Desktop Dimmer

[DrOrange]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post here, but I want to thank you all because this forum has helped in general.

To the problem at hand, I have Windows 7 running on my desktop and my laptop. On my laptop a power saving function automatically dims the screen: under advanced power settings its listed under DISPLAY, Dimmer display brightness.

I like this feature, however its not available on my desktop system--which leads me to believe (since they are the same install) it is a hardware option enabled by W7.

So, I was wondering if anyone knew a way that I could activate this feature on my desktop as well?

Once again, thanks all.

 

[Dwarf]

Hi DrOrange and welcome to Windows 7 Forums

You are indeed correct when you say that this is a power saving function. On a laptop, which is designed to be used on battery power (as well as with an adpater), steps need to be taken to ensure the maximum possible battery life. Since the display consumes a good deal of energy (or, rather, the backlights in the display), then it makes sense to reduce their load by having them run dimmer than normal. This level can, in some but not all, cases be adjusted to suit the user.

On a desktop, since that runs on mains electricity and doesn't rely on a battery, the need for such power saving is not there. In fact, some laptops will automatically switch this feature on and off depending upon whether they are running on battery or mains (adapter) power.

As a result, this feature is only available on laptops, but only if the correct driver is installed.

 

[Newt]

You could set the screen power settings to shut off the screen after not being used for a specified period of time,or you can manually decrease the brightness on your monitor by any amount,I turned mine down to 85%,to cut down any eyestrain and to save on the life of the bulb/s in the screen.I sit very close to my screen and the full brightness setting cause sore eyes.

 

[DrOrange]

My Thanks

Thank both for your answers!
I figured as much, but was hoping for a work-around.
I'm glad that you took the time though, kudos!

 

[Qdos]

Some monitors have firmware that allows you to create several user profiles...

Or there are utils, like this...

 

[johnmk]

Anybody have some other ideas? I'd love to enable dimming on my desktop.

 

[Newt]

Some monitors have firmware that allows you to create several user profiles...

Or there are utils, like this...

I just checked that out and I bookmarked it.Looks like an excellent utility for dimming screen.

I may give it a try myself in the future.

Thanks for the link.

 

[thefabe]

Welcome to Seven Forums johnmk. Here is a third party app that allows you to choose the percentage of dimming you want. Others have used it otherwise I wouldn't post it. first off I would suggest you create a restore point before you install it this way if you don't like it you can uninstall it then restore back to before you installed it. Fabe Elite Freeware: Quickly dim your screen with DimScreen

 

[Cornice Jumper]

Hi, first post here and thought I'd keep this thread alive.

I have spent a fair bit of time with the same subject as this thread. I can't believe it is that hard to get a desktop to show the same power settings as a laptop. I really want the option to dim my screen on the desktop! I don't really care if it is with the power settings or through a screen saver. I'm using my system as a HTPC displaying on a plasma TV and am concerned about burn-in and image retention. Currently I am turning off the TV every time I walk away.

I under stand that my graphics card/driver may not have the ability to cut power, but it would still be nice to 'trick' windows into thinking that it can so that I could try it. Is there not a registry setting to tell windows that my computer has this ability?

Also, in the how-to section there is some good information about how to export and import power settings. There is talk about how the dim screen settings are available for battery power or UPS. If I get a UPS and connect it to my desktop, would the power setting then show screen dimming options?

Thanks!

ps: nice utility posted here, but I need something that is automatic. Like after 2-minutes of inactivity.

 

[Cofy]

ps: nice utility posted here, but I need something that is automatic. Like after 2-minutes of inactivity.

Works on W7 too. Power dimmer