PowerToys will finally fix Windows 11’s multi-monitor headache — better brightness controls are on the way

One of the best apps on Windows 11 is about to get even better. PowerToys, a collection of free utilities that enhance the Windows 11 experience, will soon add a feature called "PowerDisplay." The feature will allow you to control the brightness and other settings of multiple monitors through a shortcut accessed via the system tray.

Niels Laute, a program manager at Microsoft, teased PowerDisplay on X.

PowerDisplay is still in its early stages. The GitHub page for the utility notes that the original user interface is generated by AI, though it has since been overhauled. The utility's code also needs to be reviewed and bugs need to be squashed.

Laute shared on X that the current plan is for PowerDisplay to ship in January, but that's not set in stone. He also discussed the fact that several other apps exist with similar functionality, such as DisplayBuddy and Twinkle Tray.

While there are other apps that make it easy to manage the settings of multiple monitors, Windows 11 struggles in the same area.

PowerToys | Free at GitHub | Free at Microsoft Store

This collection of utilities includes a large library of features to enhance the Windows experience. PowerToys is designed with power users in mind, but it has handy features for people who just use their PC for everyday computing too.

View Deal

Inspiring Windows 11

PowerToys is a lovely standalone app that's easy to recommend to both casual and power users. It also serves as a bit of a testing ground for features and ideas on Windows 11.

As PowerToys expands and its features are refined, some of its concepts trickle into Microsoft's operating system. For example, PowerToys has a windows manager utility called FancyZones. Improved snapping on Windows 11 takes cues from FancyZones, though the functionality is simplified on Windows.

I'd love to see PowerDisplay follow a similar trajectory, resulting in the fine-tune controls and power options remaining exclusive to the PowerToys utility but Windows 11 gleaning some of the best bits.

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• All our TOP recommened Black Friday deals: Just the best
• mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
  
  Even more Black Friday deals:
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!