Using your laptop or PC late at night can strain your eyes and even affect your sleep. Windows 10's Night Light feature helps by reducing blue light and warming up your screen colors in the evening.
In this guide, we'll explain what Night Light is, how it works, its benefits, and how to set it up for a more comfortable screen experience at night.
What Is Night Light in Windows 10?
Night Light is a feature in Windows 10 that changes the color of your screen in the evening to make it easier on your eyes. Instead of the usual cool, bright tones, it adds a warm tint that feels softer, especially when you're working or browsing in a dim room.
The idea behind it is simple: screens give off blue light, which can trick your brain into thinking it's still daytime. That can make it harder to wind down and fall asleep. Night Light helps by reducing that blue light and giving your screen a more natural, relaxing tone in the evening.
It's not a flashy feature, but once you start using it, it's one of those little things you might not want to go without—especially if you often use your computer at night.
How Night Light Works on Laptops and PCs
Night Light is built right into Windows 10, and it works the same way whether you're using a laptop or a desktop. Once it's turned on, it gradually changes your screen's color temperature—making it look warmer as the day winds down.
You can set it to turn on automatically at sunset or choose specific times that fit your schedule. If you're using a laptop in bed or working late on a desktop, Night Light adjusts in the background without interrupting what you're doing. The transition is gentle and easy on the eyes.
Even though it's a small change visually, it can make a big difference in how your screen feels at night—less glaring, more comfortable, and less likely to keep your mind alert when you should be relaxing.
Benefits of Using Night Light
Night Light isn't just a visual tweak—it's designed to make screen time at night a little healthier and more comfortable. Here are a few ways it can help:
1. Easier on the Eyes
Staring at a bright screen in a dark room can quickly lead to
eye strain. Night Light softens the brightness with warmer
tones, which can reduce that uncomfortable, dry-eye feeling
after a long evening at the computer.
2. May Support Better Sleep
Blue light can interfere
with your body's natural sleep rhythm by signaling that it's
still daytime. By reducing blue light exposure in the evening,
Night Light may help you fall asleep more easily once you step
away from your screen.
3. More Comfortable for Late-Night Work or Browsing
Whether you're answering emails, reading articles, or
streaming a show before bed, the warmer display tones just
feel more relaxing. It's a subtle change, but over time, it
can make those nighttime sessions a little less harsh.
4. Set It and Forget It
Once you've set your preferred schedule and color temperature,
Night Light runs in the background. There's no need to think
about it—it just works when you need it.
When Night Light Might Not Be Ideal
While Night Light is helpful for most people, there are a few situations where it might not be the best fit.
Color accuracy matters – If you do work that relies on accurate color—like photo editing, graphic design, or video production—Night Light can throw off how things look. The warmer tones might make colors appear slightly off, which can be frustrating during detailed projects. In those cases, it's easy enough to turn it off temporarily and switch it back on when you're done.
Takes a little getting used to – At first, the shift in screen color might seem a bit strange, especially if you're used to the bright, cool display you see during the day. Most people adjust quickly, but if you switch between devices that don't have a similar feature, it can feel inconsistent.
Overall, these are minor trade-offs, and for everyday use—like browsing, reading, or working at night—Night Light tends to be a welcome improvement.
How to Turn On and Customize Night Light in Windows 10
Getting started with Night Light is easy, and once it's set up, you won't have to think about it again. Here's how to turn it on and make it work for your routine:
-
Open Settings
Click the Start menu, then select the gear icon to open the Settings window. -
Go to Display Settings
Inside Settings, click System , then choose Display from the side menu. -
Enable Night Light
Under the Brightness and Color section, you'll see a switch labeled Night Light . Turn it on to activate the feature right away. -
Adjust the Schedule and Color Temperature
Click on Night Light settings (just below the switch) to:-
Set a schedule—like sunset to sunrise or custom times.
-
Adjust how warm the screen looks when Night Light is on.
-
You can test it immediately and tweak the color warmth until it feels right for you. Once it's set, Windows will take care of the rest.
Should You Use Night Light?
Night Light might not seem like a big deal at first, but if you often use your computer in the evening, it can make a real difference. By gently warming your screen's colors, it helps reduce eye strain and may even support better sleep—without needing any extra software or effort.
It's easy to turn on, simple to customize, and quietly does its job in the background. Whether you're working late, browsing before bed, or just want a screen that feels a little easier on the eyes, Night Light is one of those small features that's genuinely worth using.