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Adjusting the brightness of your screen is a useful feature that can enhance your viewing experience, reduce eye strain, and save battery life on your Windows 10 device. While many users may be familiar with adjusting the brightness settings through the Control Panel or the Action Center, did you know that you can also adjust the brightness using just your keyboard? In this blog post, we will explore various methods to adjust brightness on Windows 10 with your keyboard, along with their pros and cons.
What’s Needed
To adjust brightness on Windows 10 using your keyboard, you will need the following:
- A Windows 10 device with a keyboard
- The knowledge of specific keyboard shortcuts for adjusting brightness
Video Tutorial:
What Requires Your Focus?
Before we dive into the methods of adjusting brightness on Windows 10 using your keyboard, it’s essential to note the following points that require your focus:
- Compatibility: Check if your keyboard has dedicated brightness adjustment keys.
- Function Key: Depending on your device, you may need to use the function (Fn) key in combination with the brightness adjustment keys.
- Driver Updates: Ensure that your keyboard drivers and operating system are up to date for optimal functionality.
Option 1. How to Adjust Brightness via the Keyboard Settings
One method to adjust the brightness on Windows 10 is by utilizing the keyboard settings. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Select "System" from the settings menu.
Step 3: Click on "Display" in the left sidebar.
Step 4: Scroll down and locate the "Brightness and color" section.
Step 5: Under the "Brightness and color" section, you will see a slider to adjust the brightness level. Use the left or right arrow keys on your keyboard to decrease or increase the brightness respectively.
Step 6: Release the arrow keys when you have reached the desired brightness level.
Pros:
- Easy accessibility through the Windows Settings app.
- Allows for fine-tuning of brightness levels.
Cons:
- May require multiple steps to access the brightness settings in the Settings app.
- The brightness adjustment range may be limited depending on the device.
Option 2. How to Adjust Brightness via Function Keys
Many keyboards, especially those on laptops, have dedicated function keys for adjusting brightness. Follow these steps to adjust brightness using function keys:
Step 1: Locate the function key (Fn) on your keyboard. It is usually located near the bottom left corner and may have a different color or label.
Step 2: Look for the brightness control keys on your keyboard. They are typically represented by a sun symbol and arrow keys or labeled with icons such as a sun or a half-filled/half-empty rectangle.
Step 3: Press and hold the Fn key, then press the function key corresponding to brightness control simultaneously. Use the up or down arrow keys to increase or decrease the brightness.
Step 4: Release the Fn key and function key combination when you have reached the desired brightness level.
Pros:
- Quick and easy access to brightness controls without navigating through menus.
- Offers a wide range of brightness adjustment levels.
Cons:
- Function key layouts may vary across different keyboard models.
- Function keys may be shared with other system functions, requiring additional modifier keys for brightness adjustments.
Option 3. How to Adjust Brightness via Shortcut Keys
Another method to adjust brightness on Windows 10 is by using shortcut keys. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Locate the brightness shortcut keys on your keyboard. They are usually present as a combination of function keys, often labeled with a sun symbol and arrow keys or icons.
Step 2: Press and hold the modifier key (often Ctrl, Alt, or Ctrl + Alt), then press the brightness shortcut key. Use the up or down arrow keys to increase or decrease the brightness.
Step 3: Release the modifier key and the brightness shortcut key combination when you have reached the desired brightness level.
Pros:
- Provides a quick and direct method to adjust brightness using customized keyboard shortcuts.
- Can be customized according to personal preferences.
Cons:
- Requires initial setup to assign custom shortcuts on certain keyboard models.
- The availability of shortcut keys may vary depending on the keyboard model.
Option 4. How to Adjust Brightness via Third-Party Software
If the above methods do not suit your needs, you can also adjust brightness on Windows 10 using third-party software. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Download and install a third-party software that allows brightness adjustment, such as Dimmer or f.lux.
Step 2: Open the installed software.
Step 3: Use the software’s interface to adjust the brightness level according to your preference.
Pros:
- Offers additional features and customization options beyond native Windows settings.
- Provides more granular control over brightness adjustment.
Cons:
- Requires installation of third-party software, consuming device resources.
- May have compatibility issues with certain devices or conflicting software.
Why Can’t I Adjust Brightness?
If you are unable to adjust the brightness on your Windows 10 device using any of the above methods, here are three alternative solutions you can try:
- Update Display and Keyboard Drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause issues with brightness adjustment. Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your display and keyboard.
- Check for Windows Updates: Windows updates often include bug fixes and improvements. Check for available updates and install them to ensure optimal system functionality.
- Reset Power Plans: Sometimes, incorrect power plans can interfere with brightness adjustment. Resetting the power plans to default settings may resolve the issue. Open the Control Panel, go to Power Options, and select your preferred power plan. Then click on "Restore default settings for this plan."
Implications and Recommendations
When adjusting brightness on Windows 10 using your keyboard, keep the following implications and recommendations in mind:
- Screen Brightness and Eye Strain: Adjusting the brightness level to a comfortable setting can help reduce eye strain during prolonged computer usage.
- Battery Life: Lowering the brightness level can significantly extend the battery life of your laptop or mobile device.
- Environmental Lighting Conditions: Adjust the brightness according to your surrounding lighting conditions for optimal viewing experience and visibility.
The Bottom Line
Being able to adjust the brightness of your screen using just your keyboard can be a convenient and helpful feature, especially for users who prefer quick shortcuts or have limited accessibility. With the various methods discussed in this blog post, you can now customize your brightness settings on Windows 10 to better suit your preferences and needs.
5 FAQs about Adjusting Brightness on Windows 10
Q1: How do I know if my keyboard has dedicated brightness adjustment keys?
A:
To identify if your keyboard has dedicated brightness adjustment keys, look for keys labeled with a sun symbol or icons representing brightness control. These keys are typically located above the arrow keys or on the function key row.
Q2: Why can’t I adjust the brightness using the function keys?
A:
There could be multiple reasons for this issue. First, ensure that your keyboard model has dedicated brightness adjustment function keys. Additionally, some laptops require the use of the function (Fn) key in combination with the brightness control keys. Make sure to press and hold the Fn key while using the brightness adjustment keys.
Q3: Can I use third-party software to adjust brightness on Windows 10?
A:
Yes, third-party software such as Dimmer or f.lux allows you to adjust brightness on Windows 10 with more customization options. However, keep in mind that installing third-party software may have compatibility issues with certain devices or conflicting software.
Q4: Why should I update my display and keyboard drivers?
A:
Updating display and keyboard drivers ensures that your hardware is compatible with the latest features and fixes. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause issues with brightness adjustment, among other problems. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers for your display and keyboard.
Q5: How can I reset my power plans on Windows 10?
A:
To reset power plans to default settings on Windows 10, open the Control Panel and go to Power Options. Select your preferred power plan and click on "Restore default settings for this plan." This action should reset the power settings, potentially resolving any issues with brightness adjustment.