How to Enable a Backlit Keyboard on Any Laptop

Backlit keyboards have become a staple feature in modern laptops, offering not just aesthetic appeal but also practical benefits for users who work or play in low-light environments. Whether you’re gaming, typing in the dark, or simply enjoying the ambiance, a backlit keyboard can enhance your experience. This guide will walk you through enabling backlit keyboards on various laptop brands, adjusting settings, troubleshooting issues, and customising lighting options

Benefits of Backlit Keyboards

Backlit keyboards illuminate the keys from beneath, making them visible in dimly lit environments. Here are some benefits:

• Reduced Eye Strain: The gentle glow reduces eye strain in low-light settings, making it easier to focus on tasks without additional lighting.
• Enhanced Productivity: For editors and gamers, backlighting helps quickly locate keys and use shortcuts efficiently.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Backlit keyboards add a modern, sleek look to your workspace.

Common Keyboard Shortcuts

Different laptop brands have unique shortcuts to enable or adjust the backlight. Here are some common methods:

• Dell: Look for the backlight icon on keys like F5, F6, F7, or F10. Press the Fn key along with this key to toggle the backlight.
• HP: Typically uses the F5 key with the Fn button. Some models may use F9 or F11.
• Lenovo: Often uses the Fn + Spacebar combination to cycle through brightness levels.

Settings Adjustment

Enabling Backlight through System Settings or BIOS

If keyboard shortcuts don’t work, you might need to enable the backlight through system settings or BIOS:

1. System Settings:
   • Open your laptop’s control panel and navigate to hardware settings.
   • Look for keyboard settings and adjust the backlight options if available.
2. BIOS Setup:
   • Restart your laptop and press the BIOS access key (often F2 or Delete) during boot.
   • Navigate to “System Configuration” and find “Keyboard Illumination” settings.
   • Enable the backlight and set preferences for brightness and timeout1.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your keyboard backlight isn’t working:

• Check Hardware Compatibility: Ensure your laptop model supports a backlit keyboard.
• Update Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause functionality issues. Update them via Device Manager8.
• BIOS Update: Sometimes updating BIOS can resolve backlight issues if it’s a known bug.
• Hardware Issues: Inspect for any physical damage that might affect the keyboard8.

How to fix  common issues with backlit keyboards 

Software Glitches

Software issues are a frequent cause of backlit keyboard problems. The software controlling the keyboard illumination may encounter errors or glitches, leading to malfunctioning backlights.

Solution:

• Restart your device to reset any temporary software issues.
• Check for software updates for your device, as these can often resolve bugs affecting keyboard functionality.

Hardware Faults

Hardware problems can also lead to backlight failures. This might include faulty LED lights, loose connections, or damage due to impact.

Solution:

• Inspect the keyboard for any visible damage.
• If the problem persists, consider taking the device to a repair shop for a professional inspection.

Power Saving Mode

Many laptops automatically disable the keyboard backlight in power-saving mode to conserve energy.

Solution:

• Check your power settings and ensure that the backlight is enabled when on battery power.
• Adjust settings to prevent the keyboard from turning off during inactivity

Additional Tips

If standard troubleshooting doesn’t work, consider these additional tips:

• Reinstall Software: For some brands like ASUS, uninstalling specific software (e.g., Armoury Crate) and using alternatives like GHelper can resolve backlight issues.
• Check for System Updates: Ensure your operating system is up-to-date, as updates can fix underlying issues affecting keyboard functionality.
• Professional Help: If all else fails, seek professional assistance to diagnose potential hardware issues

Customizing Keyboard Lighting

Some laptops offer customization options for keyboard lighting:

• Brightness Adjustment: Use designated keys or software settings to adjust brightness levels.
• Color Customization: Gaming laptops often allow color changes through software like Razer Synapse or HP OMEN Command Center.
• Zoned Lighting: Assign different colors to specific key zones for better visual segmentation during gaming or editing tasks.

Laptops supported with backlit keyboard

Here are some laptops available in the market that come with backlit keyboards:

HP Laptops

1. HP EliteBook 840 G5

   • Features: Intel Quad-Core i5-8350U, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard
   • Suitable for business use with a robust design and professional features.

2. HP Pavilion Series

   • Models include the HP Pavilion 15 and HP Pavilion x360, which offer backlit keyboards and are geared towards both casual and professional users.

3. HP ProBook Series

   • Models like the HP ProBook 450 G10 and 440 G10 offer backlit keyboards, making them ideal for business professionals needing reliable performance in various lighting conditions.

4. HP Spectre x360

   • Known for its premium build and high performance, this model includes a backlit keyboard and is perfect for creative professionals.

Dell Laptops

1. Dell Inspiron Series

   • The Dell Inspiron 15 and other models in this series often feature backlit keyboards, providing good value for everyday computing needs4.

2. Dell XPS Series

   • High-end models like the Dell XPS 13 and XPS 15 come with backlit keyboards and are known for their sleek design and powerful performance.

Lenovo Laptops

1. Lenovo Legion Series

   • Particularly the Lenovo Legion 5, which is favoured by gamers for its performance and includes a backlit keyboard4.

2. Lenovo ThinkPad Series

   • Known for their durability and business features, many ThinkPad models come equipped with backlit keyboards suitable for professional environments.

ASUS Laptops

1. ASUS VivoBook Series

   • Models like the ASUS VivoBook 15 offer affordable options with backlit keyboards, suitable for students and professionals alike4.

2. ASUS ROG Series

   • Designed for gamers, these laptops include customizable RGB backlit keyboards to enhance the gaming experience.

Acer Laptops

1. Acer Predator Helios 300

   • A gaming laptop that includes a backlit keyboard designed to improve visibility during intense gaming sessions

FAQs

1.Are all laptops compatible with backlit keyboards?

Not all laptops come with built-in backlighting. Check your laptop specifications or  documentation to confirm compatibility.

2. How long do LED lights in keyboards last?

LED lights typically last around 50,000 hours but can vary based on usage patterns and environmental factors.

3. How can I tell if my laptop supports a backlit keyboard?

To determine if your laptop has a backlit keyboard, check the laptop’s user manual or specifications sheet, which often lists this feature. Additionally, look for a backlight icon on the function keys (such as F5, F6, or the spacebar), which usually indicates the presence of a backlit feature.

4. Why isn’t my backlit keyboard turning on?

If your backlit keyboard isn’t turning on, check if there’s a specific function key (like “Fn” + a backlight icon) to toggle the lights. Also, verify your keyboard settings in the system settings or BIOS, and ensure the drivers are up to date.

5. Can I adjust the brightness of my backlit keyboard?

Yes, most laptops with backlit keyboards allow you to adjust brightness levels. This can usually be done using function keys (often in combination with the Fn key) or through dedicated software provided by the manufacturer. Check your laptop’s manual for specific instructions.

6.Is it possible to change the color of my keyboard’s backlight?

Changing the color of the keyboard’s backlight depends on your laptop model. Many gaming laptops offer customizable RGB lighting through software like Razer Synapse or HP OMEN Command Center. However, standard laptops typically only offer white lighting without color customization options

In conclusion, enabling and customizing a backlit keyboard can significantly enhance your computing experience by improving visibility and adding a touch of personal style. Whether you’re working late into the night or gaming in a dark room, understanding how to manage your keyboard’s lighting will ensure you make the most of this feature.

Afrah Saleem

Afrah Rathore is an experienced marketing professional with over six years in the industry. As the Marketing Manager at TLM International FZE, she has consistently developed and implemented successful strategies that drive brand growth and customer engagement.Her expertise covers digital marketing, brand management, and market analysis. Afrah's passion for innovation and creativity has been instrumental in the success of the brands she manages.

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