How To Turn On Backlit Keyboard In Windows 11: A Simple Guide

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Published on October 19, 2025

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Having a backlit keyboard on your Windows 11 laptop can be a game-changer, especially when working in dimly lit environments. This feature illuminates the keys, making them easily visible and reducing eye strain. However, figuring out how to activate this handy feature isn’t always straightforward. This guide provides a simple, step-by-step approach to turning on your backlit keyboard in Windows 11.

Whether you’re a student burning the midnight oil, a professional working on the go, or simply someone who enjoys a comfortable typing experience, understanding how to control your keyboard’s backlight is essential. This article will walk you through the various methods to enable and customize your backlit keyboard, ensuring you can type comfortably in any lighting condition.

How Do I Enable My Keyboard Backlight in Windows 11?

Check Your Keyboard’s Capabilities

Before diving into the activation process, it’s crucial to confirm that your laptop actually has a backlit keyboard. Not all laptops come equipped with this feature.

Look for a key with a backlight icon (usually a sun or keyboard symbol) on your keyboard. It’s often found on the function keys (F1-F12).
Consult your laptop’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website to verify if your model includes a backlit keyboard.

Using the Keyboard Shortcut

This is the most common and quickest way to turn on your backlit keyboard.

Locate the backlight key on your keyboard (as described above).
Press the “Fn” key (usually located in the bottom-left corner of the keyboard) and the backlight key simultaneously.
Repeat the key combination to increase the brightness level or turn the backlight off. Some keyboards have multiple brightness settings.

Adjusting Backlight Settings in Windows Mobility Center

The Windows Mobility Center provides another way to control your keyboard backlight, especially on older systems.

Search for “Mobility Center” in the Windows search bar and open the application.
Look for the “Keyboard Backlighting” option. If it’s available, you’ll see a slider or toggle to adjust the brightness or turn the backlight on/off.
Adjust the slider or toggle to your desired setting.

Modifying Keyboard Backlight Settings in Windows Settings

Some newer laptops allow you to control the keyboard backlight directly from the Windows Settings app.

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I.
Navigate to “System” and then to “Power & battery”.
Look for a “Keyboard backlight” section. If available, you can adjust the brightness or set a timeout for the backlight to automatically turn off after a period of inactivity.

Updating Keyboard Drivers

Sometimes, outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can prevent the backlight from working correctly.

Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager”.
Expand the “Keyboards” category.
Right-click on your keyboard and select “Update driver”.
Choose “Search automatically for drivers” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer after the driver update is complete.

Checking BIOS/UEFI Settings

In some rare cases, the keyboard backlight may be disabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

Restart your computer.
As the computer starts, press the key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc – check your motherboard manufacturer’s documentation).
Navigate to the “Advanced” or “Power” settings.
Look for an option related to keyboard backlight and ensure it’s enabled.
Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup.

Tips

If your keyboard backlight isn’t working, try restarting your computer first. This can often resolve minor software glitches.
Ensure your laptop is plugged in or has sufficient battery power. Some laptops may disable the backlight to conserve battery life.
Check for any third-party keyboard management software that might be interfering with the backlight settings.

Let’s compare some common issues and solutions:

Common Backlight Issues and Solutions

Issue	Possible Solution
Backlight doesn’t turn on at all	Verify keyboard has backlight, check keyboard shortcut, update drivers, check BIOS settings
Backlight is dim or inconsistent	Adjust brightness settings, clean the keyboard, update drivers
Backlight turns off automatically	Adjust timeout settings in Windows Settings, check power saving settings
Backlight only works intermittently	Update drivers, check for loose connections (if applicable), consider hardware issue
Backlight doesn’t respond to shortcuts	Ensure Fn key is enabled (some laptops have an Fn lock), check for conflicting software, update drivers, check BIOS settings, consider hardware issue

Enabling Keyboard Backlight: A Summary

Turning on the backlit keyboard on your Windows 11 system is usually a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to illuminate your keyboard and enjoy a more comfortable typing experience in any lighting condition.

FAQ

How do I know if my laptop has a backlit keyboard? Look for a key with a backlight icon (usually a sun or keyboard symbol) on your keyboard, often on the function keys (F1-F12). You can also consult your laptop’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website.

Why is my keyboard backlight not working? Several factors can cause this, including incorrect settings, outdated drivers, hardware issues, or power-saving settings.

Can I adjust the brightness of my keyboard backlight? Yes, most laptops with backlit keyboards allow you to adjust the brightness using keyboard shortcuts or through Windows settings.

Will using the keyboard backlight drain my battery faster? Yes, using the keyboard backlight will consume more battery power. Consider turning it off or reducing the brightness when running on battery to conserve energy.

Is there a way to automatically turn off the keyboard backlight after a period of inactivity? Yes, some laptops allow you to set a timeout for the backlight to automatically turn off after a period of inactivity in the Windows Settings app under “System” and then “Power & battery”.