You can not only change the brightness via DDC/CI, but also adjust it by software if DDC/CI does not work. Just a menu without unnecessary functions.
Oleg — Russia
Feb 12, 2026
Translated from Russian
DISPLAY DIMMER
External monitor brightness control —
from one place.
Adjust brightness (and contrast) for any connected display right from Windows. No more reaching behind the screen or digging through on‑screen menus.
Display Dimmer is a lightweight, native Windows app for external monitor brightness control. It uses DDC/CI when supported, with a safe GPU dimming fallback for monitors that don’t behave well with hardware control.
Free download • Optional Pro upgrade • No accounts, no ads
Per-monitor brightness & contrast
DDC/CI control + gamma fallback
Schedules + per-app rules
Multi-monitor support
Set-and-forget automation
Display Dimmer
Monitor brightness control for Windows
- Taskbar brightness control for external monitors
- GPU dimming by default (works everywhere)
- DDC/CI hardware control on supported monitors
- Schedules + per-app profiles
Windows 10/11 • Works on any display setup • DDC/CI hardware control on supported monitors
Screenshots
Real UI screenshots from Display Dimmer.
Key features
Everything you need for comfortable monitor brightness control on Windows.
Made for external displays
Per‑monitor brightness and contrast controls for docks, dual/triple monitors, and mixed display setups.
Lightweight & responsive
Built as a native Windows app designed to stay responsive and memory‑efficient.
Schedules & per‑app rules
Set time‑of‑day brightness schedules and per‑app rules so your screens adjust automatically.
DDC/CI + fallback
Uses DDC/CI when supported. If hardware control isn’t available (or causes flicker), you can use GPU dimming.
How it works
Getting started is simple: install from the Microsoft Store, pick which monitors to control, then optionally add schedules or per-app rules so brightness adjusts itself.
- DDC/CI brightness control sends commands directly to the monitor (when supported and enabled in monitor settings).
- GPU dimming fallback provides a safe alternative for monitors that don’t behave well with DDC/CI.
- Per-monitor compatibility lets you disable DDC/CI per display for best results.
Learn more in the full DDC vs gamma dimming guide.
Free vs Pro
Free includes 1 scheduled rule and 1 per-app rule for All Displays. Display Dimmer Pro unlocks unlimited rules, including per-display rules, plus additional themes. It’s an optional one-time upgrade inside the same app — no subscription. Upgrade available in-app.
Get Display Dimmer
Install from Microsoft Store in seconds.
Ratings & reviews
From Microsoft Store users.
My laptop’s brightness control wasn’t working because of a hardware issue, and the screen was stuck at 100%. This app helped me reduce it.
Andreas — Indonesia
Feb 10, 2026
I can confirm the issue is fixed! The Author gets 5 stars for fulfilled promises and hard work. Thank you for creating such a great tool!
Ameer — Germany
Feb 3, 2026
Works great. Actually reduces brightness over regular.
Jon — United States
Jan 25, 2026
It is simple and very working, this is really the best simple effective
Husham — Malaysia
Jan 7, 2026
Five stars, for being one of very few such apps which works perfectly with my monitors and telly. Only one issue, just a small thing, which is that the launch behaviour "Start in Tray" doesn't work for me. The window pops up on start, regardless of what setting I choose. Also I would ideally like the darkest setting to be a bit darker. They're just little things though, it's still a really decent app. (Windows 11 Home, 25H2)
Nik — United Kingdom
Dec 30, 2025
Works well
Norbert — Hungary
Dec 21, 2025
Translated from Hungarian
FAQ
Having trouble controlling external monitor brightness? Start at the Troubleshooting hub.
Why use Display Dimmer instead of other brightness apps?
Display Dimmer is a lightweight, native Windows app, not a browser wrapper. That means it stays responsive and memory-efficient, even on multi-monitor setups.
It’s also focused on external displays: you get per-monitor brightness and contrast, optional DDC/CI control where your monitor supports it, and a safe GPU dimming fallback for panels that don’t behave well with hardware commands. You can mix and match these per display so things keep working with docks and adapters.
On top of that, Display Dimmer includes time-of-day schedules, per-app rules, and “start with Windows” support so your screens go back to the right level automatically—without ads, accounts, or extra clutter.
It’s also focused on external displays: you get per-monitor brightness and contrast, optional DDC/CI control where your monitor supports it, and a safe GPU dimming fallback for panels that don’t behave well with hardware commands. You can mix and match these per display so things keep working with docks and adapters.
On top of that, Display Dimmer includes time-of-day schedules, per-app rules, and “start with Windows” support so your screens go back to the right level automatically—without ads, accounts, or extra clutter.
Why doesn’t DDC/CI work on my monitor?
DDC/CI support depends on your monitor and connection. Some things to check:
- Make sure DDC/CI (or “DDC/CI Control”) is enabled in the monitor’s on-screen settings.
- In some setups, DisplayPort can be more picky with DDC/CI than HDMI, especially when you’re going through a dock, hub, or adapter. If brightness control is unreliable over DisplayPort, try a direct HDMI connection to the same monitor as a test.
- Some monitors limit or completely disable DDC/CI control while HDR is enabled. If brightness control isn’t working, try temporarily turning off HDR for that display and see if DDC/CI starts responding again.
- Some TVs and older monitors simply don’t support it at all.
More troubleshooting: Enable DDC/CI on your monitor, DDC/CI through docks / hubs, and HDR & brightness control.
Does it work with laptops?
Display Dimmer is built for external monitors. The app won’t replace your laptop’s built-in brightness keys, but it works great with external displays connected over HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or a dock (as long as the monitor or chain supports brightness control).
For your built-in laptop screen, Display Dimmer can still dim it — but it does so using gamma dimming (a software dimmer), rather than true hardware brightness control.
For your built-in laptop screen, Display Dimmer can still dim it — but it does so using gamma dimming (a software dimmer), rather than true hardware brightness control.
What’s the difference between Free and Pro?
The free version gives you per-monitor brightness and contrast, plus 1 schedule and 1 per-app rule for All Displays.
Display Dimmer Pro unlocks unlimited schedules and unlimited per-app rules, including per-display rules and extra themes. It’s an optional upgrade inside the same app.
Display Dimmer Pro unlocks unlimited schedules and unlimited per-app rules, including per-display rules and extra themes. It’s an optional upgrade inside the same app.
Does Display Dimmer collect any personal data?
Display Dimmer doesn’t use accounts, ad tracking, or third-party analytics. Your settings are stored locally on your PC.
The app sends a small amount of anonymous usage telemetry (for example: that the app started, which settings tabs are opened, or that a feature like schedules or Gamma Guard was enabled) plus optional technical diagnostics if you choose to send a report. This data does not include your files, filenames, file paths, screenshots, browsing history, or passwords, and is only used to debug issues and improve the app.
Microsoft may provide the developer with aggregated install and usage stats through the Microsoft Store, depending on your Windows and Store privacy settings. For details, see the privacy page.
The app sends a small amount of anonymous usage telemetry (for example: that the app started, which settings tabs are opened, or that a feature like schedules or Gamma Guard was enabled) plus optional technical diagnostics if you choose to send a report. This data does not include your files, filenames, file paths, screenshots, browsing history, or passwords, and is only used to debug issues and improve the app.
Microsoft may provide the developer with aggregated install and usage stats through the Microsoft Store, depending on your Windows and Store privacy settings. For details, see the privacy page.
Troubleshooting & guides
Quick fixes for DDC/CI, docks, HDR, and Windows brightness quirks.
All troubleshooting guides
Compatibility tips and quick fixes for external monitor brightness control.
DDC/CI not working through a USB‑C dock
Why docks and adapters break DDC/CI, plus the most common fixes.
HDR disables monitor brightness control
Some monitors clamp or block DDC/CI while HDR is enabled — what to do.
Windows 11 brightness slider missing
Why Windows hides external monitor brightness controls — and your options.
Still stuck? Contact support.