How to get started setting up Windows 11 Dynamic Lighting
Yes, you can now control your RGB devices from within the Windows 11 settings, and here’s how.
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OnWindows 11, “Dynamic Lighting” is a feature available sinceversion 23H2that allows you to control LED-powered devices, such as mice, keyboards, and other illuminated accessories that connect to your computer.
Dynamic Lighting is a feature that Microsoft decided to create after noticing a growing number of proprietary solutions to manage RGB lighting. The idea was to use the openHID LampArraystandard that manufacturers can adopt on the devices to control the lighting through a single experience, removing the need for the end user to install a different application for every accessory.
Currently, the feature is limited to some devices, and it offers the ability to change the lighting brightness and effects, and you can even set it to match the system color accent. It’s also possible to control settings on a per-device basis or globally.
In thishow-to guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to start using Dynamic Lighting on your computer.
How to set up Dynamic Lighting on Windows 11
On Windows 11, to configure Dynamic Lighting, you first need to confirm the feature is enabled, and then you can proceed with the setup.
Enable Dynamic Lighting
To enable the lighting feature on your computer, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the feature will turn on, and the compatible accessories (mice, keyboard, etc.) should appear at the top of the page.
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Set up Dynamic Lighting
To set up the lighting feature, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the lighting effects will apply to the compatible devices.
The Breathing, Rainbow, Wave, and Wheel also include a slider to control the effect speed. The Rainbow, Wave, Wheel, and Gradient effects have an additional “direction” setting, while the Wheel and Gradient effects also allow you to pick multiple colors.
These settings will configure Dynamic Lighting globally for all devices. If you want to control the settings for a specific device, you have to click on the device at the top of the page.
Personally, I have different RGB lighting accessories, such as a mouse, keyboard, case, and motherboard, but apparently, none are compatible with this feature. So, if you can’t use this feature, don’t feel frustrated, as many users are experiencing the same. In the future, it’s expected that Microsoft will expand compatibility.
Dynamic Lighting compatibility
The only caveat using this feature is that it’s only compatible with devices that use the open HID LampArray standard, which only a few devices use nowadays.
Currently, Microsoft has several partners participating in the Dynamic Lighting feature, including Acer, Asus, HP, Logitech, Razer, SteelSeries, and Twinkly. Some of these companies are already implementing this technology, and others plan to bring the support later.
Compatible devices
In addition, some devices have some general support with Dynamic Lighting, meaning that these devices work with the feature, but they have not been validated, and you may come across issues.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
