Dim laptop screen through windows

[kookster]

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?

 

[gladson1976]

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.

 

[kookster]

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

 

[kookster]

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

 

[gladson1976]

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.

 

[kookster]

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.

 

[Sympatico]

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??

 

[kookster]

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

 

[TBVNZ]

Try Volumouse

 

[Sympatico]

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

plus one!!!

 

[kookster]

Try Volumouse

SPAM?

 

[Sympatico]

Try Volumouse

SPAM?

That'll work if your screen brightness is linked to your volume, a.k.a Disco lighting!!


(Disco?? DISCO?? Old Bugger!!)

 

[kookster]

Anyone have an idea how to hide a task on the taskbar?

 

[TBVNZ]

Hey smart guys with Volumouse I simply hold down my shift key and roll my mouse wheel to increase or decrease screen brightness. This program also allow you to adjust window transparency it's not just for volume. As far as SPAM goes I'm only sharing information on applications that work well for me. I'm not in the business of selling anyone's products. Just trying to be helpful. Take it, leave it or shove it!

 

[kookster]

but is it true screen dimming or is just putting up an overlay. As in is it turning down the back light? (thanks for the suggestion, I thought it was spam because thats all you said and it seemed audio based)

 

[TBVNZ]

It doesnt actually adjust the system screen brightness so I must assume it's an overlay, but it works quite well for me. Give it a try it only uses about 2000k in process memory. If you choose to try it it in options select more>type>on screen display(it looks better).

 

[Sympatico]

I thought it was spam because thats all you said and it seemed audio based)

Snap!

 

[kookster]

Ok so I have all my shortcuts set up and I have a program that cycles through them when ever i press a certain key combination. But I find that every now and then the brightness level is adjusted on some of my power settings without me changing it! Do you know how I could make it so this doesn't happen, make it like read only or something.