Disable Adaptive Brightness in Windows - Fix Dark Screen

Troubleshooting Persistent Brightness Issues in Windows 8 & 10
Following a fresh installation of either Windows 8 or Windows 10 on a laptop, users may encounter issues with the screen brightness reverting to an undesired level. This behavior is often attributable to a malfunction within the adaptive brightness functionality of the operating system.
Understanding Adaptive Brightness
Ideally, the adaptive brightness feature should automatically adjust screen illumination based on ambient lighting conditions. However, when this system isn't functioning correctly, it can lead to frustrating inconsistencies.
Before disabling the feature, it’s recommended to ensure your system is running the latest drivers. Updating drivers can often resolve underlying issues and restore proper functionality.
Disabling Adaptive Brightness
If updating drivers doesn't rectify the problem, disabling adaptive brightness is a viable solution. The following steps outline how to accomplish this:
- First, access the Control Panel.
- Navigate to Hardware and Sound.
- Select Power Options.
- Choose Edit Plan Settings for your currently active power plan.
- Click on Change advanced power settings.
- Expand the Display section.
- Locate and expand Enable adaptive brightness.
- Change both On battery and Plugged in settings to Off.
- Click Apply, then OK.
By completing these steps, the adaptive brightness feature will be deactivated, allowing you to maintain your preferred screen brightness level consistently.
Modifying Screen Brightness in Windows 8 and Windows 10
To clarify the process, adjusting screen brightness in Windows 8 is straightforward. Utilize the Win+I key combination – pressing the Windows key alongside the letter 'I' – to quickly access the brightness control.
This action will immediately display the brightness adjustment slider for convenient modification.
Brightness Control in Windows 10
For Windows 10 users, accessing the brightness settings is also simple. Click the Notifications icon located in the system tray.
This will reveal a panel with a slightly different appearance, but it will still contain the necessary brightness control.
From this panel, you can easily adjust the screen's brightness to your preferred level.
Experiencing Brightness Fluctuations
Some users, such as those with a MacBook Air, may encounter instances where the brightness setting changes unexpectedly.
This fluctuation can be disruptive, but understanding the system's settings can help resolve the issue.
Adjusting Adaptive Brightness in Windows 8 and 10
To begin, press the Windows key on your keyboard. Subsequently, enter "Power Options" into the search bar, which will display the Power Options control panel.
Within this panel, select the “Change plan settings” link associated with your currently active power plan.

Following this, click on the “Change advanced power settings” link to access more detailed configurations.

Navigate to the “Display” section and expand it. Then, locate “Enable adaptive brightness” and modify its setting to “Off”.

This adjustment resolved the display brightness issues experienced on a MacBook Air while operating Windows via Boot Camp.