The small open source tool Twinkle Tray from developer Alexander “Xander” Frangos brings settings for adjusting the screen brightness of connected display devices to the Windows 11 and Windows 10 system tray. The free system tool offers extensive configuration options for professionals.
Brightness control via system tray
Editors became aware of the Twinkle Tray tool through a recommendation by community member “Dominicus1165” on the ComputerBase forum, and ComputerBase reader “o.Sleepwalker.o” has also been using the tool to control the brightness of the screen for a long time through the Windows system tray.
Twinkle Tray in the system tray and as an application (Image: Alexander “Xander” Frangos)
Through the display data channel / command interface (CDD/IC), which, in addition to querying monitor information, also controls the display device, i.e. settings that are otherwise only available through the on-screen display (OSD) of the monitor can be changed, Twinkle Tray enables the following functions:
Twinkle Tray feature set
It pairs seamlessly with Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Works with most DDC/CI enabled laptops and monitors.
Link hotkeys to adjust the brightness of specific or all screens.
Control DDC/CI features such as contrast, volume, and power status.
Supports brightness adjustments by time of day or when idle.
Supports command line arguments for custom scripts.
Normalize backlight on different monitors.
Localized for more than 20 languages.
Start with Windows.
The community recommendation is under the MIT license for open source and rich as Twinkle Tray: Brightness Slider meanwhile, also Microsoft Store in Windows 11 and Windows 10. The manufacturers themselves recommend downloading through the official repository of the project page on the GitHub development platform.
Twinkle tray in the system tray (Image: Alexander “Xander” Frangos)
In addition to DDC/CI, Twinkle Tray also uses WMI monitoring software to communicate with the connected image output device.
Designed for multi-monitor operation
The open source tool is also designed to work with various display devices, be it monitors or OLED TVs, and integrates seamlessly, unobtrusively, and consistently into the Windows 11 and Windows 10 system tray.
Twinkle Tray allows you to easily manage the brightness levels of multiple monitors. Although Windows 10 is capable of adjusting the backlight on most monitors, it does not normally support external monitors.
Windows also does not have the ability to manage the brightness of multiple monitors. This application inserts a new icon in the system tray, where you can click for instant access to the brightness levels of all supported monitors.
In addition to the recommendations of the community, the tool also receives good ratings and reviews in the Microsoft Store and an average of 4.5 out of 5 points from users.
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