Unlike laptops, desktop PCs typically rely on external monitors with built-in brightness controls. These monitors often don’t respond to Windows brightness settings, especially if they don’t support the DDC/CI (Display Data Channel Command Interface) protocol. As a result, the brightness slider may not appear in your Windows Settings.
In this guide, we’ll explain several practical ways to adjust the screen brightness on your desktop computer – whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11!
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Method 1: Use the Monitor’s Physical Buttons
Most desktop monitors come with built-in controls or joysticks on the side, bottom or back of the screen. So, if your monitor is a Dell, HP, LG, Asus, Acer, or Samsung, you can change you pc screen brightness by using physical buttons.
Step 1: Look for physical buttons on the monitor. They’re typically located along the bottom bezel or the right side of the screen.
Step 2: Press the Menu or Settings button to open the on-screen display (OSD).
Tip: If your monitor has a dedicated “Brightness” button, you can simply press it to adjust the brightness of your computer.
Step 3: Navigate to the Brightness section using the arrow keys or joystick.
Step 4: Adjust the brightness level to your preference, then press Exit or wait a few seconds for the menu to close.
Method 2: Use Monitor Control Software (If Supported)
If your monitor supports DDC/CI (Display Data Channel/Command Interface), you can use third-party software such as Monitorian to control brightness directly from your desktop. This is a great option for users who manage multiple monitors or are looking for keyboard shortcuts to adjust brightness.
Step 1: Download and install Monitorian from the Microsoft Store.
Step 2: Launch the app, and a brightness slider will appear for each compatible monitor.
Step 3: Adjust brightness directly from your desktop taskbar.
Method 3: Use Your Graphics Control Panel (Intel, NVIDIA, AMD)
If your monitor doesn’t respond well to physical buttons, your graphics driver offers another reliable solution. Whether you’re using Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD graphics, their respective control panels include brightness and color tuning options.
Here are the detailed steps to adjust the brightness on your desktop computer via Intel Graphics Settings.
Step 1: Right-click on your desktop and select Intel® Graphics Settings or Intel® UHD Graphics Control Panel from the context menu. (Tip: On some systems, it may also be labeled as “Graphics Properties”.)
Step 2: In the Intel Graphics Control Panel window, click on Display.
Step 3: Navigate to the Color Settings tab from the left sidebar.
Step 4: Choose the display device you want to adjust (if you have multiple monitors connected).
Step 5: Use the Brightness slider to increase or decrease the screen brightness, then click Apply to save your changes.
Method 4: Change Your Computer’s Brightness in Windows Settings
If you have an all-in-one desktop computer or a monitor that supports basic DDC, Windows 10 or 11 may display a brightness adjustment slider in the settings. However, for most traditional desktop setups with standard external monitors, this slider typically won’t appear unless the display is built-in(e.g., iMac or Surface Studio).
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to System > Display from the left sidebar.
Step 3: If you see a Brightness slider under the Brightness & color section, you can drag it to lower or raise the screen brightness. Otherwise, try one of the other methods provided in this guide.
Notes for Adjusting Brightness on a Desktop PC
When adjusting the brightness of your desktop monitor, it’s important to strike a balance—not too bright, not too dim. Improper brightness levels can cause eye strain, dryness, or even headaches over time, especially in poorly lit environments.
Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid extreme brightness settings: A screen that’s too bright in a dark room can be just as harmful as a dim screen in bright lighting. Match your monitor brightness to your ambient lighting for the best viewing comfort.
- Use warm lighting if possible: If your monitor supports it, consider enabling a warmer color tone (such as “Night Light” in Windows) to reduce blue light exposure in the evening.
- Keep your screen clean: Dust and fingerprints can reduce screen clarity, making you unconsciously increase brightness, which may further strain your eyes.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for desktop brightness control. Whether you’re using physical monitor buttons, GPU settings, or third-party brightness software, the key is to choose the method that best suits your setup. Each approach offers a reliable way to adjust computer brightness on a desktop. Take a few minutes to optimize your screen settings—you’ll notice a big difference in visual comfort and help protect your eyes in the long run. Start adjusting today!