If you're using a backlit keyboard or LED keyboard and have lighting issues on or off all of a sudden, let's see how to fix this. Many laptops offer a backlit keyboard, then there are many LED-enabled keyboards. These two keyboards offer a configuration that controls their light states, allows you to customize them, etc.
Turn keyboard lighting on or off on a laptop
Before we begin, there is a significant difference between the backlit keyboards and the LED keyboard. The first depends on the ambient light while the second offers manual control. I have an LED keyboard and I leave it on all the time just for the fancy. We will cover the following topics in this article:
- Activate or deactivate a backlit keyboard
- Activate or deactivate an LED keyboard
- Software configuration
- Update BIOS
We talked about this topic in general. If you have an OEM document on this subject, then this is your best guide.
1) How to activate or deactivate a backlit keyboard?
Most Backlit keyboards are in automatic mode. If there is enough light, they will not turn on. You can check this by turning off the light, and if it turns on automatically, it means it works, and you have nothing to worry about.
However, if it does not turn on, then look for a single key, aka light icon on the keyboard (it may be available in combination with the function keys), which can increase the brightness. Apple offers two sets of keys, while companies like HP use the same keys (F5, F9, or F11 key, or dual-action key Fn + F5, F9, or F11), Dell uses F10, and Lenovo uses Fn + bar ;space. .
In the case of the Apple keyboard, even if it is set to the maximum brightness level, the keyboard does not turn on, but in the case of HP or Dell, you can force it to light up. Remember that it will depend on the OEMs, but everyone will offer a unique key that can handle this.
Here's one more thing I noticed on Apple MacBook Air. If the screen brightness is too high, it will dim or turn off the backlit keyboard.
2) How to turn on or off an LED keyboard?
LED keyboards have a different concept. If you like colored lights that change depending on what you use or want to design your idea, they are fine. I use the Corsair LED keyboard, and I can choose a color for the individual keys using their software.
Keyboards like these offer dedicated button or lighting icon who can control the brightness. So if I press mine three times, it turns off all the lights. When I touch it for the fourth time, it turns the keyboard on again. If you are new to the keyboard and unsure, look for these keys or consult the manual.
3) Software configuration
Sometimes OEMs offer special software for their keyboard, especially those that allow you to remap keys for games. This software can also turn off the lights, and even if you press the hardware, nothing will happen. So if there is such software and you have changed it, cancel it.
This is usually the case with a gaming keyboard with LED lights. If you were in between designing a profile and you left it in between, the lights may have been turned off. You can understand this if some of the keys have lights while others don't.
4) Update the BIOS
I have gone through some OEM manuals and some also recommend updating the BIOS. This is useful if the keys with the lighting icon do not work as expected or are disabled from the BIOS. It will have similar options-
- Disabled or disabled: it will completely turn off the keyboard lighting.
- Dim: It will adjust the lighting to half the brightness.
- Bright – Keyboard will appear in full brightness
I hope these tips were helpful to you and helped you to turn the keyboard lighting on and off.