i upgraded to windows 8.1 and can no longer adjust my screen brightness
I recently upgraded to Windows 8.1 on my Lenovo Ideapad and noticed my screen brightness wasn't as bright as it had been when I had run Windows 8. I keep trying to adjust my screen brightness, but no matter how low or high I set it, my screen's brightness remains at what I would imagine a 50% brightness would be. Can anyone help me?
October 21st, 2013 5:25am

Hi,

Please try to update or reinstall the display driver for a test.

Open Device Manager, scroll down to display adapters, right click, choose update the driver software or choose uninstall, then restart your computer.

Regards,

Yolanda

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October 22nd, 2013 1:53pm

Hi Yolanda,

I had the same issue with my Samsung 7 Series laptop after upgrading to W8.1, and the proposed solutions did not solve the problem. Any other suggestion?
October 23rd, 2013 9:46am

Hi, Kasper

Have you tried to manually set the brightness in the right-side charm bar Settings to adjust the brightness? And  can you manually adjust the brightness with the key on your Laptop?

I also doubt that there might be some sort of incompatibility between the display driver and your computer, please check if there is a suitable driver from the manufacture website of Samsung. Or you can contact Samsung, check if they have an appropriate display driver for win 8.1.

Regards,

Yolanda

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October 23rd, 2013 1:06pm

Same problem here. On an HP laptop.

Mine is way to low. It is as if the display is off. Looks like a bug in Windows 8.1 rather than the display drivers.

Instead of asking each customer to reinstall their driver, it might be worthwhile if Microsoft have a look at their display/graphics system. Apparently, Windows 8.1 is setting it to very low values. And there doesn't seem to be any way for user to control the brightness.

BTW, I have set the charm bar brightness to max. It doesn't make any difference.
October 26th, 2013 9:26am

Same problem here. On an HP laptop.

Mine is way to low. It is as if the display is off. Looks like a bug in Windows 8.1 rather than the display drivers.

Instead of asking each customer to reinstall their driver, it might be worthwhile if Microsoft have a look at their display/graphics system. Apparently, Windows 8.1 is setting it to very low values. And there doesn't seem to be any way for user to control the brightness.

BTW, I have set the charm bar brightness to max. It doesn't make any difference.
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October 26th, 2013 9:26am

Same problem here. On an HP laptop.

Mine is way to low. It is as if the display is off. Looks like a bug in Windows 8.1 rather than the display drivers.

Instead of asking each customer to reinstall their driver, it might be worthwhile if Microsoft have a look at their display/graphics system. Apparently, Windows 8.1 is setting it to very low values. And there doesn't seem to be any way for user to control the brightness.

BTW, I have set the charm bar brightness to max. It doesn't make any difference.
October 26th, 2013 12:26pm

Same problem here. On an HP laptop.

Mine is way to low. It is as if the display is off. Looks like a bug in Windows 8.1 rather than the display drivers.

Instead of asking each customer to reinstall their driver, it might be worthwhile if Microsoft have a look at their display/graphics system. Apparently, Windows 8.1 is setting it to very low values. And there doesn't seem to be any way for user to control the brightness.

BTW, I have set the charm bar brightness to max. It doesn't make any difference.
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October 26th, 2013 12:26pm

I have the Lenovo Ideapad Z500 and my screen just went from full brightness to almost 10% and i can't seem to change it.. did you find anything yet? Btw i upgraded my windows 8 to 8.1 yesterday and today this has happened.. :@ really annoyed with it
November 9th, 2013 12:29am

This doesn't work. It is clearly a windows bug. I have reinstalled drivers, installed old versions, reinstalled the new one... Windows isn't having it. 

Please propose a real solution. 

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November 13th, 2013 2:53am

was there ever a solution because i have the samsung series 7 also?

November 13th, 2013 3:43pm

I dont see a solution.   Updating and re-installing drivers does not. work.

Also I am sick of you blaming others for the problems with the update you asked us to install. 

This makes no sense.  If you guys want us to install your updates please make sure they won't up my whole work session. 

Please fix this asap. 

this is necessary! 


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November 19th, 2013 4:36pm

I dont see a solution.   Updating and re-installing drivers does not. work.

Also I am sick of you blaming others for the problems with the update you asked us to install. 

This makes no sense.  If you guys want us to install your updates please make sure they won't up my whole work session. 

Please fix this asap. 

this is necessary! 


November 19th, 2013 4:36pm

I dont see a solution.   Updating and re-installing drivers does not. work.

Also I am sick of you blaming others for the problems with the update you asked us to install. 

This makes no sense.  If you guys want us to install your updates please make sure they won't up my whole work session. 

Please fix this asap. 

this is necessary! 


Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
November 19th, 2013 7:36pm

I dont see a solution.   Updating and re-installing drivers does not. work.

Also I am sick of you blaming others for the problems with the update you asked us to install. 

This makes no sense.  If you guys want us to install your updates please make sure they won't up my whole work session. 

Please fix this asap. 

this is necessary! 


November 19th, 2013 7:36pm

I dont see a solution.   Updating and re-installing drivers does not. work.

Also I am sick of you blaming others for the problems with the update you asked us to install. 

This makes no sense.  If you guys want us to install your updates please make sure they won't up my whole work session. 

Please fix this asap. 

this is necessary! 

Me too, what a nightmare, what are Microsoft doing to address this????????
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November 21st, 2013 7:44pm

I dont see a solution.   Updating and re-installing drivers does not. work.

Also I am sick of you blaming others for the problems with the update you asked us to install. 

This makes no sense.  If you guys want us to install your updates please make sure they won't up my whole work session. 

Please fix this asap. 

this is necessary! 

Me too, what a nightmare, what are Microsoft doing to address this????????
November 21st, 2013 7:44pm

I dont see a solution.   Updating and re-installing drivers does not. work.

Also I am sick of you blaming others for the problems with the update you asked us to install. 

This makes no sense.  If you guys want us to install your updates please make sure they won't up my whole work session. 

Please fix this asap. 

this is necessary! 

Me too, what a nightmare, what are Microsoft doing to address this????????

Some good news for Samsung users.  Use the Samsung SW Update facility.  I just did.  Right now there is an update for the graphics driver and it fixes the Windows 8.1 brightness (actually dullness) bug.  Full marks to Samsung, I am relieved, I can see my screen again.  Best of luck to the non-Samsung users, maybe try your manufacturer's website.  It's quite probable that the hardware manufacturers have resolved this ahead of Microsoft.........


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November 21st, 2013 8:48pm

I dont see a solution.   Updating and re-installing drivers does not. work.

Also I am sick of you blaming others for the problems with the update you asked us to install. 

This makes no sense.  If you guys want us to install your updates please make sure they won't up my whole work session. 

Please fix this asap. 

this is necessary! 

Me too, what a nightmare, what are Microsoft doing to address this????????

Some good news for Samsung users.  Use the Samsung SW Update facility.  I just did.  Right now there is an update for the graphics driver and it fixes the Windows 8.1 brightness (actually dullness) bug.  Full marks to Samsung, I am relieved, I can see my screen again.  Best of luck to the non-Samsung users, maybe try your manufacturer's website.  It's quite probable that the hardware manufacturers have resolved this ahead of Microsoft.........


November 21st, 2013 8:48pm

I dont see a solution.   Updating and re-installing drivers does not. work.

Also I am sick of you blaming others for the problems with the update you asked us to install. 

This makes no sense.  If you guys want us to install your updates please make sure they won't up my whole work session. 

Please fix this asap. 

this is necessary! 

Me too, what a nightmare, what are Microsoft doing to address this????????
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
November 21st, 2013 10:44pm

I dont see a solution.   Updating and re-installing drivers does not. work.

Also I am sick of you blaming others for the problems with the update you asked us to install. 

This makes no sense.  If you guys want us to install your updates please make sure they won't up my whole work session. 

Please fix this asap. 

this is necessary! 

Me too, what a nightmare, what are Microsoft doing to address this????????
November 21st, 2013 10:44pm

I dont see a solution.   Updating and re-installing drivers does not. work.

Also I am sick of you blaming others for the problems with the update you asked us to install. 

This makes no sense.  If you guys want us to install your updates please make sure they won't up my whole work session. 

Please fix this asap. 

this is necessary! 

Me too, what a nightmare, what are Microsoft doing to address this????????

Some good news for Samsung users.  Use the Samsung SW Update facility.  I just did.  Right now there is an update for the graphics driver and it fixes the Windows 8.1 brightness (actually dullness) bug.  Full marks to Samsung, I am relieved, I can see my screen again.  Best of luck to the non-Samsung users, maybe try your manufacturer's website.  It's quite probable that the hardware manufacturers have resolved this ahead of Microsoft.........


Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
November 21st, 2013 11:48pm

I dont see a solution.   Updating and re-installing drivers does not. work.

Also I am sick of you blaming others for the problems with the update you asked us to install. 

This makes no sense.  If you guys want us to install your updates please make sure they won't up my whole work session. 

Please fix this asap. 

this is necessary! 

Me too, what a nightmare, what are Microsoft doing to address this????????

Some good news for Samsung users.  Use the Samsung SW Update facility.  I just did.  Right now there is an update for the graphics driver and it fixes the Windows 8.1 brightness (actually dullness) bug.  Full marks to Samsung, I am relieved, I can see my screen again.  Best of luck to the non-Samsung users, maybe try your manufacturer's website.  It's quite probable that the hardware manufacturers have resolved this ahead of Microsoft.........


November 21st, 2013 11:48pm

Asus X550L with lastest Geforce driver but nothing happen. It's obviously a bug of Windows 8.1 (Pro). You guy Microsoft should working on it asap
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November 30th, 2013 6:58am

It's a bug not only in PRO. It seems to me that a problem is only in x64 version
December 3rd, 2013 1:34pm

I have this bug for a couple of months now. It's about time this gets solved...

Dell Precision with AMD Radeon  HD 6700M

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December 8th, 2013 5:58pm

Same problem, i uninstalled it and still not functioning so i disabled it then enabled it and that worked fine for me. Hope this helped!
December 10th, 2013 11:27pm

Same with me. I  upgraded to Win 8.1 last night and now I can't adjust the screen brightness.  IdeaPad P400. What's going on? 
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December 15th, 2013 5:56pm

I had the same problem with my P400. I was able to fix mine by going to the Lenovo website and installed the older version of the video driver. Here is a link to the drivers. http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/default.page?selector=expand. You might have to select your laptop model to bring you to the driver page. I used Version: 9.17.10.2932 of the Display and Video Graphics section. When asked if I wanted to install the driver even though the current one was newer, I selected yes. After the older version was installed the problem was fixed. Hopefully this helps
December 16th, 2013 2:55am

for pads, you need a keyboard

press windows+x and this should bring up the mobility panel and from there you should be able to manage all options

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December 16th, 2013 3:04am

for pads, you need a keyboard

press windows+x and this should bring up the mobility panel and from there you should be able to manage all options

December 16th, 2013 12:26pm

I suspect that Lenovo like all the rest have some proprietary component and no drivers for anything except the oem version of windows they ship

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December 19th, 2013 2:25am

 December 26, 2013- this worked for me. Lenovo IdeaPad Z400 Touch... search on youtube for "windows 8.1 brightness fix" you are going back to the previous Intel Driver. I even had Lenovo Tech support remotely access my laptop and said it was the new Intel Driver...they removed it, and it worked for ONE DAY. they never told me how to fix it!!!
December 27th, 2013 10:38am

Ive tried all the suggestions above and more this is the only thing that has worked so far!

Try this....

Go to device manager - click display adapters - right click the windows driver (intel graphics 4000 or whatever) - update driver software - click search for update myself - then on the next window click "let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer - then select microsoft basic display adapter


Edit..... come on microsoft this shouldnt be this hard computers should be getting more user friendly not less sort your s*** out!!
  • Edited by realityproof Friday, January 03, 2014 10:31 PM
  • Proposed as answer by shurn Wednesday, January 08, 2014 9:47 PM
  • Marked as answer by David WoltersModerator Friday, March 21, 2014 2:06 PM
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January 3rd, 2014 10:28pm

Ive tried all the suggestions above and more this is the only thing that has worked so far!

Try this....

Go to device manager - click display adapters - right click the windows driver (intel graphics 4000 or whatever) - update driver software - click search for update myself - then on the next window click "let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer - then select microsoft basic display adapter


Edit..... come on microsoft this shouldnt be this hard computers should be getting more user friendly not less sort your s*** out!!
  • Edited by realityproof Friday, January 03, 2014 10:31 PM
  • Proposed as answer by shurn Wednesday, January 08, 2014 9:47 PM
  • Marked as answer by David WoltersModerator Friday, March 21, 2014 2:06 PM
January 3rd, 2014 10:28pm

I too have upgraded my Windows to 8.1 on my Lenovo Idea-pad. I can't seem to adjust my screen brightness, I literally have to be right in front of my laptop to see what is happening. I have tried everything, shutting it down, going to settings, restarting it, etc... Please please please find a solution to this problem, I am going back to school on Monday 6 (University of Phoenix).
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January 3rd, 2014 10:38pm

I too have upgraded my Windows to 8.1 on my Lenovo Idea-pad. I can't seem to adjust my screen brightness, I literally have to be right in front of my laptop to see what is happening. I have tried everything, shutting it down, going to settings, restarting it, etc... Please please please find a solution to this problem, I am going back to school on Monday 6 (University of Phoenix).

You'll need to contact Lenovo support.
January 4th, 2014 12:23am

Ive tried all the suggestions above and more this is the only thing that has worked so far!

Try this....

Go to device manager - click display adapters - right click the windows driver (intel graphics 4000 or whatever) - update driver software - click search for update myself - then on the next window click "let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer - then select microsoft basic display adapter


Edit..... come on microsoft this shouldnt be this hard computers should be getting more user friendly not less sort your s*** out!!
  • Edited by realityproof Friday, January 03, 2014 10:31 PM
  • Proposed as answer by shurn Wednesday, January 08, 2014 9:47 PM
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January 4th, 2014 1:28am

Ive tried all the suggestions above and more this is the only thing that has worked so far!

Try this....

Go to device manager - click display adapters - right click the windows driver (intel graphics 4000 or whatever) - update driver software - click search for update myself - then on the next window click "let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer - then select microsoft basic display adapter


Edit..... come on microsoft this shouldnt be this hard computers should be getting more user friendly not less sort your s*** out!!
  • Edited by realityproof Friday, January 03, 2014 10:31 PM
  • Proposed as answer by shurn Wednesday, January 08, 2014 9:47 PM
  • Marked as answer by David WoltersModerator Friday, March 21, 2014 2:06 PM
January 4th, 2014 1:28am

Right clicking on display adapter only shows scan for hardware changes or properties.  Does not give the choice to update the driver software.
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January 4th, 2014 2:22am

Right clicking on display adapter only shows scan for hardware changes or properties.  Does not give the choice to update the driver software.

You need to expand Display Adapters and then right-click the actual display adapter. You're right-clicking on the *Display Adapters* node, not on the actual display adapter itself.

In any case, this isn't a real fix as reverting to the basic inbox display adapter means that you're using a generic display adapter and not one that is specifically designed for your adapter.

January 4th, 2014 7:05am

Well give us a solution then! i just want to be able to see my screen properly but if you dont have a solution then this is at least a temporary fix?
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January 5th, 2014 1:02am

one idea is to check to see that the lcd panel is set to plug and play

if that does not work, and win+x does not provide the mobility panel then you may need to install 8.1 clean

January 5th, 2014 1:22am

Thankyou, this worked straight away, the screen is bright again!!!
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January 9th, 2014 12:48am

Can you explain in detail how to do this? I'm having the same issue and I doubt Microsoft knows how to answer any question or address any problem.
January 12th, 2014 5:16am

Ive tried all the suggestions above and more this is the only thing that has worked so far!

Try this....

Go to device manager - click display adapters - right click the windows driver (intel graphics 4000 or whatever) - update driver software - click search for update myself - then on the next window click "let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer - then select microsoft basic display adapter


Edit..... come on microsoft this shouldnt be this hard computers should be getting more user friendly not less sort your s*** out!!
Thank you, so, very, very, much. This worked.  
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January 30th, 2014 8:27pm

Ive tried all the suggestions above and more this is the only thing that has worked so far!

Try this....

Go to device manager - click display adapters - right click the windows driver (intel graphics 4000 or whatever) - update driver software - click search for update myself - then on the next window click "let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer - then select microsoft basic display adapter


Edit..... come on microsoft this shouldnt be this hard computers should be getting more user friendly not less sort your s*** out!!
Thank you, so, very, very, much. This worked.  
  • Proposed as answer by ITeraOnline Thursday, February 13, 2014 4:54 PM
January 31st, 2014 1:21am

Ive tried all the suggestions above and more this is the only thing that has worked so far!

Try this....

Go to device manager - click display adapters - right click the windows driver (intel graphics 4000 or whatever) - update driver software - click search for update myself - then on the next window click "let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer - then select microsoft basic display adapter


Edit..... come on microsoft this shouldnt be this hard computers should be getting more user friendly not less sort your s*** out!!
Thank you, so, very, very, much. This worked.  
  • Proposed as answer by ITeraOnline Thursday, February 13, 2014 4:54 PM
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
January 31st, 2014 1:21am

Ive tried all the suggestions above and more this is the only thing that has worked so far!

Try this....

Go to device manager - click display adapters - right click the windows driver (intel graphics 4000 or whatever) - update driver software - click search for update myself - then on the next window click "let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer - then select microsoft basic display adapter


Edit..... come on microsoft this shouldnt be this hard computers should be getting more user friendly not less sort your s*** out!!
Thank you, so, very, very, much. This worked.  
  • Proposed as answer by ITeraOnline Thursday, February 13, 2014 4:54 PM
January 31st, 2014 4:21am

This also happened to me. After the Install to 8.1. I went to Intel and looked for the drivers for my machine. I found the Drivers and downloaded the previous drive and installed it. It said that a new driver was installed would I like to keep it and I said NO. Rebooted and all is good.
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February 3rd, 2014 4:32pm

I suspect that most with an Intel graphics solution, will find their drivers are very basic at best

Intel does not spend the money that AMD and NVIDIA do on driver developers

February 3rd, 2014 5:06pm

Yeh I can now change the display brightness by following above procedure. Thank you so much.
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February 5th, 2014 9:35pm

This worked for me also. Thanks so much!
February 9th, 2014 3:47pm

yes samsung users can update their Samsung software and devices by using the sw update application.  seems t do the trick for brightness issues.
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February 12th, 2014 10:35pm

Thank you very much 

i had the same problem and its working now

but i have Q i use now "icrosoft basic display adapter "

it means "intel graphics 4000" not working !!

thanks

February 13th, 2014 7:53pm


Edit..... come on microsoft this shouldnt be this hard computers should be getting more user friendly not less sort your s*** out!!
Note that you and others in this thread are scolding Microsoft for a problem that the vendor is responsible for. The vendor is required to create drivers for their hardware products. Your voice is very important. Just direct your complaints to the right place. Vendors should take note.
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February 13th, 2014 11:46pm

I recently upgraded to Windows 8.1 on my Lenovo Ideapad and noticed my screen brightness wasn't as bright as it had been when I had run Windows 8. I keep trying to adjust my screen brightness, but no matter how low or high I set it, my screen's brightness remains at what I would imagine a 50% brightness would be. Can anyone help me?
Please do tell me there is a fix for this right? This makes photo editing hard, and being able to see my screen in different settings. I am very disappointed with this update.
February 26th, 2014 4:19am

thank you sooooooooooooooo much! It worked
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March 4th, 2014 3:27pm

Also going to Advanced Power Settings, choosing Power Option and then Display then turning off Enable Adaptive Brightness also seems to work.
March 15th, 2014 10:15pm

I am experiencing the same problem but I have a Sony Vaio and wondering if the solution will be the same as for other laptops or if I should contact the manufacturer?

P.S. this is BS Microsoft--if in fact, it's a bug from upgrading to Windows 8.1. This is annoying to no avail and should be rectified promptly!

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March 16th, 2014 6:43am

Hi just go to Lenovo website ALSControl for 64-bit or for windows 8.1 Google it for Lenovo
March 17th, 2014 8:29am

The challenge is that when Windows Update runs, the display drivers coming from Microsoft overwrite the drivers from Lenovo.  With the display drivers coming from Microsoft via Windows Update, brightness controls and multiple monitors don't work. With the (older) display drivers coming from Lenovo, brightness controls and multiple monitors work, but Windows media player and newer rendering schemes don't work.

I feel caught between a rock and a hard place here - would like to be able to keep my display driver up-to-date from Windows Update, but these two bugs (brightness control & no multiple monitors) are painful.

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March 18th, 2014 5:19pm

i'm an idiot. today is march 20th. I wanted this laptop because I thought maybe Samsung would get it right. the sales person assured me they did not. now I have to pay a 20% restocking fee cause I Am taking this piece of garbage back! I should have listened. what an idiot I am.

dullness is obvious! imagine the bugs you don't see. .... W O W

March 21st, 2014 1:55am

This really worked on my lenovo ideapad

thank you

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March 21st, 2014 3:38pm

This happened to me this evening! Super frustrating. Anyways, after trying this process above, my computer told me all of my drives were already up to date and wouldn't let me proceed further. So I tried something a bit different, and it worked!

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?DocID=DS031547 (< The site won't let me post a direct link, so copy & paste)

Yes, it told me that I was installing an older version, but it worked and nothing has changed on my PC!

(I got this tip from a forums.lenovo discussion group) and hope it helps! 

March 23rd, 2014 4:46am

Oh my gosh. . .thank you so much! I have a Samsung and had the same issue when I updated.  I was so bummed because my eyes hurt, but now all is well because of your information. Thanks again!
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March 26th, 2014 7:05pm

Thank you so much!!! The same thing just happened to me on my Samsung laptop. Just installed an update to BIOS and Settings. After doing so, couldn't get my screen brightness back despite my advanced performance settings, keyboard, etc. Fortunately, I was able to find your answer here as quickly. Who knows how long I would have spent troubleshooting this! I've screwed up my computer many times trying to "fix" things that didn't need fixing when trying to problem solve one minor setting. I would think that there should have been a note alerting people that the microsoft basic display adapter would need to be updated after downloading the new BIOS update. Geez! Thanks again!

April 10th, 2014 2:59am

I also have this problem with my Asus N71.

Found out by accident.

Adjust the brightness with Fn + F5 (down) or Fn + F6 (up). It does not change then and there, but when you pull out the power plug from the PC the brightness changes. Every time would change ther brigtnes I use Fn + or -, pull out the plug and the put it in.

For me this is a good solution and a better alternative than using a Microsoft basic display adapter. I now use the latest available driver for my graphic card.

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April 11th, 2014 10:31am

OMG Thank you this help me out lots it fix it for me 

Thank you agen x

April 11th, 2014 4:48pm

Thanks for that - it worked like a charm! After I upgraded to Win8.1 as soon as I pressed the display brightness key the screen went dark and would not brighten.  I did a 'refresh' thinking it was a fault with the laptop and once that was done I upgraded to Win8.1 - all this took hours to do.  Once again, when I upgraded to Win8.1 the same thing happened.  I'm just so glad I googled the problem and arrived at this forum!
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April 12th, 2014 4:47pm

I just hope Microsoft actually read these blogs!!!

The whole problem started because I updated my laptop (a Lenovo ideapad Z500 touch) to the latest version of Windows 8.1 'upgrade' so that I would be completely up to date with developments.

I then went to dim the brightness of the screen which I did and that's when the problems started. 

The screen would not change but remained constantly dark, being barely able to be seen.


Try as I would I was having no success in brightening it so I finally did a factory 'refresh' which put the laptop back to as it was when I bought it which solved the problem. 

Of course this now meant that I then had to reload all my additional programmes as well as get all the Microsoft updates which took 'quite some time'!


Finally I then downloaded and installed Windows 8.1 'upgrade' once again, thinking that the problem was solved - but again, when I pressed the brightness key, the screen went dark and stayed dark. 

Thanks to the advice in this blog I went into the Device Manager and changed the display settings to 'Microsoft Basic Display Adapter'.  I'm pleased to report that solved the problem.

Later, I further downloaded and installed updates from Microsoft and was then unable to adjust the screen brightness. 

I checked in Device Manager and found that it had selected ' Intel(R) Graphics 4000 Version 10.18.10.3412 (22/01/2014)' so I changed it back to 'Microsoft Basic Display Adapter' and I'm now pleased to say that it works once again. 

I'm amazed that such a problem occurred, a problem that Microsoft had itself created.  I sincerely hope that a fix is forthcoming asap

'We wait in hope' ....................



  • Edited by Roochie Sunday, April 13, 2014 8:32 PM
April 13th, 2014 8:30pm

I just hope Microsoft actually read these blogs!!!

The whole problem started because I updated my laptop (a Lenovo ideapad Z500 touch) to the latest version of Windows 8.1 'upgrade' so that I would be completely up to date with developments.

I then went to dim the brightness of the screen which I did and that's when the problems started. 

The screen would not change but remained constantly dark, being barely able to be seen.


Try as I would I was having no success in brightening it so I finally did a factory 'refresh' which put the laptop back to as it was when I bought it which solved the problem. 

Of course this now meant that I then had to reload all my additional programmes as well as get all the Microsoft updates which took 'quite some time'!


Finally I then downloaded and installed Windows 8.1 'upgrade' once again, thinking that the problem was solved - but again, when I pressed the brightness key, the screen went dark and stayed dark. 

Thanks to the advice in this blog I went into the Device Manager and changed the display settings to 'Microsoft Basic Display Adapter'.  I'm pleased to report that solved the problem.

Later, I further downloaded and installed updates from Microsoft and was then unable to adjust the screen brightness. 

I checked in Device Manager and found that it had selected ' Intel(R) Graphics 4000 Version 10.18.10.3412 (22/01/2014)' so I changed it back to 'Microsoft Basic Display Adapter' and I'm now pleased to say that it works once again. 

I'm amazed that such a problem occurred, a problem that Microsoft had itself created.  I sincerely hope that a fix is forthcoming asap

'We wait in hope' ....................



  • Edited by Roochie Sunday, April 13, 2014 8:32 PM
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April 13th, 2014 8:30pm

I just hope Microsoft actually read these blogs!!!

The whole problem started because I updated my laptop (a Lenovo ideapad Z500 touch) to the latest version of Windows 8.1 'upgrade' so that I would be completely up to date with developments.

I then went to dim the brightness of the screen which I did and that's when the problems started. 

The screen would not change but remained constantly dark, being barely able to be seen.


Try as I would I was having no success in brightening it so I finally did a factory 'refresh' which put the laptop back to as it was when I bought it which solved the problem. 

Of course this now meant that I then had to reload all my additional programmes as well as get all the Microsoft updates which took 'quite some time'!


Finally I then downloaded and installed Windows 8.1 'upgrade' once again, thinking that the problem was solved - but again, when I pressed the brightness key, the screen went dark and stayed dark. 

Thanks to the advice in this blog I went into the Device Manager and changed the display settings to 'Microsoft Basic Display Adapter'.  I'm pleased to report that solved the problem.

Later, I further downloaded and installed updates from Microsoft and was then unable to adjust the screen brightness. 

I checked in Device Manager and found that it had selected ' Intel(R) Graphics 4000 Version 10.18.10.3412 (22/01/2014)' so I changed it back to 'Microsoft Basic Display Adapter' and I'm now pleased to say that it works once again. 

I'm amazed that such a problem occurred, a problem that Microsoft had itself created.  I sincerely hope that a fix is forthcoming asap

'We wait in hope' ....................



  • Edited by Roochie Sunday, April 13, 2014 8:32 PM
April 13th, 2014 11:30pm

Thank you so much for this answer!!! 
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April 16th, 2014 2:12pm

This worked for me as well!!! Thanks a bunch!
April 21st, 2014 1:33am

Thank you!!! I have been trying to fix this for DAAAAYS! This actually worked! Thank you!!

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April 24th, 2014 4:00am

try device manager-monitors-uninstall driver-action-scan for hardwear
April 29th, 2014 2:04am

Thank you SO MUCH!!!! This problem was so annoying. I hope this will fix it once and for all. Thank you.
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April 29th, 2014 5:11am

Thanks for this! It worked! :)
May 5th, 2014 10:55am

works perfectly..
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May 6th, 2014 3:29pm

My computer just updated yesterday and i had this same issue. THANKYOU so much for posting this! It worked wonders!

May 7th, 2014 3:49am

Wow! This worked perfectly. I knew my screen was dim but I didn't realize how dim it was. Thanks for all of the advice.
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May 9th, 2014 11:39pm

This "sort of" worked for me on my Samsung Series 7. The first time I "upgraded" to Windows 8.1 I encountered this dim screen issue, and now it seems to happen again every time I update 8.1. My resolution so far has been to switch back to the generic driver, BUT then I lose my second monitor which I use in extend mode for my work. Returning back to my regular driver restores my extended monitor and leaves my screens on BRIGHT, but now I have NO control over brightness. This is where I am today since bright all of the time beats DIM all of the time, but obviously this is frustrating since it happens on EVERY 8.1 UPDATE.

Also - This does not appear to be a VENDOR problem as someone suggested since it seems pretty widespread among different units with one common denominator Microsoft Windows 8.1.

Microsoft - Please tell me this is going to be resolved SOON!!!!!!

GDB

May 14th, 2014 5:43pm

Had this same issue on my Y400 w/ 750GT video card.  Obviously I couldn't change it to standard display adapter or whatever but I noticed in Device Manager my Monitor said Standard Monitor (Splashtop).  I use Splashtop Streamer to remote into my laptop sometimes and in the Security settings I enabled the Blank Screen When Connected option and had installed the driver for it, which basically installed that special Splashtop driver for my monitor.  Uninstalled that and boom I can now use the FN + Up/Down to control brightness w00t!
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May 22nd, 2014 3:22am

Had this same issue on my Y400 w/ 750GT video card.  Obviously I couldn't change it to standard display adapter or whatever but I noticed in Device Manager my Monitor said Standard Monitor (Splashtop).  I use Splashtop Streamer to remote into my laptop sometimes and in the Security settings I enabled the Blank Screen When Connected option and had installed the driver for it, which basically installed that special Splashtop driver for my monitor.  Uninstalled that and boom I can now use the FN + Up/Down to control brightness w00t!
May 22nd, 2014 3:22am

Had this same issue on my Y400 w/ 750GT video card.  Obviously I couldn't change it to standard display adapter or whatever but I noticed in Device Manager my Monitor said Standard Monitor (Splashtop).  I use Splashtop Streamer to remote into my laptop sometimes and in the Security settings I enabled the Blank Screen When Connected option and had installed the driver for it, which basically installed that special Splashtop driver for my monitor.  Uninstalled that and boom I can now use the FN + Up/Down to control brightness w00t!
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
May 22nd, 2014 6:22am

I had exactly the same thing with Teamviewer. Uninstalled the driver for teamviewer and installed the driver for a generic PNP monitor. And now the FN + Up/Down works like never before.

Thnx for your helpfull answer!

May 27th, 2014 11:45am

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! This worked like a charm ;-)
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May 29th, 2014 4:46am

SOLUTION

In your keyboard hold fn + f5 or f6 to highest or lowest brightness

If youre done u can edit the power plan to balance or etc..

works for me




June 7th, 2014 1:11am

SOLUTION

In your keyboard hold fn + f5 or f6 to highest or lowest brightness

If youre done u can edit the power plan to balance or etc..

works for me




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June 7th, 2014 1:11am

SOLUTION

In your keyboard hold fn + f5 or f6 to highest or lowest brightness

If youre done u can edit the power plan to balance or etc..

works for me




June 7th, 2014 4:11am

that really worked! Thanks!
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June 8th, 2014 10:27pm

thx a lot ,it works
June 11th, 2014 7:43pm

Thank you so much!!!! I've had this problem for so long and gave up finding a solution cause I was able to change the brightness on the lenovo loading screen. But had the issue of having to shut down my pc whenever I wanted to change the brightness :( You're a life saver xD I never thought I would find a solution! :D
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June 12th, 2014 12:43pm

This worked like a charm on my Lenovo P500 - but I NEVER would have been able to figure this out myself. I share the sentiment...really Microsoft?
June 17th, 2014 7:27pm

I had the same problem and Ijust worked it out.

1.Right click on the MY COMPUTER icon on the desktop.

2.Select the Manage option.

3.Now select the Device Manager from the left pane on the screen.

4.Select the Display Adapters pane from the list on the center of your screen.

5.It will show you the installed display driver on your system. Right click on the driver and select the option update drivers.

6.Select the second option i.e Browse my Computer for driver Software and then choose the option of selecting the driver from a list.

7.From the list choose Microsoft Basic Adapter.

8.After it is installed repeat the same procedure except now choose the driver that you previously had installed before you chose the Microsoft Basic Adapter.

  Worked like a charm for me.My Screen Brightness flexibility is back.

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June 21st, 2014 8:39am

I just wanted to personally thank you so much for this response.  It was so helpful and I had already took my computer into the geek squad with best buy and I still had the problem.  Something told me to google the issue.  Now my computer is fixed thanks so much!!!!
July 2nd, 2014 10:44pm

Guys, I've had this problem with the brightness for nearly 3 years now. The 'solution' you're all so thankful for isn't a solution. It's a bodged work around. All you're doing is using Microsoft's generic driver. By using that and not the one intended for your specific graphics adapter you're likely to lose certain features and improved performance.

In 20 years of PC use I don't think I've ever encountered such a glaringly obvious bug that has remained unsolved for so long. The thing is I'm not sure if it's Microsoft or AMD that are responsible for fixing it.

If you do any gaming or graphics work on your PC you really should use the latest driver provided by AMD or Nvidia and not the generic one. If your brightness is too high without having any adjustment, I suggest going into your graphics control panel and reducing the contrast slightly (~%85). This will reduce the overall luminance of the display and ease the pain on your eyes.

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July 6th, 2014 12:51pm

I have been looking at this issue a lot and I have worked with several machines to see whats up.

I use a 2011 vintage netbook that has a GMA 3150 graphics, turns out the graphics are purely emulated, there is no real hardware logic. 

Small wonder video card oriented programs failed or ran poorly.

now I have the intel driver installed with Windows 8.1 on the machine and the panel brightness does work as expected with the keyboard controls. My machine has 2 keys to control brightness.

so I am suggesting that if the brightness is not working, check the driver and post specifics about your rig. Here is my netbook for all to consider. I upgraded it from Windows 7 to 8.1

http://hardcore-games.azurewebsites.net/hr/netbooks/compaq-mini-cq10-450ca.php

July 6th, 2014 6:34pm

This worked for me, thank you.
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July 9th, 2014 3:41pm

This was brilliant.   Thank you
July 12th, 2014 4:14am

hi 

u can easily do that in caliberate display colours in control pannel menu thats worked for me 

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August 2nd, 2014 1:39pm

I updated my driver and it worked.
Go to Device Manager and then select 'Display Adapters'. There you will see your driver. Right click on it and choose 'Update Driver Software'.

August 5th, 2014 6:59pm

Thanks for the solution!!! You just made my day!!!
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August 17th, 2014 8:21am

Thank you so so much!!!!!! :)

August 28th, 2014 7:28pm

I've had this problem since the 8.1 update came out... I know it's been too long. Thx for the fix.
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September 28th, 2014 11:17pm

Hi,

Please try to update or reinstall the display driver for a test.

Open Device Manager, scroll down to display adapters, right click, choose update the driver software or choose uninstall, then restart your computer.

Regards,

Y

September 29th, 2014 7:33pm

It worked for me. Many thanks
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October 6th, 2014 12:20pm

thank you sir, you are awesome. If only Microsoft sorted basic S**t like screen birghtness in their updates. this is why i have disabled all MS Windows updates
October 15th, 2014 12:41am

Ive tried all the suggestions above and more this is the only thing that has worked so far!

Try this....

Go to device manager - click display adapters - right click the windows driver (intel graphics 4000 or whatever) - update driver software - click search for update myself - then on the next window click "let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer - then select microsoft basic display adapter


Edit..... come on microsoft this shouldnt be this hard computers should be getting more user friendly not less sort your s*** out!!

It WORKED!! Yayiii :-)

Thank you life-saver! :)

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October 16th, 2014 12:06pm

Hi

It works BUT! it causes a new problem - inability to connect the laptop to the TV!

What can we do??

October 21st, 2014 8:29pm

Nope. Just tried it. Still doesn't work.
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October 21st, 2014 11:01pm

sure it will all be a addressed in Windows 10
October 22nd, 2014 1:24pm

IT WORKED! DEVICE MANAGER ABOVE.

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November 5th, 2014 6:11pm

I could not change my brightness until i did a system restore. I went back as far as i could for the restore date and i can dim and bright as usual.
January 22nd, 2015 3:48am

the best way to fix is, while u r connected to the internet. open command prompt (cmd) and enter as below:

C:\>shutdown -t 0 -s -f

it automatically gets updated and shuts down. now switch on the system. i hope ur problem is solved. it worked fine for me.

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February 26th, 2015 12:41pm

the best way to fix is, while u r connected to the internet. open command prompt (cmd) and enter as below:

C:\>shutdown -t 0 -s -f

it automatically gets updated and shuts down. now switch on the system. i hope ur problem is solved. it worked fine for me. Can show ur love through vote as helpful if w

February 26th, 2015 5:39pm

I LOVE YOU MAN....THANK YOU :)
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March 2nd, 2015 7:23pm

Thank You very much! This tip sorted out my problem with screen brightness. For Samsung users SW Update is the best anwser.
March 11th, 2015 7:16pm

OMG. This worked great and it wasn't too hard to do. Thanks so much. Finally I can adjust my brightness again!
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March 25th, 2015 3:16am

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

This has driven me completely crazy and this completely solved my problem.  Thank you thank you.

April 1st, 2015 11:18am

The easiest way to do this is to install the drivers for the hardware you are using. I've seen laptops come from Toshiba with only the Microsoft Generic Display Adapter driver installed. This is a good driver, but is not all encompassing.

Just install the correct driver from the hardware vendor.

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April 1st, 2015 11:31am

I've had this issue and the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter was the only thing that worked for a long time. 

But now it's not working! I can adjust the brightness, but the maximum brightness on Microsoft Basic Display Adapter seems stuck at just one level too dim so that it strains my eyes to look at the screen for long. 

Any other suggestions?

April 3rd, 2015 8:44am

Had this same issue on my Y400 w/ 750GT video card.  Obviously I couldn't change it to standard display adapter or whatever but I noticed in Device Manager my Monitor said Standard Monitor (Splashtop).  I use Splashtop Streamer to remote into my laptop sometimes and in the Security settings I enabled the Blank Screen When Connected option and had installed the driver for it, which basically installed that special Splashtop driver for my monitor.  Uninstalled that and boom I can now use the FN + Up/Down to control brightness w00t!

Thanks friend, Now i can control brightness. (Waiting this answer for two years)



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April 9th, 2015 6:20am

Had this same issue on my Y400 w/ 750GT video card.  Obviously I couldn't change it to standard display adapter or whatever but I noticed in Device Manager my Monitor said Standard Monitor (Splashtop).  I use Splashtop Streamer to remote into my laptop sometimes and in the Security settings I enabled the Blank Screen When Connected option and had installed the driver for it, which basically installed that special Splashtop driver for my monitor.  Uninstalled that and boom I can now use the FN + Up/Down to control brightness w00t!

Thanks friend, Now i can control brightness. (Waiting this answer for two years)



April 9th, 2015 10:19am

Had this same issue on my Y400 w/ 750GT video card.  Obviously I couldn't change it to standard display adapter or whatever but I noticed in Device Manager my Monitor said Standard Monitor (Splashtop).  I use Splashtop Streamer to remote into my laptop sometimes and in the Security settings I enabled the Blank Screen When Connected option and had installed the driver for it, which basically installed that special Splashtop driver for my monitor.  Uninstalled that and boom I can now use the FN + Up/Down to control brightness w00t!

Thanks friend, Now i can control brightness. (Waiting this answer for two years)



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April 9th, 2015 10:19am

After calling Lenovo, and alot of fustration: they asked me if I did the update!! I told them yes. The guy told me he knew what the problem was but yet he proceeded to tell me that since my laptop was no longer under the warranty that he couldnt help me fix it. He then gave me a number to call with 2 extensions and then told me they would charge!!! What A waste of breath and time!!! Then I read numerous post on here and then nothing!! Then I thought it was a hopeless case and so ready to give up until I came across your post and did exactly what you said. I downloaded the 9.17.10.2932  for the ideapad P500 Touch with the 64b from the Lenovo website and it worked!!!!  Thanks a million :)

April 13th, 2015 6:25pm

i found a fix for mine when i upgraded it

worked like a charm

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May 2nd, 2015 4:10pm

Thank you so much. I had the same problem and I was panicking, so I typed in google my screen brightness won't work on windows 8 and this popped up. Thank you so much for you help. The internet truly is amazing.:)
May 3rd, 2015 6:39am

Thank you so much. I had the same problem and I was panicking, so I typed in google my screen brightness won't work on windows 8 and this popped up. Thank you so much for you help. The internet truly is amazing :).
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May 3rd, 2015 6:39am

This work well for me. Thanks!
May 22nd, 2015 12:39am

I had had this problem for so long... Thank you for sharing how to fix it. 
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June 24th, 2015 12:02pm

Ive tried all the suggestions above and more this is the only thing that has worked so far!

Try this....

Go to device manager - click display adapters - right click the windows driver (intel graphics 4000 or whatever) - update driver software - click search for update myself - then on the next window click "let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer - then select microsoft basic display adapter


Edit..... come on microsoft this shouldnt be this hard computers should be getting more user friendly not less sort your s*** out!!

You are literally a life saver

My retina is finally not being burnt out everytime i see my screen

July 30th, 2015 4:10pm

I have a Toshiba Notebook Satellite L500D and have same issue.
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August 2nd, 2015 2:46pm

YOu are a saviour!

I knew the new adapter was messing my display settings but didn't know how to revert back to the old adapter.

Thanks for guiding us through.

And Yes I agree microsoft made it much harder for us.



August 5th, 2015 10:08am

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