How to Turn On the Light on Laptop Keyboard

A backlit keyboard can be a lifesaver when you’re working or gaming in low-light conditions. It illuminates the keys, making it easier to see and type without straining your eyes. If you’ve just bought a new laptop or simply haven’t figured out how to enable this feature, here’s a simple guide to turning on your keyboard light.

1. Check for the Backlight Feature in the Laptop Keyboard

Not all laptops come with a backlit keyboard. Before you start troubleshooting, you should confirm if your model actually supports the feature.

Look for Icons: Check the F-keys (F1 through F12) or the arrow keys for a specific backlight icon.
- The icon usually looks like three radiating lines next to a small keyboard or a square.
Check Your Laptop Manual: The quickest and most reliable method is to check your laptop’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website. Search for your specific model’s specifications.

2. The Universal Method: Function (Fn) Key Combinations

The most common way to control the keyboard backlight is by using a combination of the Function (Fn) key and one of the F-keys or other dedicated keys.

⚠️ Important: You usually have to press and hold the Fn key while simultaneously pressing the corresponding key with the backlight icon.

Common Key Combinations by Manufacturer:

Manufacturer	Common Keys to Press (with Fn)	Notes
Dell	$\text{Fn} + \text{F10}$, $\text{Fn} + \text{F6}$, or $\text{Fn} + \text{\textrightarrow}$ (Right Arrow)	Dell often uses $\text{Fn} + \text{F10}$ to toggle On/Off/Low/High.
HP	$\text{Fn} + \text{F5}$, $\text{F9}$, $\text{F11}$, or a dedicated $\text{F5}$ key with the icon.	Some newer HP models only require pressing the $\text{F5}$ key (with the backlight icon) directly.
Lenovo	$\text{Fn} + \text{Spacebar}$ (Most common) or $\text{Fn} + \text{Esc}$	The $\text{Fn} + \text{Spacebar}$ shortcut is widely used on ThinkPad and IdeaPad series.
Asus	$\text{Fn} + \text{F3}$ (Dimmer) and $\text{Fn} + \text{F4}$ (Brighter)	Asus often uses two separate keys for dimming and brightening.
Microsoft Surface	$\text{F1}$ or $\text{F7}$	Press the dedicated key with the backlight icon.

👉 Action Step: Scan your keyboard for the backlight symbol and try pressing it with the Fn key. Keep pressing the combination to cycle through different brightness levels (Low, High, Off).

3. Check System Settings and Software

If the keyboard shortcut doesn’t work, the setting might be controlled through your system’s software or BIOS.

A. Windows Mobility Center (Windows Only)

Press the Windows Key + X and select Mobility Center, or search for “Windows Mobility Center.”
Look for a tile labeled “Keyboard Backlighting” (or similar).
Use the slider or the dropdown menu to adjust the brightness or turn it on/off.

B. Manufacturer Control Panel

Many manufacturers provide proprietary software for hardware control:

Dell: Alienware Command Center or Dell Feature Enhancement Pack
HP: HP Support Assistant
Lenovo: Lenovo Vantage

Check these applications for a “Keyboard” or “Input Device” section to manage the backlight.

C. BIOS/UEFI Settings (Advanced)

If all else fails, the backlight setting might be disabled in the system’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface).

Restart your laptop and press the required key to enter BIOS/UEFI (often $\text{F2}$, $\text{F10}$, $\text{F12}$, or $\text{Del}$) repeatedly.
Look for a setting under “System Configuration,” “Onboard Device Configuration,” or “Keyboard/Mouse.”
Find a setting like “Keyboard Illumination,” “Keyboard Backlight,” and ensure it’s enabled.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why isn’t my keyboard light turning on even with the correct key combination?

A: Double-check the Fn Lock: Some laptops have an “Fn Lock” key ($\text{Fn} + \text{Esc}$ or similar). If this is on, the $\text{F-keys}$ might perform their secondary function without pressing $\text{Fn}$. Try the backlight key without the $\text{Fn}$ key. If that fails, the feature may be disabled in the BIOS/UEFI, or your keyboard driver might need an update.

Q: Does using the keyboard backlight drain my laptop battery?

A: Yes, but usually not significantly. Backlighting uses a small amount of power. If you are extremely concerned about battery life, you can dim the light or only use it when necessary.

Q: Can I change the color of my keyboard light?

A: Only if your laptop is designed for it (often gaming laptops like Razer, MSI, or high-end HP/Dell models). If it supports RGB lighting, you’ll need to use the manufacturer’s dedicated software (e.g., Razer Synapse, Alienware Command Center) to customize the colors and effects.

⭐ Key Takeaways

Verify the Feature: First, confirm your laptop has a backlit keyboard by checking for the keyboard icon on the $\text{F-keys}$ or in the manual.
Use the $\text{Fn}$ Key: The most common solution is the $\text{Fn}$ key combined with the key that has the backlight icon.
Lenovo Specific: For many Lenovo laptops, the shortcut is often $\text{Fn} + \text{Spacebar}$.
Check Settings: If the shortcut fails, look in Windows Mobility Center or the manufacturer’s control software (like Dell Command Center or Lenovo Vantage).