Fix Brightness Slider Missing on Windows 11 [Tested 2024]

Written By Farhan Max

A brightness slider is most needed in our day-to-day life, and there is no alternative to a brightness slider to get a better user experience on a device at home and out.

The brightness slider is a tool that was introduced in Windows 10. You may look for it on your Windows 11 Access panel and Settings, the brightness controller might be greyed out or not working.

Don’t worry. If you are messed up with this issue, you are in the right place.

fix-brightness-slider-missing-on-windows-11

As a tech enthusiast and specialist, I research a lot to find the reason for this issue since lots of users reported it. After a while, I can solve the brightness slider not working case on laptops or tablets.

I will walk you through five steps to resolve the brightness slider in Windows 11 missing problem in this post. Here, I will also discuss the possible reasons for this issue.

So, let’s jump into the deep without further delay.

Why Is Brightness Slider Not Working in Windows 11?

The brightness slider is missing on Windows 11 because of third-party applications, a corrupted or outdated monitor driver, or the monitor driver may be outdated or disabled on your device. Also, modifying or changing the Windows Registry value or Group Policy settings occurs the brightness slider missing issue.

In Windows 11, users suddenly face the brightness slider is grayed out, which means the brightness slider is not working or disabled.

In these circumstances, users are annoyed and frustrated when they need to control the brightness of their laptop or tablet devices.

There are some possible reasons to face the slider for brightness not working in Windows 11. I will try to find out the possible reasons for this issue, and now, I will discuss these issues.

Here are the possible reason for missing the brightness slider on Windows 11:

1. Third-party Application

Third-party applications are one of the major reasons for missing or not working the brightness slider on Windows 11 laptops or tablets.

Third-party applications such as TeamViewer and Malware detected software conflict with the monitor driver and created this issue.

2. Corrupted Monitor Drivers

Another possible reason to create the brightness slider not working on Windows 11 laptops or tablets is a corrupted driver for your monitor.

Viruses, bugs, or glitches are among the main culprits that corrupt the drivers or software files. When the monitor driver’s core files are corrupted by one of these culprits, the drivers are not functioning correctly and create various issues like brightness sliders not working.

Quickly check out our latest fix for Bluetooth Toggle Missing On Windows 11.

3. Outdated Monitor Drivers

Outdated monitor drivers are another reason for the missing brightness slider on laptops or tablets.

When monitor drivers are outdated, there is a chance the drivers are not working or functioning correctly with the system. For this reason, the brightness slider is not performing issue has occurred.

4. Disabled Monitor Drivers

Sometimes, it can be possible that your monitor drivers are disabled on your Windows 11 devices, and the monitor cannot work correctly with the system.

So, if your monitor drivers are disabled on your Windows 11 laptop or tablet, you might face the brightness slider not working issue.

How to Fix Brightness Slider Missing in Windows 11?

The brightness slider is the most helpful feature to control brightness levels based on user necessities on your device.

Are you using an external monitor on your PC and looking for the brightness slider?

There won’t be a brightness slider if you’re using an external monitor. To adjust the screen brightness of an external display, you can use the monitor’s physical brightness button or a third-party brightness control software/application.

A control panel with the possibility to modify the brightness is frequently included with video drivers. Even if you use it to adjust the brightness, your external monitor’s brightness may not change.

Only built-in screens, such as those on a laptop or tablet, include a brightness slider. Only built-in displays allow you to adjust the brightness.

So, if the brightness slider is missing on your Windows 11 laptop or tablet, follow these ways to fix the brightness not working.

Check our exclusive tutorial on how to Fix the Blue Screen on Windows 11.

Here are the steps to fix the brightness slider missing on Windows 11:

1. Uninstall the TeamViewer Application

If you have TeamViewer installed on your computer, it may conflict with your monitor drivers and cause the brightness in Windows not to work. The problem happens when TeamViewer handles the drivers for your monitor and makes your brightness controller not work properly.

So, if the brightness control is not working, remove this application from your device.

Here are the steps to remove the TeamViewer application:

  • Open Windows 11 Settings app by pressing Win+I keys on your keyboard.

open-windows-settings

  • Select the Apps menu.

select-the-apps-menu

  • Choose the Apps & features option on the right-side menu panel.

choose-apps-&-features

  • Click on the search bar and type TeamViewer to find out the application.

type-team-viewer

  • Click on the three-dot icon next to the application.

click-on-the-three-dot-icon

  • Select Uninstall.

select-the-uninstall

After completing the uninstallation process, check if the brightness slider gets fixed.

Here’s a complete guide on how to install VLC and Make it Default on Windows 11.

2. Check/Modify the Group Policy Settings

Windows has a setting called Disable the Display Control Panel under the Group Policy Editor to control the brightness option. If this setting is enabled, the brightness slider is not working on your Windows 11 device.

It is good to keep in mind that Group Policy Editor is not available on Windows 11 Home Edition.

By disabling the Disable Display Control Panel setting, you can resolve issues with the brightness controller.

Follow the steps to disable the setting on the Group Policy Editor:

  • Open the Windows Run program by pressing the Win+R.open-the-windows-run
  • Type gpedit.msc and hit the Enter key to open the Group Policy Editor.type-msc-and-hit-the-enter
  • Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Display. navigate-to-user-configuration
  • Double-click on Disable the Display Control Panel.

disable-the-display-control-panel

  • Choose Disabled and click on the Apply button to save the changes.

choose-disabled

  • Click on the OK to exit the window.

click-on-the-ok

Now check to see whether you can change the brightness level or not. If not, follow the next solution.

3. Enable the Driver for Monitor Device

The monitor device is an essential part of a system to run the display perfectly. If your monitor device is disabled, you may have a missing Windows brightness controller.

To fix the issue, try to enable the monitor device on your Windows 11 computer.

Here are the steps to enable the monitor device:

  • Right-click on the Windows Start Menu icon and select Device Manager.

right-click-on-the

  • Click on the Monitors section to see the available devices.

click-on-the-monitors

  • Select and double-click on the Generic PnP Monitor to open its Properties.

select-and-double-click

  • Select the Driver.

select-the-driver-images-no

  • Click on the Enable Device option to enable the monitor device if the device is disabled.

click-on-the-enable-device

  • Click OK to save the changes.

click-ok-to-save

Enable the monitor driver and see if it solves your problem.

Check out our expert-recommended post on how to solve Error 0x00000001 in Game Pass on Windows 11.

4. Update Your Monitor Drivers

Drivers are the most crucial parts of running any system components without difficulty. So, monitor drivers are the main factors in running the monitor or display smoothly.

If your monitor drivers are outdated, you can try to update the drivers to resolve the brightness slider not working issue on your Windows 11 computer.

Here are the steps to update the monitor drivers:

  • Right-click on the Windows Start Menu icon and select Device Manager.

right-click-on-the

  • Click on the Monitors section to see the available devices.

click-on-the-monitors

  • Select and double-click on the Generic PnP Monitor to open the Generic PnP Monitor Properties.

select-and-double-click

  • Select the Driver.

select-the-driver-images-no

  • Click Update driver.

click-on-the-update-driver

  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the monitor driver update process.

Now see if you have brought the brightness slider back to its usual functionality. If you don’t see the brightness slider fixed, move on to the next solution.

5. Reinstall the Driver for Monitor Device

The last effective and proven method to solve the brightness slider not working issue is reinstalling the monitor device.

If you uninstall the driver, it helps you to remove the corrupted monitor driver’s files. After uninstalling the monitor device, reinstall the device to download and install fresh drivers and fix this issue.

Here are the steps to uninstall the monitor device:

  • Right-click on the Windows Start Menu icon and select Device Manager.

right-click-on-the

  • Click on the Monitors section to see the available devices.

click-on-the-monitors

  • Select and double-click on the Generic PnP Monitor to open the Generic PnP Monitor Properties.

select-and-double-click

  • Select the Driver.

select-the-driver-images-no

  • Click on the Uninstall Device.

click-on-the-uninstall-device-images-no

  • Click on Uninstall to remove the device.

click-on-the-uninstall

  • Restart your device to reinstall the monitor device automatically.
  • Check to see whether your problem is solved.

After having reinstalled the Generic PnP Monitor driver on your computer, check if can set the correct brightness again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where to find the brightness slider on Windows 11?

To get the brightness slider on Windows 11 PCs, press the Win+A keys to open the Windows Access panel shortcut. The brightness slider is on top of the volume slider in this panel. For Windows 10 users, this is present in the Action Center.

Why does my PC not have a brightness slider?

If you use an external monitor, you can’t use the brightness slider on your Windows 11 system.

Only built-in screens, such as those on a laptop or tablet, include a brightness slider. Only built-in displays allow you to adjust the brightness.

Why can’t I change the brightness on Windows 11?

If your graphics and monitor drivers are outdated, you might face the brightness slider not working on Windows 11. Try to update the graphics driver and monitor the driver to solve the issue.

How do I get my brightness slider back?

To get your brightness slider back in Windows 10/11 device, follow the methods mentioned in this post. By following the procedures listed in this post, you can quickly get back your brightness slider.

Final Thoughts

The brightness slider on a device is a helpful tool to control the brightness level in different situations. The brightness controller not working is a common problem for many users. So, you don’t need to be upset.

But remember, If you’re using an external monitor, the brightness slider is not available. You can only use the brightness slider on built-in screens, such as laptops or tablets.

So, if you are facing the brightness slider not working or missing an issue on your built-in display, follow the mentioned methods and steps in this post. I hope you can fix the problem within a few minutes.

I hope you find this post helpful and insightful as well. If you like this post, share it with your friends to solve this particular problem also.

Thanks for staying with me till the end of this post. Stay safe and have a good day.

About The Author
Farhan Max is a tech geek with a particular interest in computer hardware. He's been fascinated by gaming since childhood and is now completing his undergraduate studies while researching and testing the latest tech innovations. Alongside his love for all things geeky, Farhan is also a skilled photographer.

Leave a Comment