can't adjust brightness whatsoever on windows 10

Question

just downloaded a fresh install of windows 10 on my laptop after my ssd failed, and for some reason i can't adjust my brightness at all

1. the brightness keys do not work to adjust the brightness:
   • i do not have fn lock on, and the keys are not jammed and they are still detected when i press down on them though they're not detected as the actual keys, it just says 'unidentified'
2. the mobility center brightness slider does not work, i've tried it
3. i tried downloading a third party brightness slider app called twinkle tray, it just doesn't boot at all
4. ive checked through device manager and my graphics drivers are updated, i also don't have any optional driver updates in my windows settings

Answer 1

Your laptop model has many variants, can you please send the complete model name? It can be found on the bottom side.

Answer 2

Hi, I'm Rodrigo and I will help you.
After a fresh Windows install, download the drivers from the device manufacturer website to get the proper drivers for your device.

What is your device model?

Answer 3

Based on the described behavior (brightness keys not working, Windows brightness sliders not responding, third‑party app unable to control brightness) after a fresh Windows 11 install, the most likely cause is a display/brightness driver or sensor issue rather than a Windows brightness setting.

Try these steps in order:

1. Verify brightness controls in Settings
   1. Select Start > Settings > System > Display.
   2. Under Brightness, try moving the Brightness slider manually.
   3. If there is no slider at all, or moving it has no effect, Windows is not getting proper brightness control from the display driver.
2. Update or reinstall display drivers from the PC/OEM tools
   Even if Device Manager shows drivers as “up to date,” OEM tools often provide the correct custom display package (including brightness control):
   1. Open the manufacturer’s update utility (for example, Lenovo Vantage, Dell/HP/ASUS update tool) and run a full system update.
   2. Install any display/graphics or system firmware/chipset updates offered.
   3. Restart and test the brightness keys and slider again.
   A similar issue with disabled display drivers after an update was resolved by updating the OEM system software rather than only using Device Manager.
3. Check for adaptive/auto brightness issues
   If the slider appears but the screen does not change, auto‑brightness may be stuck:
   1. Go to Settings > System > Display.
   2. Select Brightness and turn off brightness automatically when lighting changes if it is enabled.
   3. Move the Brightness slider again.
4. Trigger brightness control to reinitialize (Windows 11 24H2/25H2)
   On some Windows 11 24H2/25H2 builds, the Ambient Light Sensor and auto‑brightness do not respond after boot until another brightness‑related action occurs. If using one of these builds:
   • Manually move the brightness slider in Settings > System > Display, or
   • Press the hardware brightness hotkeys once, or
   • Plug/unplug AC power, or
   • Turn Battery saver on and off, or
   • Put the device to sleep on battery and wake it.
     Then test brightness again.
5. If using an external monitor
   • On desktop PCs or laptops docked to external displays, the Windows brightness slider may not control the external monitor. Use the monitor’s physical buttons/OSD to adjust brightness.
   • Windows notes that the brightness slider might not appear at all on devices with only an external monitor.
6. If brightness still cannot be changed
   If none of the above restores brightness control:
   • Confirm that Windows 11 is fully updated via Settings > Windows Update.
   • Re‑run the OEM update tool to ensure all firmware/chipset/display components are installed.
   • If the problem persists even after OEM updates and Windows Update, contact the laptop manufacturer’s support, as a missing or incorrect OEM brightness/ALS driver package may be required for this specific model.

For eye‑strain relief while troubleshooting (if the screen is stuck too bright), Night light can be enabled: Start > Settings > System > Display, then turn on Night light and adjust Strength.

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References:

• Change display brightness and color in Windows
• Adaptive brightness
• Use color and contrast for accessibility in Microsoft 365
• Change the brightness, contrast, or sharpness of a picture
• My laptop no longer adjusts screen brightness - Microsoft Q&A
• how to update display drivers - Microsoft Q&A