How can I change the brightness on my second monitor in Windows 11?

In Windows 11, changing the brightness on your second monitor involves a slightly different approach compared to previous versions. Ensure the second monitor’s driver is up-to-date. Then, visit the monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) settings using the buttons on the monitor. Manually adjust the brightness directly from the monitor’s built-in options, as some external monitors don’t support software-based brightness control.

Changing brightness for the second screen might require using third-party software. Tools like ‘ClickMonitorDDC’ or ‘Monitorian’ offer the capability to adjust brightness settings across multiple displays. After installing one of these programs:

1. Open the app.
2. Locate your second monitor in the interface.
3. Use the provided sliders or controls to adjust the brightness levels.

These tools can provide a simple and effective solution when native Windows controls fall short.

If you’re unable to find a software solution that works, consider using external hardware adjustments. For older monitors or those lacking direct support, adjusting the brightness through external controls on the monitor could be the only option. Look for buttons along the bottom or side of the monitor, which usually provide direct access to brightness settings. Adjusting these manually remains a reliable method regardless of operating system support.

To adjust the brightness on your second monitor in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select ‘Display settings.’
2. Scroll down to ‘Multiple displays.’
3. Click on the dropdown menu for the secondary monitor.
4. If your monitor supports brightness adjustment through Windows, you should see a brightness slider. Adjust it according to your preference.

If the slider isn’t available, your second monitor might not support brightness control through Windows, and you might need to use the monitor’s physical buttons to change the settings.

Many secondary monitors come with software from the manufacturer, which allows for advanced settings tweaking. For instance, if you have a Dell monitor, using Dell Display Manager can provide desktop-based controls over brightness among other features. Here’s how:

1. Download and install Dell Display Manager.
2. Open the application.
3. Select your second monitor from the list.
4. Adjust the brightness using the provided interface.

This approach harnesses the specific capabilities of your hardware, providing a tailored solution.

1. Open Windows Settings by pressing Win + I or right-clicking the Start button and selecting Settings.
2. Navigate to System > Display.
3. Scroll to the bottom, and click on ‘Advanced display settings.’
4. Select the second monitor and choose ‘Display adapter properties.’
5. Under ‘Color Management,’ adjust the brightness.

This method provides a deeper system-level adjustment, potentially offering more precise control.

I’ve found that adjusting the brightness on a second monitor involves making sure that all connections are correctly set up. Often, the easiest method is through the monitor’s buttons or the provided remote, often found in settings labeled ‘Brightness’ or ‘Picture.’ This method ensures you have full control, regardless of software limitations.