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How to Enable Your Keyboard Backlight in Windows 10

How to Enable Your Keyboard Backlight in Windows 10
How to Set Backlit Keyboard to Always On

Most modern laptops come with backlit keyboards that simplify typing in low-light conditions. These keyboards have backlight illumination and glowing letters, but sometimes, this neat feature may not work. If that’s the case with your laptop, the problem is usually not with the keyboard.

If you’re a Windows 10 user, the backlit keyboard feature is likely turned off in the Settings app. You just need to know where the keyboard backlight settings are and adjust them. Keep reading and learn how to manage your backlit keyboard in Windows 10.

Windows 10 Backlit Keyboard Adjustments

There are several ways to enable keyboard backlights and change their brightness in Windows 10. These options vary depending on the make and model of your Windows laptop. 

One is via the Windows Mobility Center, and another is through the native app that comes with your laptop. Let’s see how they work.

A man typing on Laptop's Keyboard

Method 1—Use the Windows Mobility Center

The first method requires you to open the Control Panel and navigate to the Windows Mobility Center to get the backlight working on your laptop. Here is what you have to do:

  1. Click the Start button and type Control Panel in the search bar.
    Windows 10 Control panel
  2. Open the Hardware and Sound section.
    Hardware and Sound option in control panel
  3. Select Windows Mobility Center, and you will see a few options. Move the slider under the Keyboard backlight tab to the right to enable the backlight.
    Windows Mobility Center settings
  4. Click on the tab to access additional options. Enable Keyboard lighting and select the brightness you want.
    keyboard backlighting option in Control panel
  5. Next, choose the time for the keyboard backlight’s auto shutdown. You can select options between five seconds and 15 minutes and Never off if you don’t want the backlight to turn off automatically when your laptop is inactive.
    keyboard backlighting activity settings
  6. Select OK once you are happy with the changes you made.
    OK button in Control panel

Method 2—Use the Native App

Most laptops come with native apps for managing keyboard backlight brightness. If you are not sure if you have such an app, you can always check the system. 

Connect to the internet and type in the name of your laptop in your browser’s search bar. Add the phrase Enable Keyboard Backlight Windows 10, and you should be able to find the settings immediately.

Keyboard Backlight

Method 3—Using Your Computer’s Keyboard

Depending on the model, your computer probably has a keyboard function to turn on the backlight.

Dell

Again, depending on your Dell model, the keyboard function key that activates your keyboard’s backlight may vary.

Dell possible backlight keyboard key combinations

Alt+F10

  • Dell 14 Inspiron 7000, 15, 2016, 15, 17 5000 Series.

Fn+F10

  • Inspiron 15 5000, Latitude E5550, Latitude E7450/E7470

F10

  • Dell XPS 2016 and 13

Fn+F6

  • Dell Studio 15

HP

Fn+F5

  • Some models may be Fn+11 or Fn+9
  • Some models will work with a simple Fn+Space

HP backlight keyboard key

Asus

Fn+F4 or F5

  • Asus users will be able to tell the functions based on the symbols on the keys. If there are no light symbols anywhere on the keyboard, the laptop is not equipped with this function.

Method 4—Update Keyboard Drivers

An outdated keyboard driver could be another possible reason why your keyboard’s backlight isn’t working. After all, drivers help the operating system and your hardware communicate with each other. Thus, updating your keyboard’s Windows 10 driver should fix the backlight issue. 

  1. Click on the Search icon on your taskbar and type Device Manager in the search bar.
    Windows 10 Device Manager
  2. Select Keyboards and right-click on your keyboard’s name. 
  3. Click on Update driver.
    Update Keyboard driver option

After this, you can either let Windows search for drivers or download the latest version of the driver and select the Browse my computer for drivers option to install the driver manually. And if your PC is running low on storage, check out how to free up disk space on Windows 10.

How to Fix Keyboard Backlight Not Working on Windows 10

Some Windows 10 users reported that the keyboard backlight settings don’t work. It’s not clear what causes the issue, but if you’re one of the unlucky users who have that problem, you can always troubleshoot for possible solutions. Here is what you have to do:

  1. Open the Search window from your taskbar and type Troubleshooting in the search bar.
    Windows Troubleshooting
  2. Select the Keyboard option from the menu.
    Windows Keyboard settings
  3. When the troubleshooter pops up, select Run the troubleshooter.
    Windows Keyboard troubleshooting Next button
  4. The system will then check for possible issues with your laptop’s keyboard. The keyboard backlight option should appear. Follow the instructions to enable it.

Other causes of your keyboard backlight woes can be attributed to hardware issues or even software updates. If your backlight no longer works after a drop, it may be as simple as a loose cable. However, if you’ve performed an update recently, power cycle your computer to see if it will turn back on.

In case the dark theme is not working on your PC, check out our troubleshooting guide about Dark Mode not working in Windows 10

Type in the Dark Like a Pro

Windows 10 blocks the keyboard backlight feature on some laptops automatically. It’s unclear why that happens, but with the simple methods described above, you will be able to turn it on and choose the brightness level you want at any time. 

The process is simple and takes only a minute or two to complete. You can finally type like a pro in the dark.

What method do you use to change the brightness of your keyboard’s backlight? How bright are your keyboard lights, and how long is the auto shutdown period on your laptop? Share your methods in the comment section below.

FAQs

Q. How can I tell if my laptop has a keyboard backlight?

Keyboard backlight Fn keys

A. One of the easiest ways to know whether or not your laptop has a keyboard backlight is to look at the keyboard itself. If you see any of the symbols by the manufacturer in the screenshots above, then you can enable the backlight.

Q. Can I use an external keyboard on a laptop?

A. Absolutely, most wireless keyboards can connect to most laptops using Bluetooth or a USB port.

Q. How do I turn on my keyboard light without the Fn key?

A. If your keyboard doesn’t have the Fn key, you can use the Windows Mobility Center to enable this feature. Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Windows Mobility Center > Keyboard Backlighting > Turn On.

Q. Does keyboard backlighting drain the battery?

A. Yes, your keyboard draws power from your laptop’s battery to keep the lights on. Therefore, turning it off or lowering the brightness of your keyboard’s backlight will help you save battery.

Q. How do I change the color of my keyboard’s backlighting?

A. You first need to check if your keyboard supports RGB backlighting. If yes, check the user manual to find which keys let you change the keyboard backlighting color, or look it up on the internet if you don’t have the keyboard manual. 

Moreover, some keyboards come with a native app that allows you to manage its backlight brightness and change colors. 

Q. Can I install backlit keyboard?

A. No. Unfortunately, you can’t install backlighting on a non-backlit keyboard. 

Q. Do all laptops have backlit keyboard?

A. No, not all laptops have a backlit keyboard. 

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30 thoughts on “How to Enable Your Keyboard Backlight in Windows 10”

bharghav says:
mine was inspiron 15 5100 it did not worked
Ogunbayo Adekunle says:
My laptop is hp probook core 15. I have searched settings and Google, and I am still unable to work out how to switch the keyboard backlight on. This feature is why I purchased my laptop!
I am quite frustrated. I hope After Sales Support can help me.
Lucas says:
Used tip two for my nitro 5, every other website had some crappy long process, thanks!
Angelo Tupas says:
i have toshiba dynabook r73, ang i’m still wondering how to enable the keyboard light, i tried every method you can see in the net but still not work, pls do tell me how to solve this, it’s so frustrating to type in the dark
Derek says:
I have a connex slimbook laptop how do I go about mine consciencing the keyboard lighting up
Random guy says:
I am not sure whether my VPCEH25EN Lenovo laptop has backlight and how to turn it on. Pls help.
yumer.ismail says:
yes i want it tooo
Saad Darkazanli says:
To turn on or off the backlight, press Fn + Spacebar on the keyboard. The keyboard backlight has three modes: Off, Low, High. Use Fn + Spacebar to change the modes of the keyboard backlight. Select ThinkPad R, T, X, and Z-series laptops have the ThinkLight as shown below.
Saad Darkazanli says:
In Lenovo Thinkpad models, to turn on or off the backlight, press Fn + Spacebar on the keyboard. The keyboard backlight has three modes: Off, Low, High. Use Fn + Spacebar to change the modes of the keyboard backlight.
Saad Darkazanli says:
I Lenovo Thinkpad models, to turn on or off the backlight, press Fn + Spacebar on the keyboard. The keyboard backlight has three modes: Off, Low, High. Use Fn + Spacebar to change the modes of the keyboard backlight.
wissal says:
i tried every possible way to turn on my lenovo backlight (lenovo l13 yoga) and none is working!
Denis Maro says:
I use the blacklit keys in my hp, but still not working. What should I do?? Help please
Angel Stephen says:
I have a hp laptop Windows 10 and I’ve tried all the methods but it still doesn’t work
What can I do about it?
THOMAS EDWARD FAIRBAIRN says:
I have a ASUS VivoBook
Madelene says:
I have acer aspire 315-35 windows 10 home laptop but I don’t see any options, Does my laptop have the Keyboard lights?? please I need an answer
iyan says:
Help me please.. my laptop is dell 15 3000
I tried everything but still can’t turn on the blacklight. Or my laptop really can’t turn on the light?
nethmi says:
I have a DELL Windows 10 home laptop but I don’t see any options I tried everything nothing worked.So guys are y’all sure my laptop has keyboard lights???please tell if anyone has this problem
Yoshiko says:
I have acer aspire 315-41 windows 10 home laptop but i don’t see any options,Does my laptop have the Keyboard lights?? please i need an answer
syedshozab says:
Can I keep it on forever the backlit feature of my laptop keyboard. Which I mean in night it should not close by itself. It should be on all the time. I have dell laptop.
Sidharth Chugh says:
Press Fn + space bar. It will work
Mea Cadwell says:
Pressing Fn + Spacebar did nothing except make the window scroll down in these comments.
Ryan McBride says:
yes is there a way to turn on the backlights on a lenovo since i do not have a lenovo yoga i was wondering how i do this
Nariman says:
I have LENOVO think book15 and I tried every possible way but still does not working
Sidharth Chugh says:
Press Fn + space bar. It will work
guy from pak says:
i do not know why did you post this junk
Sidharth Chugh says:
Press Fn + space bar. It will work
Heather Sword says:
I own Rog Zephyrus GU502 and the backlit keyboard feature is on the arrow keyboard and not the function keys; use in conjunction with fn key and up/down arrow
Tim Sullivan says:
Thanks for the suggestions, I tried these the other day, didn’t work. In the first example in Windows Mobility Center I do not have the section labeled Customized by Dell Inc. as shown above, I only have the default windows options

Suggestion #2
Back light icon is on my F5 key. I can indeed press it and the keyboard back light comes on, press again and It gets brighter, one more time and it turns off . However once turned on it fades out and auto turns itself off after a few seconds. If I take the documents suggestion and hold down the function key and hit F5 I get the Find & Replace function.

Laptop is a Dell Latitude 5400

Alan Robinson says:
My keyboard lighting on an Alienware M15 suddenly stopped working. After trying suggestions above I finally tried through the Alienware Command Center and FX. Takes a little while to adjust colours for different sections but finally managed to achieve. Remember to “Save Theme” at bottom left otherwise its back to doing it all again. Lots of different colours and brightnesses. My laptop didn’t have any key symbol for keyboard but did have direct link to Alien FX on F12 key.
Brandon says:
none of the above work for me my computer is a AK7QUGN
Jan says:
I tried all the above. When I restart my machine I see the backlight momentarily light up, then turn off. The keyboard troubleshooter shows that all is working correctly. No suggestions are working. I’m not sure how long this problem has been on my computer. I only just noticed it today. Any other ideas? Thanks.
Jan says:
I tried all the above. When I restart my machine I see the backlight momentarily light up, then turn off. The keyboard troubleshooter shows that all is working correctly. Nothing seems to work. I’m not sure how long this problem has been on my computer. I only just noticed it today. Any other ideas? Thanks.
Gruss says:
I have a Asus Aspire 5 and mine did that too. Turns out I pushed F8 accidentally which is a white box with a capital letter A and lines coming off the top. This key turns the keyboard off and on.
Lindsay says:
You’re a lifesaver, you just saved me from plugging my laptop charger all the time. I kept on pressing F8 with Fn key, turned out it should only be just F8. THANKS!
vix says:
I have an hp pavillion gaming laptop and what worked for me is if u go to your desktop screen then hit fn and f5(has a little keyboard icon on top} at the same time it turns on the light and also lets you adjust its brightness. literally just figured it out by messing with it so maybe a good tip for yall is to just hit different combos and see what works! Hope this helps!
Noah says:
I don’t think that would go with Lenovo seeming as f5 refreshes the page.
Noah says:
There isn’t one for Lenovo Yoga 730 15- iwl
syed shozab says:
You should first press function key (fn) then press esc together then there should be a symbol on your function keys for example f10 or any of your key’s.
fatena says:
my keyboard backlight did worked first but after a few days next than I have changed my window that not work and also my keyboards kay (c 1 2 3)don’t work .please tell me how can I fix this problem ?
Jade says:
Hello, I have the HP Windows 10 Pro laptop and I cannot get my backlight enabled. I also checked for troubleshoot problems and everything was fine. Does HP support the backlight settings or is it just my laptop?
sabarish says:
yes,for me also
Glenda White says:
I did the first one also, same thing there is no option for the back light. Dell G7 17
Maxwell says:
Glenda – Please detail how you resolved? Thank you – Matt
Racheal says:
I had this issue for a while. I don’t know if this applies to anyone, but my fix was through Alienware Command Center. I had recently installed it and didn’t realize that it took over control of the keyboard backlight. At the top click the FX tab and go from there. I hope this helps someone.
jho says:
me to also saerch a lot but i couldt fine the answer how i turn on my keyboard light on my acer spin 1
Janus says:
When I go to the Windows Mobility Center it has no option relating to the keyboard backlight
Shay says:
When I tried the first method, I got to the mobility center page there was no keyboard back lights option there.
sam says:
me too
Donald Weber says:
me also

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Ronil Thakkar

Jun 16, 2023

Ronil is a Computer Engineer graduate who has a knack for writing about consumer technology. He has been covering news and guides about consumer electronics for around three years. His work has appeared on esteemed publications such as MakeUseOf, 91Mobiles, FossBytes, and Greenbot.

89 Articles Published

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