Scott Hanselman Releases Free Lighting Tool Ahead of Apple’s macOS Update

Apple recently began testing a new macOS feature called Edge Light, which turns the perimeter of a Mac’s display into a soft ring light to improve lighting during video calls. Before this feature even reaches Apple users, Microsoft Vice President Scott Hanselman has already developed and released a free Windows app that replicates the concept. Called Windows Edge Light, the app wraps the screen in a bright, adjustable border that mimics the flattering glow of a ring light—enhancing webcam visuals without the need for external hardware.
Hanselman announced the app on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a GitHub link where users can download the lightweight utility. Built using WPF and .NET 10, the app includes features like shortcut keys, a tray icon, and click-through transparency. It’s designed to be simple, effective, and open-source—allowing users to tweak or contribute to its development.
The timing of this release is notable. Apple’s Edge Light is still in beta and limited to internal testing, while Windows users can already benefit from a similar experience. The app has gained traction among remote workers, streamers, and video call enthusiasts who often struggle with poor lighting conditions. By turning the monitor itself into a light source, it solves a common problem without cluttering the workspace.
Hanselman’s move also reflects a broader trend in tech: rapid cross-platform innovation driven by individual developers. While Apple’s version may eventually offer deeper system integration, the Windows Edge Light app demonstrates how open-source tools can quickly fill gaps and respond to user needs.
There’s speculation that Microsoft might officially adopt the feature into its PowerToys suite, a collection of utilities for Windows power users. For now, the app remains a standalone download, but its popularity could influence future updates to Windows 11’s native video call enhancements.