Brightness Keys i.e. f2 and f3 not working

[JamesNel1]

Can not adjust screen brightness using the f2 and f3 keys.  The system display only shows volume control and no brightness slider.  The keys used t work, but no longer work for some reason.

[Raj_05]

Hi @JamesNel1,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

The issue with the F2 and F3 keys not adjusting screen brightness and the missing brightness slider in your HP Pavilion Aero 13.3-inch laptop may be due to software or driver-related issues. Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve this problem.

Check for Windows Updates

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for Updates and install any pending updates.
3. Restart your laptop after updating.

Reinstall or Update Graphics Drivers

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Update Display Adapter Driver:
   • Expand Display adapters.
   • Right-click on your graphics card (e.g., AMD, Intel) and choose Update driver.
   • Select Search automatically for drivers.
3. Reinstall the Driver (if needed):
   • Right-click on the display adapter and select Uninstall device.
   • Restart your laptop, and Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
4. Alternatively, download the latest driver from the HP Support website or the manufacturer's website (e.g., AMD or Intel).

Re-enable Generic PnP Monitor

1. In Device Manager:
   • Expand Monitors.
   • Right-click on Generic PnP Monitor and ensure it is enabled.
2. If it is disabled, select Enable device.

Restore Hotkey Functionality

1. Install/Update HP Hotkey Support:
   • Visit the HP Support website.
   • Search for your laptop model and download the latest Hotkey Support Software or any relevant keyboard driver updates.
2. Restart your laptop after installation.

Reset Power Plan Settings

1. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
2. Click Change plan settings for your selected power plan.
3. Choose Restore default settings for this plan and confirm.

Check for BIOS Updates

1. Access HP Support and search for BIOS updates for your laptop model.
2. Follow the instructions to update the BIOS (ensure your laptop is connected to power during this process).

Verify Windows Display Settings

1. Go to Settings > System > Display.
2. Ensure the Brightness slider is visible. If not:
   • Check if your display driver needs updating (refer to Step 2).
   • If you are using external monitors, ensure they support brightness adjustments.

[Raj_05]

Test Brightness Adjustment in Safe Mode

1. Restart your laptop in Safe Mode:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and go to the Boot tab. Check Safe boot and restart.
2. Test the brightness keys in Safe Mode. If they work, the issue could be caused by third-party software. Consider uninstalling any recently added apps.

If the Issue Persists

1. Perform a System Restore to a point when the brightness keys worked.
   • Go to Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support