Official Turn Off the Lights Blog

The popular screen dimming app for Windows, Turn Off the Lights for Desktop, just got a major upgrade with version 1.9.0.0. This powerful tool that helps users reduce screen glare and improve focus is now more intelligent, secure, and customizable than ever. Whether you are binge-watching shows, working late at night, or just trying to reduce eye strain, the new version brings a host of features that make it even better suited for modern Windows 11 users.

Smarter Application Detection

One of the standout improvements in this update is the smarter application detection system. With the Application Focus feature enabled, the experience is now much more intuitive. If you have ever had multiple apps open and tried to use Turn Off the Lights, you might have encountered an issue where the dark layer obscured a window you wanted to keep on top. That is now a thing of the past.

With version 1.9.0.0, the app intelligently detects when a window appears on top of the dark layer — for example, when you are running multiple instances of Microsoft Edge. Now, it ensures that your selected window remains fully visible and accessible. This small tweak massively improves multitasking and usability, especially for power users who rely on several open applications simultaneously.

Windows 11 Widget Support: New Layout

Windows 11 users, rejoice! The new version brings updated support for the newer layouts of Windows 11 widgets. No matter how your widgets are arranged, the Turn Off the Lights Color Palette widget can be added to your widgets panel.

This makes the widget feel like a native part of the operating system, aligning with Microsoft’s sleek and responsive UI philosophy in Windows 11.

Customizable Shortcuts

Another great addition is the ability to enable or disable keyboard shortcuts. While keyboard shortcuts are great for quick access, not everyone needs them — especially if you are already using a lot of hotkeys in your workflow.

With this new version, you can customize how Turn Off the Lights works for you. Want the app to activate only from the system tray? Go ahead and turn off shortcuts. Prefer fast toggling with a simple keystroke? Keep them on. This kind of user-centric customization is exactly what sets Turn Off the Lights apart from other utilities.

Windows Hello Integration

Security and convenience come together in this release with Windows Hello integration. Now, when the screen dimmer is active, you can use facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or a pincode to disable it.

This is particularly useful in shared environments or in public settings, where the dimmer might be used as a subtle privacy layer. With Windows Hello, only you can lift that layer — making it a seamless experience that blends security with comfort.

Expanded Language Support

And finally, version 1.9.0.0 brings broader accessibility with new translations added for Brazilian Portuguese (br), Czech (cs), Hungarian (hu), Slovak (sk), Slovenian (sl), Lithuanian (lt), Latvian (lv), and Estonian (et). This makes the app more welcoming for international users who prefer using software in their native language.

Whether you are a long-time user or new to Turn Off the Lights for Desktop, this update delivers meaningful enhancements that make your desktop experience smoother, more secure, and more intuitive.

Wrapping Up

Turn Off the Lights for Desktop has always been a fan-favorite for those seeking a more focused, cinematic, or relaxed desktop experience. With version 1.9.0.0, it is not just about dimming your screen—it is about smarter control, greater accessibility, and better integration with the modern Windows ecosystem.

Whether you are using it to enhance movie nights, reduce eye strain, or just make your desktop look cleaner, this update makes the app feel like a natural extension of Windows. With thoughtful new features like Windows Hello integration and expanded language support, Turn Off the Lights for Desktop continues to evolve into one of the most refined productivity tools available for Windows users today.

​The Turn Off the Lights for Desktop Mac app has long been a favorite among users seeking to reduce eye strain and enhance focus by dimming their screens. With its latest update, the app introduces two significant features: Touch ID Integration and Apple Focus Filter Support. These enhancements aim to provide a more seamless and personalized user experience.​

Touch ID Integration: Unlocking Convenience

Previously, when the screen dimmer was enabled, users had to input a custom PIN code to remove the dimmed layer and return to their regular screen brightness. While this method ensured security, it could interrupt workflow, especially for those who frequently toggled the dimmer. Recognizing the need for a more fluid experience, the latest Turn Off the Lights for Desktop Mac app update introduces Touch ID integration.​

With this feature, users can now simply place their finger on the Touch ID sensor to instantly remove the dimmed layer. This biometric authentication method not only speeds up the process but also maintains the security that users expect. By leveraging the built-in Touch ID sensor on compatible Mac devices, the app ensures that only authorized users can disable the screen dark layer, adding a layer of personalized security.​

Apple Focus Filter Support: Tailored Dimming for Every Situation

Apple’s Focus mode allows users to customize notifications and app behavior based on their current activity, such as working, personal time, or sleeping. Building upon this functionality, Turn Off the Lights for Desktop now supports Apple Focus Filters, enabling users to automate screen dimming based on their selected Focus mode.​

For instance, during “Do Not Disturb” or “Work” Focus modes, the app can automatically dim the screen, creating a subdued environment that minimizes distractions and promotes concentration. Once the Focus mode is switched back to “Personal” or another setting, the app can revert to the previous brightness levels, ensuring a consistent and comfortable viewing experience throughout the day.​

This integration allows for a harmonious workflow, aligning screen brightness with the user’s current needs and preferences. By syncing with Apple’s Focus modes, the app offers a dynamic approach to screen dimming, adapting to various scenarios without manual intervention.​

Conclusion

The latest enhancements to the Turn Off the Lights for Desktop Mac app demonstrate a commitment to user-centric design and functionality. By integrating Touch ID, the app offers swift and secure control over screen dimming. The support for Apple Focus Filters further personalizes the experience, allowing the app to adapt to the user’s current context seamlessly. These features collectively contribute to a more intuitive and efficient workflow, underscoring the app’s dedication to enhancing user comfort and productivity.

Last month, we witnessed the release of the highly anticipated Turn Off the Lights for Desktop app for Mac users — and it is a game-changer! The app, completely written in SwiftUI, features a modern user interface. We have now published helpful YouTube tutorials to guide you through some of the app’s most useful functions and show you how to enable certain features. If you are looking to enhance your workflow and get the most out of this nifty tool, be sure to check out these YouTube tutorials.

Let us dive into the key YouTube tutorials that are now available for you to explore!

Turn Off the Lights for Desktop Mac YouTube Tutorials

Explore our YouTube tutorials for step-by-step guides on using Turn Off the Lights for Desktop. Learn how to enable key features and make the most of this powerful tool!

1. How to Focus an App?

Sometimes, the sheer number of apps and windows on your desktop can be overwhelming. The first tutorial in the series teaches you how to focus on a specific app. This feature is perfect for those who want to eliminate distractions and zone in on the task at hand. By dimming everything else on your screen except for the app you are using, you can ensure that nothing pulls your attention away.

The tutorial walks you through how to easily select and focus on the app of your choice. Whether you are working on a project, editing documents, or even just reading, this feature helps you block out the clutter so you can be fully present in your work.

2. How to Change the Opacity and Color of the Screen Dimmer?

One of the standout features of Turn Off the Lights for Desktop is the ability to customize the screen dimmer. With this feature, you can adjust the opacity and color of the dimmer to suit your environment. In the second tutorial, you will learn exactly how to modify these settings.

This is ideal for users who prefer a more subtle or visually calming background. Maybe you are working late into the night, and the standard dimming is too harsh — adjust the opacity to a level that feels comfortable to your eyes. Want to give your workspace a little flair? You can even change the dimmer’s color to something that matches your aesthetic or helps reduce eye strain.

3. How to Enable the Spotlight That Follows Your Mouse Cursor?

A fun and highly practical feature in Turn Off the Lights for Desktop is the Spotlight. This tool follows your mouse cursor, highlighting the area where you are currently focused. It is perfect for presentations, drawing, or any task where you want to draw attention to a particular part of your screen.

The third tutorial walks you through how to activate and customize this feature. You can adjust the spotlight’s type from a circle to a rectangle size, ensuring it matches your specific needs. Whether you are giving a virtual lecture or working on a project, the spotlight feature will make it easier to highlight your focus area, ensuring that no one misses what you’re doing.

4. How to Use the Mac Shortcuts App?

For users who love efficiency, the Mac Shortcuts app is a must-have tool. In this tutorial, you will learn how to integrate Turn Off the Lights for Desktop with the Shortcuts app. By doing so, you can automate various functions like dimming the screen, adjusting the opacity, or changing the color — all with a simple shortcut command.

The tutorial explains how to create custom shortcuts that suit your workflow, making it even easier to activate your preferred settings without having to manually adjust them each time. If you are someone who loves using shortcuts to speed up your tasks, this tutorial is a must-watch!

5. How to Add a Widget?

Lastly, the fifth tutorial covers how to add a widget for Turn Off the Lights for Desktop to your Mac’s notification center. By adding this widget, you can quickly toggle your screen dimmer or instantly change the opacity value.

This quick access method is a game-changer for those who want seamless control over their desktop without interrupting their flow. The tutorial walks you through the simple steps to add and customize the widget so it fits perfectly within your daily routine.

Final Thoughts

The release of Turn Off the Lights for Desktop has opened up a world of possibilities for Mac users, offering a way to reduce distractions, improve focus, and create a more immersive workspace. With these brand-new YouTube tutorials, the app’s full potential is now at your fingertips.

So, whether you are new to the app or a seasoned user looking to master its advanced features, these YouTube tutorials will guide you every step of the way. Head over to the official YouTube channel to get started today — your ideal, distraction-free workspace awaits!