How to Turn On Keyboard Light on Windows & Mac

Introduction

Many modern laptops come with a backlit keyboard that improves visibility in low-light conditions. If your keyboard has this feature but the lights aren’t turning on, there are simple ways to fix it. Whether you’re using Windows or macOS, activating your keyboard’s lighting is quick and easy. This guide explains how to turn on and adjust keyboard lighting on different devices.

How to Turn On Keyboard Light on Windows Laptops

Using Function Keys

Most Windows laptops allow users to toggle keyboard lighting with function keys. Look for a key with a keyboard light icon, usually one of the F-keys (F3, F4, or F5, depending on the brand).

• Hold the Fn key and press the backlight key.
• Some models cycle through brightness levels with repeated presses.
• If nothing happens, try holding Fn + Spacebar, which is common on Lenovo laptops.

Adjusting Settings in Windows

If function keys don’t work, you can check your Windows settings:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Devices > Keyboard (some models list it under Ease of Access).
3. Look for a backlight option and toggle it on.
4. Adjust brightness if available.

If your laptop doesn’t have this option, your model may not support backlit keyboards.

How to Turn On Keyboard Light on MacBooks

Adjusting with Function Keys

MacBooks have built-in keyboard lighting that can be controlled using function keys:

• Press F5 to decrease brightness and F6 to increase it.
• If the function keys don’t work, check your settings.

Changing Brightness in macOS Settings

1. Open System Settings.
2. Select Keyboard from the sidebar.
3. Find the Keyboard brightness option and adjust the slider.
4. If the keyboard light isn’t turning on, ensure Adjust keyboard brightness in low light is enabled.

How to Adjust Keyboard Brightness on Different Brands

Dell

• Press Fn + F10 or Fn + Right Arrow.
• If unavailable, check Dell’s BIOS settings.

HP

• Press Fn + F5 or Fn + F4, depending on the model.
• Some HP laptops require changing settings in HP Command Center.

Lenovo

• Use Fn + Spacebar.
• Some models allow adjustments via Lenovo Vantage software.

Asus

• Try Fn + F3 to lower brightness and Fn + F4 to increase it.
• Some models may use Fn + F7 instead.

What to Do If Your Keyboard Light Isn’t Working

Checking Compatibility

• Not all laptops come with a backlit keyboard. Check your device’s specifications online.
• If your laptop model doesn’t support this feature, an external USB keyboard with backlighting is an alternative.

Updating Drivers

• Open Device Manager.
• Expand Keyboards, right-click your device, and select Update driver.
• Restart your laptop and check if the issue is resolved.

If these steps don’t work, check your laptop manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting guides.

Conclusion

Turning on a keyboard light is usually a simple process, but it varies by brand and operating system. Most laptops use function keys, while others require settings adjustments. If your keyboard light isn’t working, checking compatibility and updating drivers can help. If you need a backlit keyboard but your device lacks the feature, consider using an external keyboard designed for low-light use.

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