How to Resolve 'Screen Brightness Adjustment Not Working'
Ever found yourself stuck on your computer or laptop, trying to adjust the screen brightness but nothing happens? It can be frustrating, especially when you're in a darker room and your screen is blaring bright, or vice versa. But don't worry; this issue is usually fixable. Let's walk through some simple steps you can take to resolve the 'screen brightness adjustment not working' problem.
Check the Hardware
First things first, let's rule out any hardware issues. If you're using an external monitor, make sure it's properly connected to your computer. Sometimes the issue could be as simple as a loose cable. If you're on a laptop, ensure that there's no physical damage to the keys or controls you use to adjust brightness.
Restart Your Device
It might sound too simple, but sometimes all your device needs is a quick reboot. This can help clear any temporary software glitches that may be preventing the brightness adjustment from working properly.
Update Your Display Driver
One of the most common reasons the screen brightness feature stops working is an outdated or corrupt display driver. Here's how to update it:
- Right-click on the Start menu and select 'Device Manager'.
- Expand the 'Display adapters' section.
- Right-click on your display device and choose 'Update driver'.
- Select 'Search automatically for updated driver software' and follow the prompts.
If an update was available and installed, try adjusting your screen brightness again.
Roll Back the Display Driver
If the issue started occurring right after a driver update, it might be that the new driver version is not fully compatible with your device. In this case, rolling back to the previous driver version could solve the problem:
- Go to 'Device Manager' > 'Display adapters'.
- Right-click on your display device and select 'Properties'.
- Go to the 'Driver' tab and click on 'Roll Back Driver', if available.
Adjust Brightness via Settings or Control Panel
If the usual shortcuts (like function keys on laptops) aren't working, try adjusting the brightness directly through the Windows settings:
- For Windows 10: Go to 'Settings'> 'System' > 'Display' and adjust the brightness slider.
- For Older Windows Versions: Open 'Control Panel' > 'Hardware and Sound' > 'Power Options', and adjust the brightness there.
Monitor Drivers or On-Screen Display
For desktop users with an external monitor, check whether there's specific software or drivers provided by the monitor manufacturer. Installing these can give you additional functionality, including brightness control. Additionally, many monitors have physical buttons or an on-screen display (OSD) menu where you can adjust brightness directly.
Disable Adaptive Brightness
Windows has a feature called 'Adaptive Brightness' which adjusts the screen brightness based on the light conditions of your surroundings. Sometimes, disabling this feature can give back manual control over screen brightness:
- Go to 'Control Panel' > 'Power Options'.
- Click on 'Change plan settings' next to your selected plan.
- Click on 'Change advanced power settings'.
- Expand the 'Display' setting, then 'Enable adaptive brightness', and set it to 'Off' for both battery and plugged in.
Check for System Updates
Running outdated system software can lead to various issues, including brightness control problems. Make sure your operating system is up to date:
- For Windows: Go to 'Settings' > 'Update & Security' > 'Windows Update', and click 'Check for updates'.
- For macOS: Go to the Apple menu > 'System Preferences' > 'Software Update’.
Reset Your PC (As a Last Resort)
If none of the above solutions work, and you're feeling brave, resetting your PC might be worth considering. This will reinstall Windows and give you a fresh start, but remember to back up your files first as this will remove all your personal data from the device.
- Go to 'Settings' > 'Update & Security' > 'Recovery', and under 'Reset this PC', click 'Get started'.
Adjusting screen brightness shouldn't be a chore. By following these steps, you're likely to solve the problem and get back to a more comfortable viewing experience. If all else fails, it might be time to consult with a professional, as the issue could be more deeply rooted in your device's hardware. Happy computing!