Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →On Windows, open Settings > System > Display and move the Brightness slider. On a Mac, use a brightness key, Control Center, or Apple menu > System Settings > Displays. If you’re using an external monitor, its own buttons or on-screen menu may be the only way to change brightness.
Adjust brightness on Windows
Windows 11
- Open Settings > System > Display.
- Under Brightness, drag the slider until the screen looks comfortable.
For a quicker adjustment, open the taskbar’s Network quick settings and move the Brightness slider. The slider may not appear when an external monitor is connected; Microsoft notes that some devices with external monitors do not show it. In that case, use the monitor’s own controls. Microsoft’s Windows brightness guidance covers the available routes and device limitations.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Windows 10
Open Settings > System > Display and adjust the Brightness slider. On supported versions, you can also open Action Center from the taskbar and use its brightness control. Windows 10 support—including free software updates through Windows Update, technical assistance, and security fixes—ended October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft’s guidance.
If the Windows slider is missing or does not work
- External monitor: Use the monitor’s buttons or on-screen display menu. A missing system slider can be normal for this setup.
- Built-in display on a non-desktop PC: Microsoft suggests updating the display adapter driver if the slider is absent or unresponsive. Driver and hardware support vary, so an update is not guaranteed to restore it.
Adjust brightness on a Mac
Use the keyboard
Press the keyboard’s brightness keys. If the keyboard is set to use standard function keys, hold Fn while pressing the brightness key. Apple also notes that holding Option while pressing a brightness key opens Display settings. See Apple’s keyboard and Control Center instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- Bright, Wide, and Even Illumination Monitor Light : 11.8-inch screen light bar delivers up to 800 lux of central brightness for 30''*20'' coverage area, offering significantly brighter and more uniform lighting than conventional desk lamps. It eliminates dark spots and minimizes eye strain during extended work or gaming sessions, ensuring a comfortable and well-lit workspace.
- Eye-Friendly Desk Lamp: Dimmable 45° lighting illuminates just your screen and desk, not your eyes. This screen bar eliminates reflections and minimizes factors that cause digital eye strain, creating an optimized and comfortable lighting environment right at your desktop, ideal for long hours of computer use.
- Stepless Dimming with Memory Function : 3 color temperatures (3000-4000-6500K) and brightness levels seamlessly via ON/OFF switch to match your needs for work , reading , games or relaxation. Computer light also with built-in memory function automatically recalls your last settings for convenience.
- USB Power and Easy Operation Reading Light: Powered via USB from computers, adapters, or mobile power banks, this light offers broad compatibility. Mechanical ON/OFF switch on right side of the monitor lamp for all functions control,short press for ON/OFF and color temperature changing, long press for brightness adjusting. Control your desktop light at your fingertips.
- Space-Saving, Secure Mounting Design:With its patented counterweight clip, the bar light installs instantly without tools and fits for most of the screens from thin to thick, from regular to curved. It stays firmly in place without occupying desk space, making it perfect for clutter-free setups.
Use Control Center or System Settings
- Control Center: Click Control Center in the menu bar, then drag the Brightness slider.
- System Settings: Choose Apple menu > System Settings > Displays, then move the brightness slider.
Labels and available controls can vary by Mac model and display. Apple describes the current options in its Displays settings guide.
Set automatic brightness when available
Automatic brightness uses a compatible ambient-light sensor to respond to the light around the device. It is not available on every PC, Mac, or display.
Rank #2
- No Blue Light Hazard & Flicker-Free Lighting: Certified to meet the IEC/TR 62778 and IEC/EN 62471 standards, Quntis monitor light bar effectively eliminates harmful blue light that may affect vision, reducing eye irritation and providing optimal eye protection. Enjoy our flicker-free illumination that provides a stable light source without worrying about eye discomfort. Experience a truly comfortable and eye-friendly illumination with Quntis computer monitor light.
- No Screen Glare & Space Saving: The innovative asymmetrical optical design only illuminates your desk area, enhancing immersion and focus while ensuring no reflected glare on your screen. Our scientifically designed weighted clip easily mounts on top of the monitor, saving valuable desk space.
- Auto-Dimming & Stepless Dimming: The built-in ambient light sensor continuously monitors the surrounding brightness and intelligently adjusts the existing light to 900 lux, preventing visual fatigue by avoiding excessive or insufficient lighting. The ScreenLinear monitor lamp also allows manual adjustments for both brightness and color temperature (3000K-6500K), so you can customize the lighting to your preference for optimal comfort.
- Close to Natural Light & Ultra-High Ra98 Color Rendering Index: Our computer light bar features 78 high-quality LED beads, offering uniform and adequate lighting while minimizing shadows and glare, creating a comfortable lighting environment for reading, working, and gaming. High CRI enhances vibrant and true-to-life colors, making objects on your screen appear vivid and realistic. Perfect for professionals engaged in color work, ensuring color accuracy and minimizing eye fatigue.
- Masterful Illumination, Empowering Eye Care: Quntis monitor reading lamp surpasses normal desk lamps by providing exceptional, eye-friendly illumination. It helps develop healthier visual habits during screen time and reduces the risk of myopia. Ideal for students, designers, and office workers, the ScreenLinear is a great solution for a comfortable visual experience, whether you’re reading, gaming, or spending long hours in front of a screen.
Windows 11
In Settings > System > Display, look for an option to change brightness based on lighting conditions. If the screen changes brightness as you move between rooms, you can turn that behavior off or adjust the available setting. Windows 11 PCs may also offer a separate content-adaptive brightness and contrast control. This responds to the content shown on screen, rather than ambient light; if brightness shifts between dark and bright content, check that control in Display settings. Availability depends on PC support. Microsoft explains the distinction between sensor-based adaptive brightness and the settings described in its Windows display guidance.
Mac
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays and enable Automatically adjust brightness or Ambient light compensation, if that option appears. Apple warns that turning automatic adjustment off may affect battery life, energy consumption, and long-term display performance. The setting depends on the Mac and display having compatible ambient-light sensing. Apple’s Displays settings guide describes the available options.
Rank #3
- Versatile Lighting Options: This LED desk lamp offers 25 light combination modes with 5 color temperatures (3000K-5500K) and 5 brightness levels (20%-100%), along with night light and reading modes, catering to various lighting needs.
- Adjustable Design for Optimal Lighting: With a 360° standing, 180° foldable swing arms, and a 270° rotatable lamp head, this lamp can be adjusted to any angle, ensuring suitable lighting coverage for workspaces, reading, studying, drawing, sewing, and crafting.
- Wireless Remote Control: Equipped with a wireless smart remote control, this lamp allows you to easily switch between modes and brightness levels, providing a convenient and portable lighting experience.
- Energy-Efficient and Eye-Friendly: Featuring LED technology, this desk lamp offers even illumination without glare, flicker, or blue light hazard, reducing eye strain and promoting a comfortable working environment.
- Note: If your remote control isn't working, for a free replacement—no return needed.
When an external monitor is connected
For many third-party monitors, brightness is controlled through physical buttons and the monitor’s on-screen menu, not the computer’s brightness slider. On Windows, this can explain why the slider is missing. On a Mac, check the external display’s own brightness before troubleshooting macOS. Apple says a non-Apple display may require its built-in controls or menu system; see Apple’s external-display troubleshooting guidance.
Apple displays and some compatible keyboards may expose brightness through Mac system controls, but availability depends on the display and setup.
Rank #4
- 【No Screen Glare & Flicker-Free】Glare will tire your eyes and cause headache. Different from traditional lamp, Colorpanda computer monitor light adopts asymmetric optical and Anti-Blue Light design, which can effectively avoid screen glare. Monitor lamp can reduce the fatigue caused by working or studying with the computer for a long time.
- 【Dimming & Memory Function】Boasting a premium metallic finish, this monitor light features 3 color temperatures & brightness levels (2700-4000-6500K), adjustable via touch buttons to meet your demands for work, reading and rest. The built-in memory function saves your last setting automatically.
- 【Space Saving Design】Innovative counterweight design makes it easy and stable to fix the monitor light bar on the top of your computer. Unlike traditional task lamp, it does not take up space on your desk. Small size for easy storage and portability.
- 【Easy to Install & Wide Range of Use】The patented clip-on design enables it to be installed in seconds! Without any tools, just clip the desk lamp on screen. Flexible design, suitable for screen thicknesses from 0.12” to 2.2” (0.3cm TO 5cm). It's convenient to use.
- 【Colorpanda Benefits】It’s long lifespan also reduces maintenance costs.Colorpanda high quality lighting increases productivity.Our customer support team will also address your concerns within 12 hours.
Keep brightness, Night light, and keyboard lighting separate
- Screen brightness changes how bright the display appears.
- Night light shifts display colors toward warmer tones; it does not replace the brightness control.
- Keyboard backlighting changes the illumination of the keys, not the screen.
Windows brightness in Boot Camp on an Intel Mac
For the specific legacy setup of an Intel-based Mac running Windows through Boot Camp, Apple says to change built-in display brightness in Windows settings or use the Apple keyboard’s brightness keys. Holding Fn may be necessary. These instructions apply to that Boot Camp configuration, not every Mac or Windows installation. See Apple’s Boot Camp display-settings guide.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
