how do i make my computer screen brighter?

Hi John Wall2,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

Not all devices can adjust the brightness of their screens.

This depends on the type of display panel technology, as well as the settings and features they support.

• There are different types of display panels, such as TN, IPS, VA, OLED, and CRT. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of image quality, color accuracy, contrast ratio, response time, power consumption, and cost. However, not all of them can change their brightness level by using the same methods.
• For example, TN panels are the oldest and cheapest type of LCD panels. They have fast response times and high refresh rates, which make them suitable for gaming. However, they also have poor viewing angles and color reproduction, which means that the image quality can vary depending on your position and the ambient light. To adjust the brightness of a TN panel, you need to use the backlight, which is a source of light behind the screen that illuminates the pixels. You can either use the settings menu, the keyboard shortcuts, the action center, or the battery icon to change the brightness level of the backlight.
• On the other hand, OLED panels are a newer and more expensive type of display technology. They have excellent contrast ratios and color accuracy, which make them ideal for watching movies and videos. They also have wide viewing angles and low power consumption, which means that the image quality is consistent and energy-efficient. To adjust the brightness of an OLED panel, you need to use the pixel brightness, which is the amount of light that each individual pixel emits. You can either use the settings menu or the keyboard shortcuts to change the brightness level of the pixel brightness.

Just from a system setup perspective, here are some possible methods: 

• Use the action center. Click the message icon on the right side of the taskbar, and then drag the brightness slider to change the brightness level. This is a quick and easy way to adjust the brightness without opening any menus. However, this option may not be available on some PCs or external monitors.
• Use the settings menu. Click the Start menu, then click Settings. Go to System > Display, and then drag the brightness slider under Brightness and color. You can also check the box labeled Change brightness automatically when lighting changes if you want Windows to adjust the brightness based on the ambient light.
• Use the keyboard shortcuts. Some laptops have dedicated keys or buttons to change the screen brightness. They are usually labeled with a sun icon or a light bulb icon, and may have an Fn key modifier. Pressing these keys will increase or decrease the brightness by a small amount.

If there are any error messages or I misunderstand your situation, feel free to correct me and share the information.

Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Best Regards,

Kyo - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist