How to Control External Monitor Brightness with PowerToys in Windows

Windows has struggled with external monitor brightness control for years, but now you can access this feature directly from the taskbar with the help of PowerToys. This utility, part of Microsoft’s PowerToys app, brings external monitor settings to your taskbar, making it easier to adjust brightness, contrast, and volume for your external displays. Here’s how to get started and take advantage of this streamlined solution.

Enable PowerToys and Power Display:

Open the PowerToys app by searching for it in the Start menu or by typing power toys in the search bar.
In the PowerToys app, navigate to the Input & Output section.
Click on Power Display to enable it. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + D to quickly access it.

Customize Your Settings: (Optional)

After enabling PowerDisplay, you can customize your settings by clicking on the hidden icons in the taskbar. You’ll see a pop-up with sliders for brightness, contrast, and volume controls for your external monitor. If you have multiple monitors, you can identify which section refers to which monitor by clicking the refresh icon and choosing Identify Monitors. You’ll also see a “Link brightness levels” option if you’re using two or more external monitors, which combines brightness controls for every monitor inside a single slider.

Accessing PowerDisplay with a Keyboard Shortcut:

You can also access PowerDisplay using a keyboard shortcut. The default shortcut is Ctrl + Alt + D, but you can customize it by going to the PowerToys settings and selecting the desired shortcut.

Standout Recommendations: PowerToys and PowerDisplay: PowerToys is a versatile utility that includes many other useful features such as keyboard and mouse customization. PowerDisplay is a standout feature that simplifies the process of controlling external monitor settings, making it a must-have for any Windows user.

Actionable Tips: Use PowerToys and PowerDisplay to streamline your workflow and avoid the hassle of fumbling around with physical monitor buttons. Customize your settings to suit your needs and take advantage of the “Link brightness levels” feature for a more seamless experience.