The brightness shortcut key on a laptop is Fn plus the function keys that show a small sun: one dims the screen and the next brightens it. Which F-keys they are depends on the model, often F2 and F3, F5 and F6, or F11 and F12. With Fn lock on, the sun keys work without Fn.
Windows also has a slider that works on any laptop: press Win + A to open Quick Settings in Windows 11, or the Action Center in Windows 10, and drag or arrow the brightness bar.
Quick facts
Laptop
Fn with the sun keysSlider
Win + ASettings
Win + I, System, DisplayDesktop monitor
Buttons on the monitorNight light
Quick Settings tileMac
F1 and F2
Brightness shortcut key on laptops
| Pair of keys | Common on |
|---|---|
| F2 and F3 | Many mid range laptops |
| F5 and F6 | Several business models |
| F11 and F12 | Some consumer models |
| Fn + Up and Fn + Down | A few compact keyboards |
Check your own keyboard for a small and a large sun symbol. That pair is your answer.
Change brightness with Win + A
- Press Win + A. Quick Settings (Windows 11) or Action Center (Windows 10) opens.
- Press Tab until the brightness slider is selected.
- Use the arrow keys to move it, then press Esc.
This works on every laptop and tablet, even when the F-keys are missing or broken.
Computer and desktop brightness shortcut key
A desktop PC with a separate monitor usually has no Windows brightness control, because the monitor does not accept it over the cable. Use the buttons on the monitor itself, often under the bottom edge or on the back. The on screen menu usually calls it Brightness or Luminance, next to Contrast. Some newer monitors and all in one computers do support the Windows slider, so try it first.
Brightness settings in Windows 10 and 11
The full options sit under Win + I, System, Display. Here you can set brightness, turn on automatic changes based on light or content, and schedule Night light. Laptops with a light sensor can adjust to the room by themselves, and some screens also lower brightness to save power when the picture is mostly dark. On battery, battery saver may dim the screen by itself; that is normal and stops when you plug in.
When brightness keys do not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Sun keys do nothing | Install the maker's hotkey driver from their support site |
| Slider missing in Settings | Update the display driver; the basic driver hides it |
| Brightness keeps changing | Turn off adaptive brightness in Display settings |
| External monitor not dimming | Use the monitor's own buttons |
Brightness on a Mac
Mac keyboards use F1 to dim and F2 to brighten. Hold Option + Shift with them to change in finer steps. The keyboard light has its own keys, explained in keyboard light shortcut, and the other F-keys in F1 to F12 keys. Sound is covered in the volume shortcut key guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the brightness shortcut key on a laptop?
What is the brightness shortcut in Windows 10?
What is the brightness shortcut key in Windows 11?
How do I change brightness on a desktop PC?
Use the buttons on the monitor.
Why can't I change brightness?
The display or hotkey driver may be missing. Update it.