Windows 10 Brightness Not Working? Here's the Complete Solution
Is your Windows 10 brightness stuck? Can't adjust the screen's luminosity no matter what you try? Don't worry, you're not alone. This frustrating problem affects many Windows 10 users. Luckily, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this issue. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each solution, helping you regain control of your screen's brightness.
1. Restart Your Computer
Sounds simple, right? Often, the easiest solution is the most effective. A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches and refresh your system's processes. Give it a try before moving on to more complex solutions.
2. Check Your Power Settings
Windows 10 offers various power plans that affect brightness settings. Make sure your power plan is correctly configured:
- Open Power Options: Search for "Power Options" in the Windows search bar.
- Choose a Plan: Select either "Balanced" or "High performance". Experiment with both to see if one resolves the issue.
- Change Plan Settings: Click "Change plan settings" for your selected plan, then "Change advanced power settings".
- Adjust Brightness Settings: Look for "Display" and expand the options. You might find settings to adjust brightness automatically or manually for both battery and plugged-in modes.
Ensure that the brightness slider isn't set to minimum, accidentally.
3. Update or Roll Back Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a common culprit behind brightness issues. Hereβs how to update or rollback:
- Device Manager: Search for "Device Manager" in the Windows search bar.
- Display Adapters: Expand "Display adapters" and right-click on your graphics card.
- Update Driver: Select "Update driver". Windows will automatically search for and install the latest driver.
- Roll Back Driver (if necessary): If the update doesn't work, right-click your graphics card and select "Properties". Go to the "Driver" tab and click "Roll Back Driver" if available. This reverts to the previous driver version.
Consider visiting the manufacturer's website (like NVIDIA or AMD) for the latest drivers for your specific graphics card model. This often provides the most stable and updated drivers.
4. Troubleshoot Power Problems
Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix problems related to power settings:
- Open Troubleshooting: Search for "Troubleshooting" in the Windows search bar.
- Run Power Troubleshooter: Click on "Power" and follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will attempt to identify and resolve any underlying power issues affecting your brightness.
5. Check for Hardware Issues
If software solutions fail, the problem might be hardware-related. Consider these possibilities:
- Faulty LCD Screen: A problem with the screen itself is possible but less likely if other displays function correctly.
- Loose Cable Connection: Ensure the cable connecting your screen to your computer is securely plugged in at both ends. This is crucial for external monitors.
6. System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Corrupted system files can sometimes cause unexpected behavior, including brightness issues. Running an SFC scan can repair these files:
- Open Command Prompt (as administrator): Search for "cmd", right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
- Run SFC Scan: Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. This process may take some time. Restart your computer after the scan is complete.
7. Clean Boot Your PC
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps identify if a third-party application is interfering with your brightness settings. This is a more advanced troubleshooting step, so follow online tutorials carefully if you're unfamiliar with this procedure.
If none of these solutions work, it's advisable to consult a computer technician for further diagnosis. The issue might require more advanced troubleshooting or hardware repair. Remember to provide details about the steps you've already taken to expedite the troubleshooting process.
