How to Control the Brightness of Your Computer With Windows 7

PDF download Download Article
A quick and simple guide to controlling the brightness of your display with Windows 7
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to raise or lower your computer's brightness on Windows 7 laptop. Most desktop computers use an external monitor, meaning that the brightness must be altered by using the monitor's physically built-in buttons or brightness switch.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using the Brightness Slider

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":542,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the battery-shaped icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
    • You may first have to click â–² in this area.
    • If you don't see this icon anywhere in the bottom-right side of the screen, open Start and click Control Panel . [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This link is near the bottom of the pop-up window. Doing so will open the Power Options menu.
    • If you had to open Control Panel, click Power Options here instead.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This slider is at the bottom of the window. Dragging it left will reduce your laptop's screen brightness, while dragging it right will increase the brightness. [2]
    • If you don't see the "Screen Brightness" slider at the bottom of the Power Options window, you'll need to restore it before you can adjust your laptop's brightness.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Restoring a Missing Brightness Slider

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":341,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":539,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will search your computer for the Device Manager program.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It should be the top result in the Start window. Clicking it will open the Device Manager.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click â–º on the left side of the "Monitors" heading.
    • You may have to scroll down to find this option.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you expand "Monitors", you should see a monitor name indented below it; click this monitor to select it.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the top of the Device Manager window.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":349,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":553,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This option is at the bottom of the Action drop-down menu. Doing so opens your monitor's properties.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":341,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":540,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the top of the Properties window.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's near the bottom-left corner of the window.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This only take a moment. Once the driver has uninstalled, your Device Manager list will refresh, and you will notice that the "Monitor" category is gone.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the square, computer monitor-shaped button at the top of the Device Manager window. Doing so will reinstall and update the driver that you just removed.
  12. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once the Device Manager scans for changes, it will automatically reinstall the basic Microsoft driver for your monitor. This should re-enable the brightness slider.
  13. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-16-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-16-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-16-Version-3.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-16-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This may not be necessary for your changes to take effect, but can't hurt and may save you a step later.
  14. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-17-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-17-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-17-Version-3.jpg\/aid1714483-v4-728px-Control-the-Brightness-of-Your-Computer-With-Windows-7-Step-17-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Try to adjust your brightness . Once your computer reboots, click the Power Options button in the System Tray to find your restored brightness options. [3]
    • If you still don't have a brightness slider, your graphics adapter may not support it. You can try to update the drivers for your graphics adapter, or you can try to upgrade to Windows 10 .
    15. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I can't find the "Monitor" option, where can I find it?
    Zuubytron
    Community Answer
    You can find it in "control panel." Press the start icon with the flag in the bottom left and then select something called "control panel." Once in there, type, "Display Brightness" on the search bar and it should pull up a setting to change it!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 54 Helpful 17
  • Question
    I was reducing the brightness on the monitor and it went all black. How do I fix it?
    Community Answer
    First, make sure you didn't turn the brightness all the way down. If that's not the issue, reboot your PC or try to update your graphics driver.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 31 Helpful 18
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Almost every laptop has a "Brightness Up" key and a "Brightness Down" key on the keyboard. These keys are usually found at the top of the keyboard. You may have to hold down the Fn key to use them. [4]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • High screen brightness will drain your computer's battery faster than will lower brightness settings.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Adjust Your Mouse Speed, Sensitivity, & More
      How to
      Activate Windows 7 Without a Product Key
      How to
      Find Your Windows 7 Product Key: CMD, Registry & More
      Add Album Covers to MP3 Files Easily with 6 Free Windows Tools
      The Complete Guide to Installing Windows 7
      How to
      Reset Windows 7 Administrator Password
      How to
      Set Different Wallpapers on Dual Monitors on Windows
      How to
      Print Screen on Windows 7
      How to
      Change the Language in Windows 7
      How to
      Repair Windows 7
      How to
      Boot from USB in Windows 7
      How to
      Restore a Computer to Factory Settings in Windows 7
      How to
      Add and Remove Startup Programs in Windows 7
      How to
      Bypass Windows 7 Password
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about computers and technology, check out our in-depth interview with Luigi Oppido .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/latitude-14-5414-laptop/5414_om/adjusting-brightness-in-windows-7?guid=guid-3acbb7f5-136c-49cd-ab24-4389d89ba9c0&lang=en-us
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-screen-brightness-in-windows-3f67a2f2-5c65-ceca-778b-5858fc007041#Category=Windows_10
      3. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000594.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000594.htm#brightness-keys

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 906,663 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • EAMONN COLLEY

        Jun 18, 2018

        "Yes thank you very much!There was no 'monitor' in device manager that I'm sure I saw before,but I ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement