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How to Solve 'Cannot Enable Night Light' on Windows 10

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How to Fix the 'Cannot Enable Night Light' Issue on Windows 10

Have you ever been working late on your computer and suddenly noticed how harsh your screen's bright light feels on your eyes? Windows 10 introduced a handy feature called Night Light that's designed to reduce eye strain by giving your screen a warmer tone. It's perfect for those late-night or early-morning work sessions. However, some users face a frustrating issue where they can't turn on Night Light, leaving them stuck with a glaringly bright screen. Don't worry, though. We're here to help you solve the 'Cannot Enable Night Light' issue on Windows 10 with some simple steps.

Why Can't I Enable Night Light?

Before diving into solutions, it's helpful to understand why this problem occurs. The issue can stem from various factors, including outdated display drivers, system corruption, or incorrect settings. Fortunately, several solutions can help you get Night Light working again.

Step 1: Update Your Display Driver

Outdated or incorrect display drivers are common culprits behind the Night Light feature not working. Follow these steps to update your display driver:

  1. Press Windows Key + X and select 'Device Manager.'
  2. Expand 'Display adapters.'
  3. Right-click your display adapter and choose 'Update driver.'
  4. Select 'Search automatically for updated driver software.'
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
  6. Restart your computer and try enabling Night Light again.

Step 2: Use the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter that can fix various system issues, including problems with Night Light. Here's how to run it:

  1. Go to 'Settings' > 'Update & Security' > 'Troubleshoot.'
  2. Click 'Additional troubleshooters.'
  3. Find and run the 'Playing Video' troubleshooter.
  4. After the process finishes, restart your computer and check if Night Light works.

Step 3: Check Your System for Corruption

System file corruption can lead to all sorts of problems, including the inability to enable Night Light. You can use the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools to fix corrupted system files.

  1. Right-click the Start button and choose 'Command Prompt (Admin)' or 'Windows PowerShell (Admin).'
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait until the scan and repair process is complete.
  3. Next, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. Wait for the process to finish.
  4. Restart your computer and see if you can now turn on Night Light.

Step 4: Tweak the Registry (Caution Advised)

If nothing else works, you might need to make some changes to the Windows Registry. Be cautious, as incorrect changes can cause serious system issues. Always back up your registry before making any changes.

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\CloudStore\Store\Cache\DefaultAccount
  3. Find and delete the following two keys (if they exist): $$windows.data.bluelightreduction.bluelightreductionstate and $$windows.data.bluelightreduction.settings
  4. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure your Windows 10 is up to date. Microsoft regularly releases updates that can fix bugs and improve functionality.
  • If you're using an external display, try disconnecting and reconnecting it. Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a poor connection.
  • Check if Night Light is scheduled correctly in your settings. Go to 'Settings' > 'System' > 'Display' > 'Night Light Settings.' Ensure it's set to 'Turn on now' or adjust the schedule as needed.

Conclusion

The Night Light feature on Windows 10 is a great tool for reducing eye strain. However, it can be frustrating when this feature doesn't work as expected. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to solve the 'Cannot Enable Night Light' issue on your computer. Remember to proceed with caution, especially when making changes to the registry, and always keep your system updated. Happy computing, and enjoy the warmer tones of your screen during those late-night sessions!