Twinkle Tray
Twinkle Tray for Windows
Twinkle Tray is a free, open-source Windows application that adds brightness sliders to the system tray, including sliders for external monitors that Windows itself does not control.
It is an independent project with its own developer and its own website. It is not the same product as the Microsoft Store brightness control app we also cover, and this site is not affiliated with either.
Windows brightness control software
Brightness app
Brightness Control
A Windows brightness control application with a simple slider interface for every connected display.
- Brightness control for Windows displays
- Simple, slider-based interface
- Fast, direct download straight from this site
- Suits managed or policy-restricted PCs
- One-click install, clean uninstall
Independent application
Twinkle Tray
A separate application with per-monitor brightness sliders in the system tray.
- Brightness slider for each detected display
- External monitor control over DDC/CI where supported
- Multiple-monitor support in one panel
- Convenient system tray workflow
- Free and open source
These are two separate applications. Both download directly from this site.
What Twinkle Tray does
- Adds a tray panel with a brightness slider for each detected display.
- Controls external monitors through DDC/CI where the monitor supports it.
- Handles the laptop's internal panel alongside external screens.
- Supports keyboard shortcuts for raising and lowering brightness.
- Runs quietly in the background, out of the way until you need it.
Windows compatibility
Twinkle Tray targets modern Windows desktops. See Twinkle Tray on Windows 11 and Twinkle Tray on Windows 10 for version-specific notes. Always check the official site for the exact supported builds before installing.
External and multiple monitors
This is where Twinkle Tray is most useful. A desk with two or three monitors normally means reaching behind each screen to press buttons. Twinkle Tray puts every display in one panel so you can match them in seconds. Background reading: external monitor brightness and multiple monitor brightness.
Whether a specific monitor responds depends on that monitor's firmware and how it is connected, not on the application.
The system tray workflow
Click the tray icon, the panel opens next to the clock, drag a slider, click away. There is no window to manage and no settings dialog to open for everyday use, which is why many people leave it installed permanently.
Downloading Twinkle Tray
Our Twinkle Tray download page explains the options and starts the download directly from this site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Twinkle Tray free?
Yes. It is a free, open-source project. Check the official website for current licensing and donation details.
Is Twinkle Tray the same as the Microsoft Store brightness control app?
No. They are separate applications from different developers. The comparison page explains how they differ.
Will Twinkle Tray work with my monitor?
If your monitor supports DDC/CI and is connected directly, it very likely will. Monitors with the feature disabled, or connected through some adapters and docks, may not respond.
Does Twinkle Tray replace my laptop brightness keys?
No, they keep working. Twinkle Tray adds a slider and optional shortcuts, and extends control to external displays.