According to a recent review from TechRadar, Microsoft’s PowerToys suite has introduced Power Display, a smart utility designed to simplify monitor adjustments directly from Windows 11. This latest addition enhances the suite’s already robust toolkit, providing users with more direct control over their display settings without navigating complex monitor menus.
- Directly control monitor settings from Windows taskbar
- Supports multiple displays with customizable profiles
- Requires monitor support for DDC/CI for full functionality
Product angle
The TechRadar review highlights Power Display as a newly introduced feature within Microsoft’s open-source PowerToys suite, which adds useful utilities to Windows 10 and 11. Power Display is designed to allow users to adjust key monitor settings such as brightness, contrast, and color temperature via an intuitive slider interface directly on the Windows desktop. This eliminates the need to use often cumbersome on-screen display menus on monitors themselves.
Additionally, Power Display integrates with another PowerToys feature called Light Switch, enabling users to link monitor profiles to Windows themes that shift between light and dark modes automatically. While the utility is still in beta (preview) status, the approach of direct communication with monitor hardware using DDC/CI (Display Data Channel Command Interface) ensures genuine adjustments rather than software filters.
Best for / avoid if
Power Display is best suited for users running Windows 11 or 10 who want simpler, faster access to monitor controls without physical interaction with buttons or separate software. It particularly benefits setups with multiple external monitors by allowing easy management of varied profiles and settings. Power users or anyone comfortable customizing Windows utilities will gain the most value from the flexibility and integrations offered.
However, the utility should be avoided or approached cautiously by users with integrated laptop displays, as these typically lack the necessary DDC/CI support. In such cases, Power Display provides limited functionality, mainly just a brightness slider. It may also prove less practical if users rely on monitors that do not support or have disabled DDC/CI, requiring manual enabling or resulting in reduced feature access.
Pricing and alternatives to check
PowerToys, including the Power Display utility, is offered as a free open-source software suite provided by Microsoft. It can be downloaded and updated via official channels without cost, making it a cost-effective add-on for Windows users seeking enhanced system utilities. As Power Display remains in preview, users should anticipate ongoing updates and improvements as Microsoft develops the feature further.
Alternatives to Power Display include third-party monitor control programs and hardware-based solutions, though many lack the seamless Windows integration PowerToys provides. Some users may also explore settings available directly through graphics card control panels or manufacturer software. However, few offer the combined ease of use, integration with Windows themes, and official Microsoft support found in Power Display.