Windows 11 brings salvation for tired eyes: An advanced feature for screen tinting is coming

An improved version of the night light

Portal TechRadar reported a post by user PhantomOfEarth on the X social network, who discovered a new feature called “Screen Tint” in a recent test version of Windows 11. It is located within the accessibility settings, and is essentially a more advanced version of the existing night light.

It offers six preset modes of operation, each designed to solve specific problems. The “calming amber” color is the most similar to existing night light and helps with eye strain during long-term work. The “pink” shade is intended to reduce migraine triggers, while the “light” shade alleviates discomfort when reading text.

On the cooler side of the spectrum, “cool blue” fights glare sensitivity, and “soft green” provides relief from photophobia, or light sensitivity. The last, “natural gray” shade, is intended for those who are bothered by the sharp contrast of the standard black and white display in Windows 11. In addition to these options, users can also choose their own color and adjust its intensity with the help of a slider.

A hidden feature that is not ready yet

It should be noted that this feature is not even in the official testing phase yet. Riverč is about a hidden feature that enthusiasts made possible by exploring the system code. This means that there is a possibility that Microsoft will abandon it or that the final version will be different from what we see now.

Those who have managed to try “Screen Tint” report that it still does not work properly. Sometimes it causes the screen to flicker or the colors are misapplied, but that’s to be expected for a feature that wasn’t introduced by accident. However, it seems likely that Microsoft will introduce it to testing, given that the company has been putting a lot of emphasis on accessibility since the release of Windows 11.

Adaptability as a key asset

Professional opinions on software solutions like blue light filters are divided. The American Academy of Ophthalmology claims that there is no scientific evidence that blue light from screens damages the eyes. They emphasize that the symptoms of eye strain are mainly the result of the way we use digital devices, not the light itself. On the other hand, there is evidence of the effectiveness of certain shades, such as the pink FL-41 filter, which has been shown to be useful in reducing the frequency of migraines.

Regardless of the debates, many users subjectively feel relief from using warmer tones, and it seems that the new feature will be well received. This move fits into Microsoft’s strategy of providing more choice and control to users. Although technology is useful, it should not be a substitute for healthy habits. It is recommended to avoid looking at the screen for too long and to practice the 20-20-20 rule: look at an object 20 feet (about six meters) away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.