Microsoft is testing a feature to automatically adjust screen brightness in Windows 11 for light or dark elements on the screen.

The adjustable brightness sharpness is not new, it is in every smartphone and helps you to read your screen in the dark and in the light. Thanks to a light sensor, the device knows whether to increase or decrease the screen brightness. Some high-end laptops and monitors already support it today and implement their own system.

Microsoft doesn’t want to bundle these sensors into one general settings menu in Windows 11. At least not today. As a first test within Windows 11 Build 23424, Windows Insiders (beta testers) can test a feature that automatically dims the screen when there are dark things on the screen (e.g. in “dark mode”). A first cautious step in the right direction.

Every Windows 11 version gets the feature for testing, including desktop PCs. While you won’t gain battery life there like you would with a laptop, lower consumption is always a good thing.

If you work as a beta tester and are tired of the constant adjustments to the brightness, you can disable the function. You can also enable adjustable screen brightness only when you’re working on your laptop’s battery.

This development, combined with a light sensor in all future laptops, can significantly increase battery life. Because the feature is rolling out to Windows Insiders first, Microsoft is collecting feedback before all Windows 11 users can start using the feature.