How To Turn On Keyboard Light In Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

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Published on October 23, 2025

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Many modern laptops come equipped with backlit keyboards, allowing you to type comfortably even in dimly lit environments. If you’re using Windows 11 and having trouble figuring out how to activate your keyboard’s backlight, this guide will walk you through the various methods available. We’ll cover everything from using keyboard shortcuts to adjusting settings within the Windows Mobility Center.

Enabling your keyboard light in Windows 11 is usually a straightforward process, but the specific steps may vary depending on your laptop’s manufacturer and model. This guide will provide you with comprehensive instructions to ensure you can illuminate your keyboard and enhance your typing experience.

How Do I Turn On My Keyboard Light in Windows 11?

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

The most common and convenient way to turn on your keyboard light is by using keyboard shortcuts.

Locate the Function Key: Look for the function keys (F1, F2, F3, etc.) on the top row of your keyboard.
Identify the Backlight Icon: One of these keys will have an icon that represents the keyboard backlight. It often looks like a keyboard with light radiating from it.
Press the Function Key: Press the function key along with the “Fn” key (usually located near the bottom-left corner of the keyboard). You may need to press the Fn key first and hold it down while pressing the function key with the backlight icon.
Adjust Brightness: Repeatedly pressing the function key combination may cycle through different brightness levels, including turning the backlight off completely.

Through Windows Mobility Center

If the keyboard shortcut doesn’t work, you can try using the Windows Mobility Center.

Open the Windows Mobility Center: Press the Windows key + X, then select “Mobility Center” from the menu.
Locate Keyboard Backlighting: Look for an option related to keyboard backlighting. It might be labeled “Keyboard Backlighting” or something similar.
Adjust the Settings: Use the slider or dropdown menu to adjust the brightness of the keyboard backlight or turn it on/off.

Checking BIOS/UEFI Settings

In some cases, the keyboard backlight settings might be controlled in the BIOS/UEFI.

Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and press the appropriate key during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. This key is usually Del, F2, Esc, or F12, but it varies depending on the manufacturer. The startup screen will usually display the appropriate key to press.
Navigate to Advanced Settings: Look for a section related to “Advanced,” “System Configuration,” or “Keyboard/Mouse.”
Find Backlight Settings: Locate the keyboard backlight settings and make sure they are enabled.
Save and Exit: Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup. Your computer will restart.

Update Keyboard Drivers

Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can sometimes cause issues with keyboard backlighting.

Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
Expand Keyboards: Expand the “Keyboards” category.
Update Driver: Right-click on your keyboard and select “Update driver.”
Search Automatically: Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will search for and install any available updates.
Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Tips

Make sure your laptop is plugged in or has sufficient battery life. Some laptops disable keyboard backlighting to conserve power.
Check your laptop’s manual for specific instructions on how to control the keyboard backlight.
Some laptops allow you to customize the keyboard backlight behavior in the manufacturer’s software.

Comparison of Methods

Method	Ease of Use	Dependency	Notes
Keyboard Shortcuts	Very Easy	Hardware	Most common method, relies on the presence of a dedicated function key.
Windows Mobility Center	Easy	Software	Available on many laptops, provides a centralized control panel.
BIOS/UEFI Settings	Moderate	Firmware	Less common, but can be necessary if other methods fail.
Update Keyboard Drivers	Easy	Software	Resolves driver-related issues.

Illuminate Your Keyboard

Turning on your keyboard light in Windows 11 can significantly improve your typing experience in low-light conditions. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, the Windows Mobility Center, or delving into BIOS settings, there’s a method to suit your needs.

FAQ

Why is my keyboard light not working on Windows 11? There could be several reasons, including disabled keyboard shortcuts, outdated drivers, or power-saving settings.

How do I adjust the brightness of my keyboard light? Use the keyboard shortcut or the Windows Mobility Center to adjust the brightness levels.

Is keyboard backlighting available on all Windows 11 laptops? No, it’s a feature that depends on the laptop’s hardware capabilities. Not all laptops have backlit keyboards.

Can I customize the color of my keyboard backlight? Some high-end gaming laptops offer customizable RGB backlighting, but most laptops only have a single color (usually white).

What if none of these methods work? Check your laptop’s manual, contact the manufacturer’s support, or consider updating your BIOS/UEFI.