How to Add a Brightness Slider on Windows 11

Windows 11 brings a sleek and modern interface, but it’s not perfect for everyone. One common issue many people face is the missing brightness slider, especially on desktop PCs or monitors without built-in controls. A brightness slider can make adjusting your screen’s brightness much more convenient, saving you from digging through settings or fumbling with monitor buttons.

Whether you're using a laptop, a desktop with an external monitor, or a custom-built PC, this guide will show you easy ways to add a brightness slider to Windows 11.

Why Isn’t There a Brightness Slider by Default?

Laptops running Windows 11 usually have a built-in brightness slider in the quick settings menu. However, desktops with external monitors often don’t have this option because Windows relies on your hardware’s compatibility. External monitors, especially older ones, may not support software-based brightness adjustments.

That’s why desktops might miss the slider entirely, while laptops typically have it. But don’t worry—there are several ways to fix this and get a working brightness slider.

How to Check If the Brightness Slider Is Available

Before diving into solutions, let’s quickly check if the brightness slider is already available but hidden. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of finding the right menu.

1. Click on the Quick Settings Panel
   Press Windows + A or click the network and sound icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar.

2. Look for the Brightness Slider
   If you see a bar labeled “Brightness,” you’re good to go. You don’t need to install anything extra.

3. What If It’s Missing?
   If the brightness slider isn’t there, it’s likely your monitor or graphics driver doesn’t support the feature natively. But don’t worry; we’ll cover alternative methods below.

Method 1: Enable the Brightness Slider Using Graphics Drivers

Your PC’s graphics drivers control how displays interact with Windows. Sometimes, updating or tweaking these drivers can unlock the brightness slider.

Steps to Enable the Brightness Slider:

1. Update Your Graphics Drivers

   • Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.

   • Expand the Display Adapters section.

   • Right-click your graphics card (like NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and select Update Driver.

   • Choose Search Automatically for Drivers and let Windows install any available updates.

2. Restart Your PC
   After updating, restart your PC and check the Quick Settings panel again.

3. Use the Graphics Control Panel
   Many graphics cards come with their own control panels:

   • Intel Graphics Command Center: Open it from the Start menu and adjust display settings.

   • NVIDIA Control Panel: Right-click the desktop and select it, then look for brightness controls under “Display.”

   • AMD Radeon Software: Launch it and find brightness controls under “Display Settings.”

Method 2: Add a Third-Party Brightness Slider App

If your monitor or drivers don’t support the built-in brightness slider, third-party apps can step in. These apps create an on-screen slider you can control.

Recommended Apps for Adding a Brightness Slider:

1. Twinkle Tray

   • Download Twinkle Tray (free).

   • Once installed, the app adds a brightness slider to your system tray.

   • It works with multiple monitors and allows individual brightness adjustment for each one.

2. Monitorian

   • Download Monitorian from the Microsoft Store (free).

   • This app offers a simple interface to adjust brightness for connected monitors.

Method 3: Adjust Brightness Directly on Your Monitor

If adding a software slider doesn’t work, you might need to rely on your monitor’s hardware controls. Most monitors have buttons on the side or bottom for adjusting brightness.

Steps to Adjust Monitor Brightness:

1. Find the Brightness Button
   Look for a button labeled "Menu" or icons representing brightness and contrast.

2. Use the On-Screen Menu
   Navigate through the menu to locate the brightness setting and adjust it to your preference.

3. Save Settings
   After adjusting, save your settings so they stay consistent.

Method 4: Adjust Brightness Using Windows Settings (Advanced)

For tech-savvy users, there’s a workaround using Windows Settings or PowerShell. While this method isn’t beginner-friendly, it’s worth a try if nothing else works.

Steps to Add Brightness Controls Manually:

1. Open Power Options

   • Press Windows + R and type control powercfg.cpl.

   • Select your active power plan and click Change Plan Settings.

2. Change Advanced Settings

   • Click Change Advanced Power Settings.

   • Expand Display and locate Enable Adaptive Brightness.

   • Turn it on for both “Plugged in” and “On battery.”

3. Restart Your PC
   This may enable brightness controls for compatible setups.

When to Consider a Hardware Upgrade

If none of the above methods work, your monitor might not support software brightness adjustments at all. In this case, upgrading to a monitor with DDC/CI (Display Data Channel Command Interface) support can solve the problem. These monitors allow software like Twinkle Tray to control brightness seamlessly.

Conclusion

Adding a brightness slider to Windows 11 can make life much easier, especially if you frequently switch between work, gaming, or watching movies. Whether you’re updating drivers, using third-party apps like Twinkle Tray or Monitorian, or adjusting settings manually, there’s a solution for everyone.

If all else fails, upgrading to a modern monitor with DDC/CI support might be the best long-term option. Now you can enjoy a customized brightness experience on your Windows 11 setup.

FAQs

How do I find the brightness slider in Windows 11?

You can access the brightness slider by pressing Windows + A to open the Quick Settings panel. If it’s not visible, your setup might not support it by default.

Why doesn’t my desktop have a brightness slider?

Desktops with external monitors often lack a built-in brightness slider because most monitors handle brightness settings through hardware buttons instead of software.

Are third-party brightness apps safe to use?

Yes, apps like Twinkle Tray and Monitorian are widely trusted and safe. Always download them from official websites or the Microsoft Store to avoid risks.

Can I adjust brightness for multiple monitors?

Yes, third-party apps like Twinkle Tray and ClickMonitorDDC allow you to control brightness for each monitor individually.

What is DDC/CI, and why does it matter?

DDC/CI (Display Data Channel Command Interface) is a feature in modern monitors that allows software-based brightness control. Monitors without DDC/CI may require manual adjustments using buttons.