How to Turn Off Auto-Brightness on Your PC

For many Windows PC users in Singapore, the adaptive brightness or auto-brightness setting can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a help. This feature, powered by ambient light sensors, adjusts your screen brightness based on the surrounding light. However, screen brightness is a highly personal setting, and many Singaporean users prefer to have manual control.

In Singapore’s varied lighting conditions - from bright outdoor cafes to dimly lit offices - constantly auto-adjusting brightness can be distracting. For instance, if you’re working at an outdoor kopitiam with changing sunlight, your screen brightness might fluctuate rapidly, interrupting your workflow.

Fortunately, there are solutions to this issue. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to change the auto-brightness setting on your PC’s display, ensuring you get your preferred level of brightness every time, whether you’re in the heart of Orchard Road or the quiet corners of the National Library.

Understanding adaptive brightness

If you own a smartphone, you’re likely familiar with auto-brightness. Your screen adjusts from very bright to dark based on the ambient light detected by its sensors. This feature helps prevent your phone from being overly bright and unnecessarily draining the battery.

The same technology is available in certain computers. Microsoft introduced auto-brightness in Windows 8, and it’s also present in many Windows 10 PCs.

Reasons to disable auto-brightness

There are several reasons why Singaporean users might want to adjust or turn off the auto-brightness setting:

  1. Distracting adjustments: If your computer’s auto-brightness changes are disrupting your work or entertainment, it might be time to review your settings.
  2. Multiple monitor consistency: If you’re using multiple monitors, you may want the displays to show the same level of brightness for consistency.
  3. Specific lighting needs: When working in a dimly lit room like a home office in an HDB flat, you’ll likely want your computer’s brightness set lower to reduce eye strain. Conversely, if you’re working in a bright environment like a sunny co-working space in the CBD, you’ll need the screen to be brighter for better visibility.

You can change these settings manually or have Windows adjust them based on whether your device is plugged in, how much battery power remains, or if you’re using a built-in ambient light sensor.

How to turn off auto-brightness

Follow these steps to disable auto-brightness on your Windows PC:

  1. Go to the Start menu and open the Control Panel
  2. In the Control Panel, navigate to Power Options
  3. In the Power Options window, click on Change Plan Settings for your current power plan
  4. Choose Change advanced power settings at the bottom of the window
  5. In the Advanced Power Options window, scroll to the Display option and expand it
  6. Find the Adaptive Brightness option and expand it
  7. Choose to turn off this feature for both battery power and when the computer is plugged in
  8. Save the settings by clicking Apply and then OK

If you don’t see an Adaptive Display setting, your device might not have a built-in ambient light sensor.

If the above steps don’t change your auto-brightness setting, you’ll need to disable the Sensor Monitoring service:

  1. Press Win + R and type services.msc, then press Enter
  2. In the services window, click on Sensor Monitoring Service
  3. Click Stop and select Disabled from the Startup type drop-down menu
  4. Save changes by clicking OK

Manually adjusting brightness

Most keyboards have dedicated function keys (F1 to F12) for increasing and decreasing display brightness. Look for keys with a sun icon or similar illumination indicator.

To change the brightness, hold down the Fn key (or Ctrl key on some models) while pressing the corresponding brighter or dimmer icon button.

Calibrating your monitor

Besides managing auto-brightness, calibrating your monitor can ensure it works optimally for your needs. Here’s how to calibrate your display:

  1. Turn on your monitor at least 30 minutes before calibration
  2. Set your monitor to its native resolution
  3. Calibrate in a room with medium ambient lighting
  4. Locate your monitor display controls (on the display, keyboard, or in the OS control panel)

Calibrate using Windows 10

  1. Type Color Calibration into the Windows search bar and select the result
  2. Find the Color Calibration utility in the Display section of the Control Panel
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to adjust gamma, brightness, contrast, and colour balance
  4. Choose to keep the new calibration or revert to the previous settings

Online calibration tools

You can also use online tools to help adjust your monitor settings:

Calibrate using a colorimeter

For more precise calibration, especially for professional use, consider using a physical calibrating device like a colorimeter. Options include:

  • Spyder5 PRO: Designed for serious photographers and designers
  • X-Rite i1Display Pro: Built for those needing precise colour management across various devices

The importance of monitor settings

Whether you’re a graphic designer working on branding projects for Singapore’s vibrant business scene, a student attending online classes at NUS, or simply enjoying the latest streaming content, your monitor settings play a crucial role in your digital experience.

Poor image quality or inappropriate brightness can lead to eye strain and frustration. By mastering your display controls, you can ensure your monitor meets your exact needs, whether you’re creating digital art, closing deals with international clients, or binge-watching your favourite shows on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

For Singaporean users looking for a reliable laptop with excellent display quality, consider the HP Pavilion x360 14 inch 2-in-1 Laptop 14-ek2029TU. Its 14" diagonal FHD touch display offers vibrant visuals and flexibility for various uses.

By understanding and optimizing your display settings, you can enhance your productivity and enjoyment, making the most of your computing experience in Singapore’s dynamic digital landscape.