Many users experience inconvenience when trying to adjust brightness or contrast settings on external monitors. Although Windows 11 has long been positioned as a modern operating system, basic screen management features have remained outside its scope until now. Typically, users had to rely on physical buttons on the monitor or install additional manufacturer software, which often worked unreliably or did not support all models. Now, the situation is changing: Microsoft is introducing a tool in Windows 11 that will allow users to control the main features of external displays directly from the system.
The new feature is expected to debut as part of PowerToys, a popular suite of advanced utilities for Windows. The module, called Power Monitor, will enable users to adjust brightness, contrast, color temperature, and even the volume of built-in monitor speakers. All of these options will be accessible through a single interface, without the need to install third-party drivers or applications. Users will be able to quickly change settings using simple sliders, avoiding complex menus or awkward buttons.
For those who use multiple screens, this new feature will be especially relevant. Now there’s no need to spend time manually configuring each monitor — all settings will be accessible in a single window. According to preliminary images, the interface will display the connected device model and offer individual controls for each screen. This approach aligns with Microsoft’s overall trend of simplifying and centralizing user settings.
Streamlining everyday tasks
Until now, changing display profiles or adjusting brightness required patience and finesse. Many manufacturers offered their own utilities, but those were often incompatible with certain setups or worked unreliably. The new Power Monitor tool promises to solve these issues by providing a universal solution for all Windows 11 users.
Switching between work and gaming modes, configuring your screen for watching movies, or working with graphics — all of this can now be done with just a couple of clicks. Users will be able to create different profiles and quickly switch between them, without having to physically adjust the monitor. This is especially convenient for those who frequently change how they use their computer throughout the day.
The ability to centrally manage screens will also make working with multiple monitors more convenient. You’ll no longer need to memorize button layouts for each device or search for compatible software. All essential tools will be directly available within the system.
Power Monitor features and future potential
Currently, the feature is under development and testing. It is expected to roll out first to Windows Insider program participants, and later become available to the general public in one of the upcoming PowerToys updates. Developers do not rule out the possibility that Power Monitor will gain additional features in the future, such as user profile support or advanced image calibration tools.
The introduction of such a tool could significantly change how users work with external monitors. Users will have more control over image settings and be able to adapt their workspace more quickly to suit their tasks. This is especially important for professionals working with graphics, video, or gaming, where precise screen adjustment is crucial.
The rollout of Power Monitor is an example of how seemingly small improvements can significantly enhance system usability. These changes rarely make headlines, but they shape a positive user experience and make working on a computer much more enjoyable.
When to expect the new feature
The exact release date for Power Monitor has not been announced yet. As usual, Microsoft will first offer the new feature to members of the Insider Program for testing, allowing them to gather feedback and refine the interface. After that, the tool will be added to the stable version of PowerToys and become available to all Windows 11 users.
It is quite possible that during testing, the developers will add new options or expand the list of supported devices. In any case, the arrival of Power Monitor will mark a significant step forward for the Windows ecosystem and will make life easier for those who work with multiple monitors every day.
Users have already expressed interest in the new feature, noting that such a solution is long overdue. Now, all that remains is to wait for the official release and see how convenient and effective the new tool will be in real-world use.
By the way: what is PowerToys and why does it matter?
PowerToys is a set of additional tools for Windows that first appeared back in the Windows 95 era. Originally, these utilities were created for advanced users to expand the system’s standard features and make routine tasks easier. Over time, the project was abandoned, but in 2019 Microsoft revived PowerToys for Windows 10, and later for Windows 11.
Today, PowerToys offers dozens of useful features, from advanced search and window management to tools for working with images and text. The program is free to use and regularly updated with new modules and enhancements. The user community plays an active role in the project’s development, suggesting ideas and testing new features.
The introduction of Power Monitor marks another step forward for PowerToys, highlighting Microsoft’s commitment to making Windows as convenient and functional as possible for all user categories. Thanks to its open architecture, developers can quickly respond to user feedback and implement in-demand features. This makes PowerToys one of the most popular and rapidly evolving projects in the Windows ecosystem.
