Most Windows XP computer users need to adjust the screen brightness of their laptop or desktop computer monitor at some point. The Windows XP display settings let users configure both the screen brightness and contrast settings to fit their individual preferences. Many computer users have started dimming their PC’s screen brightness to save a little bit on energy costs, but many display adapter control panels also automatically dim the Windows XP display when on battery power to prolong battery life. Manually adjusting screen brightness can be accomplished in a few steps without advanced computer capabilities.

How to Adjust Screen Brightness in Windows XP

Step 1 – Select “Start” then click “Settings.”

Step 2 – Click “Control Panel” then select “Appearance and Themes” if viewing the subsequent panel in the “Category View.” If the Control Panel is set to “Classic View” then click the “Display” menu icon.

Step 3 – Click the “Settings” menu tab located on the Display Properties window.

Step 4 – Choose the “Advanced” menu button, which displays the computer monitor’s display properties. If the computer has an ATI graphics card, click the “Color” menu tab.

Step 5 – Change the “brightness scale” to configure the display adapter’s overall brightness to the desired level.

Step 6 – Click “OK” to complete setting the screen brightness for the Windows XP computer.

How to Change Screen Brightness in Windows XP from the Desktop

Step 1 – Right-click the Windows Desktop then select “Properties.”

Step 2 – Click “Settings” then choose “Advanced.”

Step 3 – Choose the menu tab that is labeled “ATI,” “nVidia,” “GeForce,” or another display adapter label.

Step 4 – Click the menu option located under this menu tab labeled “Control Panel” with the brand name of the display adapter potentially being pre-pended in front of the name to open the display settings window on your computer.

Step 5 – Change the “Brightness” slider to the left or right to decrease or increase the brightness settings on the Windows XP computer.

Step 6 – Click “OK” or “Apply” to finish changing the screen brightness in Windows XP.