This new display app for Windows 11 is the most important app ever
Why hasn’t Microsoft made this app themselves?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Every once in a while, I come across a Windows 11 app that makes me ask why Microsoft hasn’t baked the same functionality right into the OS. The best example of this isEarTrumpet, an audio app that’s vastly superior to Microsoft’s own offering. Today, Twitter us@kid_jeniusflagged another must-have app. DisplayBuddy allows you control the brightness of external monitors without having to use hardware buttons.
The concept is so straightforward that I was surprised it isn’t built into Windows 11 directly. But with thebest monitorssupporting a variety of connection types, such as DisplayPort, USB-C, and HDMI, adjusting brightness can get a bit tricky. The fact that DisplayBuddy recently added support for LG Ultrafine displays is evidence of that. If it was easy to do, a developer wouldn’t need to add support for specific brands and monitor families.
Using the app is simple. Once you install it and go through a brief setup process, you can access the app through the system tray. Clicking on the Display Buddy icon brings up an interface full of sliders for your various displays.
The makers of the app state that it has been tested on monitors from LG, Dell, Acer, BenQ, and other brands. DisplayBuddy worked well with my Dell monitor in my brief testing, but I can’t say how it will do with other monitors from first-hand experience.
DisplayBuddy is available through the Microsoft Store for $6.99, but you can also try it for free as part of a trial to ensure compatibility with your displays.
DisplayBuddy | $6.99
This app allows you to control the brightness of your external monitors through the system tray rather than having to use hardware buttons. It can also control the volume of your connected speakers.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
