How to stop the screen from dimming?

I tried all of your suggested Windows settings as well as every one I could find. Nothing worked. So I contacted MSI. The tech suggested I check Tobii Aware. I found it in the Apps section of settings. It turns out that it is some kind of eye-tracking app for gamers. I found a screen setting and turned it off. That seems to have worked.

Two points:

1. Tobii is a Microsoft product. As such, I would think that someone offering help on this Microsoft board would know about it.
2. This MSI laptop is the worst piece of junk I have ever owned. I will be replacing it with a real laptop as soon as possible. Then I will give it to one of my worst enemies.

Martin,

A couple of points.

First, Tobii may not be a Microsoft product, but I cannot find any links to it other than on the Microsoft store.

Second, this did not totally solve the problem. I changed a setting in Tobii. That helped a little. Then I uninstalled the damned thing. That helped a little more. The laptop still dims, but much less often. And it springs back to life if I move. But I have already wasted enough time on this. I'll live with it until I can get something better.

Third, this is all my fault for buying an MSI laptop in the first place. I got misleading advice from XoticPC, who sold me the laptop. I asked for a high end laptop for work. What I got, I now see, was a gaming laptop. The keyboard is very bad. Then the touchpad started failing. 😡🤬🤬 I replaced both with a Dell mouse and keyboard that I found in a dusty closet. They are at least 12 years old. I dusted them off and plugged then in. They are a million times better than what came with the laptop.

Peace

Dear Cynthia_Moore,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community

I understand the frustration you're experiencing with the unexpected screen dimming on your MSI laptop running Windows 11. Based on your detailed description, it appears that the issue may stem from settings or features designed to conserve power or enhance user experience.

Windows 11 includes a limited number of built-in options that could affect screen brightness. Below, I've outlined troubleshooting steps categorized into both Windows built-in and third-party considerations:

Windows Built-in Options:

1. Disable Dynamic Lock: Dynamic Lock may be causing the screen to dim based on your movement.
   • Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
   • Scroll down to Dynamic lock and uncheck "Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away."
2. Disable HDR: Even if you're not familiar with HDR, it's worth checking its status.
   • Go to Settings > System > Display.
   • Look for an option labeled HDR. If enabled, try turning it off to see if it resolves the issue.
3. Adjust Adaptive Brightness (if available): This setting can sometimes affect screen brightness.
   • Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Edit Plan Settings.
   • Click on "Change advanced power settings" and navigate to Display settings. Ensure "Enable adaptive brightness" is turned off.

Manufacturer-Specific Programs and Settings:

• Check for Display Driver Updates: Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date by visiting the MSI website and downloading the latest driver for your specific laptop model. If already updated, consider reverting to a previous driver version to test for persistent issues.
• Review Manufacturer-Specific Settings: Utilize MSI software such as Dragon Center or MSI True Color to inspect for any power-saving or display-related settings that may be influencing screen brightness.
• Update BIOS and Firmware: Update your laptop's BIOS or firmware through the MSI support website, as newer versions can often resolve hardware-related issues.
• Adjust Intel Graphics Command Center Settings (if applicable): Open the Intel Graphics Command Center from the Microsoft Store and navigate to System tab > Power tab > Turn off Display Power Saving.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be beneficial to contact MSI support directly for specialized assistance, given their expertise with the hardware and Windows 11 compatibility. I hope these steps will help in resolving the screen dimming problem. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require further assistance.

Best Regards,

Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Dear Cynthia_Moore,

Thank you for sharing your experience and the solution you discovered regarding Tobii Aware on your MSI laptop. I understand your frustration with the unexpected screen dimming issue, and I'm pleased to hear that contacting MSI tech support resolved the issue for you. I fully agree with your perspective on the importance of having a comprehensive knowledge base as a Windows board support specialist. Acquiring such expertise is indeed a gradual process, and I am committed to continually enhancing my skills to provide accurate guidance and support to our community members.It's important to clarify that Tobii is not a Microsoft product. While it may be pre-installed on certain computer models in collaboration with manufacturers like MSI, it is not included in the official Windows image. Features such as eye-tracking are niche functionalities and are not typically addressed in general Windows troubleshooting.Regarding your experience with your MSI laptop, I regret the challenges you encountered. Should you decide to explore alternative laptop options, I hope you find one that aligns better with your requirements.Should you have any further questions or encounter issues with Microsoft products in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your satisfaction and seamless experience with our products are our utmost priorities.Thank you once again for reaching out and sharing your insights with us.

Best Regards,

Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist