Windows 7: Dim laptop screen through windows

So I am trying to find a way of creating a shortcut or command to dim my laptop screen without using its function key. I know that you can dim/brighten in Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Power Options or if you have a function key.
but I was wondering if there is anyway we can manipulate that command via a shortcut or anything else? Any ideas?

This can be done.

1. Create as many power schemes as per your requirements (Start -> type 'Power Options' -> click on 'Create a power plan')

2. Open a command prompt (Start -> Run -> type 'cmd.exe')
3. In the command prompt type 'powercfg -list'. You will get the list of power schemes (GUID and Name).
4. Copy the GUID for the power scheme you want.

5. Right click on the Windows Desktop and select New -> Shortcut.
6. Type 'powercfg -setactive <GUID you copied>' and click Next. Type a name for the shortcut and click Finish.


Done.

not very easy, but do able! I will give it a try hopefully tomorrow, thanks!

Hey do you also know how to prevent the shortcuts from showing up on the taskbar at all?

I'm not sure about that but you can set the shortcut to run minimized. This will prevent the command window flashing up for a second.

Right click on the Shortcut -> 'Properties' -> 'Shortcut' tab and select 'Minimized' for the Run option.

Yeah I did that from the start, its just the taskbar im trying to get rid of now. I also made a quick key program that cycles through the shortcuts so it acts just like a function key right now, its pretty sweet the only thing is the taskbar.

I even created a simple little bar graphic for each level of brightness.

I am still really curious what the command is that the function key sends to windows. There has to be some command it does, cause you can watch it change in the brightness settings as you change it.

I don't know if this is possible, but could you add parameters to set it to start minimised to tray and then have the tray icon as never show?
If you can do this........ Would you please let me know??

That would solve the problem but I dont know how to do that.

Try Volumouse

plus one!!!