FAQ
TL;DR: On a Dell Inspiron N5040, 1/1 reported case was fixed 100% by uninstalling TeamViewer; "The reason was the TeamViewer application." [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19461699]
Why it matters: This helps Dell Inspiron N5040 owners on Windows 10 quickly restore stuck brightness control when drivers look fine but software conflicts block changes.
Quick Facts
- Reported GPU driver at issue onset: Intel HD Graphics 8.15.10.2900. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17184627]
- Symptom began right after a Windows 10 (“dozen”) update. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17185413]
- Intel’s generic installer returned: “This system does not meet the minimum requirements.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17186044]
- Brightness keys worked only during the Dell logo at boot, not in Windows. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17188849]
- Final fix reported: uninstall TeamViewer; brightness control returned. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19461699]
What finally fixed the Inspiron N5040 brightness control issue in this thread?
Uninstall TeamViewer. The original poster removed TeamViewer, then brightness control immediately worked again. "The reason was the TeamViewer application." [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19461699]
Did a Windows 10 update trigger the brightness problem?
Yes. The issue appeared right after a Windows 10 update. The user then planned to try the latest manufacturer drivers. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17185413]
Why won’t Intel’s latest graphics driver install on this system?
The Intel installer showed: “This system does not meet the minimum requirements.” That message blocked installation of the latest graphics driver. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17186044]
Should I try Dell-provided graphics drivers first?
Yes. A Dell 5010 user fixed display behavior with drivers downloaded from Dell. That suggests trying OEM drivers on similar Dell models. [Elektroda, matixxx66, post #17185898]
Why did my screen switch from dim to very bright after a reboot and refuse to dim?
The thread starter reported this exact symptom after restarting the laptop. They could not dim the screen afterward. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17185102]
How can I tell if this is a hardware backlight issue instead of software?
Shine a lamp at the screen to look for a faint image when it seems dark. "Highlight the lamp on the side, see if you have the image..." If you see the desktop, image generation works and the darkness is from backlight level. [Elektroda, lisek, post #17184888]
I can change brightness only when the Dell logo appears. What does that mean?
In this case, brightness keys worked only during the Dell splash screen. After Windows loaded, brightness control stopped responding. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17188849]
Which exact model and motherboard platform were discussed?
Dell Inspiron N5040 on platform 48.4IP01.011 UMA MB 10263-1. [Elektroda, lisek, post #17184888]
How long did it take the OP to confirm the root cause?
Three years later, they confirmed the fix and cause. They wrote that removing TeamViewer solved it. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19461699]
How do I remove TeamViewer to restore brightness control?
Do this:
- Uninstall TeamViewer from the system.
- Restart Windows.
- Test Fn brightness keys and Windows Settings > System > Display. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19461699]
If drivers don’t resolve brightness control, what next?
Remove TeamViewer. That resolved the brightness lock in the reported case. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19461699]
Can rolling back or reinstalling the graphics driver help?
Yes, especially after a Windows 10 update. A contributor advised rolling back or reinstalling the driver. "Try to roll back the previous driver versions." [Elektroda, Matuzalem, post #17185182]
What graphics hardware and driver version were initially reported?
Intel HD Graphics with driver version 8.15.10.2900 on the affected system. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17184627]
x you write that dark, now that very bright ????????????
