A SIMPLE START
Choose a display.
Find your level.
A few steps from a brighter screen to a better-balanced desk.
Install Display Dimmer
Get the free Windows app from Microsoft Store, then open its main window.
Choose your screen and control method
In Settings → Displays, check the recognized screens. Enable available hardware brightness, or leave it off to use software dimming.
Move the Brightness slider
Select one display or All displays in the main window, then move Brightness to the level you want. Reset levels restores 100% brightness, 50% contrast and neutral temperature.
THE RIGHT CONTROL FOR THE SCREEN
Hardware brightness.
Software dimming. Your choice.
Display Dimmer offers different ways to change brightness. What is available depends on your screen and its connection.
External monitor hardware
Adjusts a compatible monitor’s own brightness setting. Some monitors require DDC/CI to be enabled in their on-screen menu.
Support can vary through docks, adapters and KVMs.
Built-in laptop brightness
Use your laptop’s brightness keys or Windows Display settings to lower the panel’s own brightness.
Display Dimmer can then dim the image further with software brightness. Follow the laptop screen dimmer guide.
A darker displayed image
Gamma dimming changes the image sent to the display. It can help when hardware control is unavailable or the screen is still too bright at minimum.
HDR and other color tools can affect software dimming.
LESS ADJUSTING, MORE DOING
Brightness control
for the way you work.
Keep the slider close, or let saved settings handle the familiar parts of your day.
Schedules
Set a lower brightness for the evening and a different level for the next morning. Free includes one all-display schedule.
App rules
Use saved levels when an app is active, including a fullscreen condition. Free includes one all-display app rule.
Keyboard shortcuts
Change brightness without opening the window. Free includes two all-display hotkeys; Pro adds more actions and targeting.
Presets Pro
Save a display setup and recall it from the main window, tray menu, hotkeys, schedules or app rules.
START WITH WHAT YOU NEED
Free brightness control.
More options with Pro.
Display Dimmer Free
$0Free version
Everyday control for your laptop and monitors.
- Individual and all-display brightness adjustments
- Supported contrast, DDC/CI and software dimming
- One all-display schedule and app rule
- Two all-display hotkeys
Display Dimmer Pro
$5.99One-time purchase
More ways to save, target and automate your setup.
- Saved presets and linked display groups
- More schedules, app rules and hotkeys
- Unlimited color temperature / blue light filtering
A FEW USEFUL ANSWERS
Brightness control,
explained.
How do I control brightness on Windows 11 or Windows 10?
For a built-in laptop screen, start with the brightness slider in Windows’ taskbar controls or Settings → System → Display. To manage laptop and external screens from one app, install Display Dimmer, choose a display and move its Brightness slider. Supported hardware controls and software dimming are available in Settings → Displays.
Can I control external monitor brightness from Windows?
Yes, when the monitor and connection support it. Display Dimmer can use DDC/CI to adjust a compatible monitor’s hardware brightness. Enable DDC/CI in the monitor’s own menu if needed. When hardware control is unavailable, software gamma dimming can darken the displayed image instead.
Why is the Windows brightness slider missing for my monitor?
Windows may not show its brightness slider for an external monitor. Use the monitor’s buttons or an app with compatible DDC/CI support. Display Dimmer provides its own controls; installing it does not add an external-monitor slider to Windows Quick Settings.
Can I adjust multiple monitors separately?
Yes. Select one display to change its brightness without changing the others, or select All displays to adjust enabled screens together. Pro also lets you create linked display groups for selected screens.
Is brightness control free in Display Dimmer?
Yes. Brightness and supported contrast controls, individual and all-display adjustments, DDC/CI support and software gamma dimming are included in Free. Free also includes one all-display schedule, one all-display app rule and two all-display hotkeys. Pro adds presets, linked groups, more automation and unlimited temperature control.
Can it dim a monitor below its minimum brightness?
Software dimming can make the image darker after a monitor’s hardware brightness reaches its lowest setting. It changes the displayed image rather than lowering the hardware backlight further. HDR, graphics drivers and other color tools can affect the result.
Does brightness control work with HDR, docks and KVMs?
Compatibility depends on the display, graphics driver and connection. A dock, adapter or KVM can prevent DDC/CI commands from reaching a monitor. HDR can also limit software gamma dimming. Test the control method on your own setup; if possible, try a direct connection to check hardware support.
For the built-in Windows controls, see Microsoft’s brightness and color guide. For your setup, explore our DDC/CI connection guide and HDR brightness guide.
Your screens.
At your brightness.
Try Display Dimmer’s free brightness controls on your own setup.
Install Display Dimmer freeAvailable from Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10.