Eye protection is essential! How to block blue light in Windows

Step-by-step how to block blue light in Windows 10 and Windows 11, with additional tips for using external programs.

Using a computer for long periods of time can easily cause eye fatigue, which can lead to vision loss or sleep disorders.

To prevent this problem, Windows has a built-in 'Night Light' feature that effectively reduces blue light.

This article will walk you through step-by-step how to block blue light in Windows 10 and Windows 11, with additional tips for using external programs. If you want to protect your eye health, be sure to check it out!

How to block blue light in Windows

What is blue light?

Blue light is a type of light with a short wavelength and high energy among visible light, and is mainly emitted from smartphones, computers, TVs, LED lights, etc. Although it is also included in natural light, it is artificially used a lot in digital devices to make the screen look clearer and brighter. 

The problem is that this blue light can directly hit the retina of the eye, reducing vision, or suppressing the secretion of melatonin, a sleep hormone, thereby reducing the quality of sleep. In particular, when exposed to blue light at night, the brain perceives it as 'daytime', making it difficult to fall asleep, and can cause chronic fatigue or dry eyes.

Therefore, to protect your eye health in a digital environment, it is important to actively utilize the blue light blocking function.

What is Night Light? (or Dark Mode)

'Night mode' is a basic vision protection function provided by Windows, which reduces the amount of blue light emitted from the screen. Blue light is a wavelength of light that induces daytime activity, and if it is exposed to too much at night, it can suppress melatonin production and interfere with sleep. 

Windows' night mode adjusts the color temperature to warm, reducing eye fatigue and providing a more comfortable environment for users who look at the screen for long periods of time. It is a similar function to 'Eye Protection Mode' on smartphones, and its advantage is that it can be easily set up without installing a separate app.

How to set Windows 10/11 night mode

1. Open Settings Start → Settings or Win + I 
2. Go to System > Display and find the ‘Night Mode’ item.
3. Change the night mode activation switch to 'On' to change the screen color.
4. Set the detailed settings reservation time and adjust the color temperature slider

Windows > Settings > System > Display > Night light

Advanced blue light blocking using external programs

• f.lux ( https://justgetflux.com/ )
• Free, location-based automatic setup
  

  

  f.lux

  
  

• Iris ( https://iristech.co/ )
• Eye Health Professional Program
• More fine tuning possible
  

  

  Iris

  
  
  
  

Because eye fatigue accumulates, it is important to prevent it in advance in your daily life.

Windows' 'Night Mode' can be a great help in protecting your eyesight even with just a few simple settings, and it can be even more effective when combined with an external tool like f.lux.

Check your settings now and take the first step towards protecting your eye health and vision!