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Display brightness is unstable after latest Windows 11 update on Surface Laptop 4

Nga Nguyen 0 Reputation points
2025-07-13T09:00:43.6466667+00:00

After updating to the latest version of Windows 11 (Version 23H2, Build [22631.5624]), the brightness control on my Surface Laptop 4 has become unusable.

  • At 99% brightness, the screen is extremely dim and hard to see.
  • At 100% brightness, the screen becomes overly bright and causes nausea and dizziness, making it very uncomfortable to use.

The transition between 99% and 100% is abrupt and unnatural.

This issue did not exist before the update, and it's affecting my ability to work or use the device for long periods.

I have already:

Disabled adaptive brightness and Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC)

  • Tried both updating and rolling back older update version (I just re-install my laptop)
  • Checked display and power settings
  • Used external tools to try to control brightness manually

Nothing has resolved the problem so far.

Please investigate and fix this issue as soon as possible. It’s clearly introduced by the recent update and is severely affecting user experience on Surface Laptop 4.

Surface | Surface Laptop | Display and screen
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  1. Jeric 1,685 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-07-14T16:07:11.28+00:00

    Hi Nga Nguyen,

     

    We understand you're experiencing an issue with screen brightness on your Surface Laptop 4, particularly where the display becomes excessively dim when set below 100%. This issue has been observed on devices using AMD graphics drivers and may be linked to recent updates.

    Recommended Steps to Resolve the Issue

    1.      Rollback AMD Graphics Driver

    ·         Open Device Manager.

    ·         Expand Display adapters and right-click on your AMD graphics device.

    ·         Select Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.

    ·         Choose a version prior to Adrenalin 23.9.2, such as 23.7.1, which has shown stable brightness behavior.

     

    2.      Uninstall AMD Adrenalin Software

    ·         Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.

    ·         Locate AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition and uninstall it.

    ·         Restart your device to apply changes.

     

    3.      Disable Adaptive Brightness

    ·         Navigate to Settings > System > Display > Brightness & color.

    ·         Turn off Change brightness automatically when lighting changes.

    ·         If available, disable Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC) in your UEFI firmware settings.

     

    4.      Use Microsoft Basic Display Adapter (Temporary Workaround)

    ·         In Device Manager, update the display driver manually and choose Microsoft Basic Display Adapter.

    Note: This may reduce graphics performance but restores basic brightness control.

     

    Additional Support

    If the issue persists, we recommend contacting Microsoft Surface Support or visiting a Microsoft Authorized Service Center for further diagnostics.

     

    We appreciate your patience and are committed to ensuring your Surface experience remains smooth and productive.

     

    Warm regards,

    Jeric.

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