A keyboard with backlighting can make a huge difference when you’re working or using your laptop in a low-light environment. The illuminated keys make it easier to see what you’re typing, add a modern look to your setup, and improve comfort when you’re using your device at night. But not every laptop or external keyboard comes with this feature, and the steps for turning it on depend on your device’s brand, model, and operating system. This guide explains how to switch on the keyboard light on both Windows and Mac devices, along with simple tips to fix the issue if the backlight doesn’t turn on. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I make my keyboard light up?” this walkthrough gives you everything you need.
How to Turn On Keyboard Backlight on Windows Laptops
Many Windows laptops come with a backlit keyboard, making it easier to work or play in low-light conditions. Turning it on is usually simple, often by pressing a function key like F5, F9, or F11, though this can vary by brand and model. Some laptops only let you switch the light on or off, while others allow brightness adjustments. Here’s how to activate or adjust your keyboard light on a Windows laptop.
1. Locate the Keyboard Backlight Key: Check the top row of your keyboard, among the function keys (F1–F12). Look for a small icon that resembles a glowing keyboard or light—this key controls the backlight. On most laptops, it’s commonly F5, F9, or F11, but it can vary depending on your brand or model. Some laptops may use the spacebar or require a combination with the Fn key.
2. Activate the Backlight: Once you’ve identified the key, press it to turn on the keyboard light. On many laptops, you’ll need to hold the Fn key while pressing the backlight key—for example, Fn + F5 or Fn + F9. The light may appear immediately or after holding the key briefly. If nothing happens, the backlight may be disabled in your system settings, which you can fix easily.
3. Adjust the Brightness: If your laptop supports brightness control, pressing the backlight key multiple times usually cycles through low, medium, and high settings. This lets you select a level that’s comfortable for your eyes and environment. Some newer models allow more precise adjustments through system settings or a dedicated manufacturer app for even better control.
What to Do If Your Windows Keyboard Light Isn’t Working
If your keyboard backlight doesn’t turn on after pressing the function key, the feature may simply be disabled in your settings. Many Windows laptops manage keyboard lighting through built-in tools like Windows Mobility Center or brand-specific software such as HP Command Center, Dell QuickSet, or Lenovo Vantage.
1. Open Windows Mobility Center: Press Windows Key + X, then choose Mobility Center from the menu. This tool lets you adjust hardware settings like display brightness, battery mode, and—on supported laptops—keyboard lighting.
2. Check for Keyboard Brightness Controls: In the Mobility Center window, look for an option labeled Keyboard Brightness or Keyboard Backlight. If it appears, use the slider to increase, decrease, or turn off the light manually.
3. No Keyboard Option Available?: If you don’t see any keyboard brightness section, your laptop probably manages the backlight through its manufacturer app. HP users can check HP Command Center, Dell users can use Dell QuickSet, and Lenovo users can adjust settings through Lenovo Vantage. Open the correct app and look under Keyboard or Lighting Settings to enable or customize your backlight. If you don’t have the software installed, download the latest version from your manufacturer’s support website.
How to Turn On the Keyboard Light on a Mac or MacBook
Most MacBooks come with a built-in backlit keyboard, and adjusting the light is very simple. Older models use the F5 and F6 keys to dim or brighten the backlight, while newer MacBooks with a Touch Bar show these controls as touch-based icons. Although macOS can adjust the lighting automatically based on your environment, you can always change it manually whenever you need clearer visibility.
1. Find the Brightness Controls: Look for the sun-shaped brightness icon (☀️) on the F6 key. This is the button that turns on and increases your keyboard light. If your MacBook has a Touch Bar, you’ll see the lighting controls there instead.
2. Increase the Backlight: Press the F6 key to turn on the keyboard light. Press it again to make it brighter. If the light doesn’t turn on, try reducing the room brightness because some MacBooks only activate the backlight in low-light environments.
3. If You Use a Touch Bar: Tap “Expand Control Strip” on the Touch Bar to see more options. Select the keyboard backlight icon, then slide your finger left or right to adjust the brightness to your liking.
What to Do If the Keyboardr3 Backlight Isn’t Working on a Mac
If your Mac’s keyboard light doesn’t come on after pressing the right keys, don’t worry — it might simply be disabled in your settings or affected by your lighting conditions. macOS includes options that automatically manage keyboard brightness, and these can sometimes prevent the light from turning on. Follow these steps to fix it:
1. Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu at the top-left corner of your Mac screen, then select System Preferences (or System Settings if you’re using a newer macOS version). This will take you to your Mac’s main settings where you can manage display, sound, and keyboard features — including your keyboard backlight.
2. Select “Keyboard”: In the settings window, click on Keyboard from the sidebar or main menu. This section lets you access all keyboard-related options, including shortcuts, input preferences, and backlight settings for your MacBook keyboard.
3. Enable Auto Brightness: Ensure the box next to “Adjust keyboard brightness in low light” is checked. This feature allows your Mac to automatically brighten or dim the keyboard backlight depending on the lighting conditions around you, ensuring comfortable visibility without wasting battery.
4. Set Auto-Off Delay (Optional): You can also enable the feature that automatically turns off the keyboard backlight after a few seconds of inactivity. This helps conserve battery power, especially when you’re not typing for a while. Choose the duration that best fits your workflow for the perfect balance between visibility and efficiency.
5. Function Key Setting Check: If your function keys are set to act as standard F1–F12 keys, you may need to press Fn + F6 instead of just F6 to adjust the brightness. Uncheck this option if you prefer direct control.
Conclusion
A backlit keyboard makes typing in low-light environments much easier and more comfortable. On both Windows laptops and MacBooks, turning on and adjusting the keyboard light is simple once you know the right keys and settings. If the backlight doesn’t activate immediately, most issues can be fixed quickly through system settings, built-in tools, or manufacturer apps. Following the steps in this guide ensures you can enable, adjust, and troubleshoot your keyboard lighting, improving visibility, reducing eye strain, and enhancing your overall typing experience. With your backlight working properly, you can work, study, or play efficiently in any lighting condition.
Common Questions or FAQs
1. Can I use an external backlit keyboard with my laptop or Mac?
Yes, external backlit keyboards are a great solution if your laptop or Mac doesn’t have built-in lighting. They connect via USB or Bluetooth and often come with adjustable brightness and customizable colors. Many external keyboards also support software that lets you create lighting effects or sync colors with apps and games. Using one improves visibility in low-light conditions and can enhance your workspace aesthetics.
2. How do I prevent my keyboard backlight from draining battery quickly?
Keyboard lighting consumes some battery, especially at higher brightness levels. To save power, reduce brightness to a comfortable level or enable auto-off features after inactivity. On Windows, you can use power-saving settings or manufacturer apps, while on Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard to enable automatic adjustment. These tweaks help extend battery life without compromising visibility.
3. Are there apps to control keyboard backlight effects and colors?
Yes, many laptops and external keyboards support apps that let you customize backlight colors, patterns, and effects. Gaming-focused software like Razer Synapse, ASUS Armoury Crate, or Corsair iCUE allows advanced control over lighting and synchronization with games or notifications. Installing the official app ensures you get the best functionality and an enjoyable typing experience.
4. Can I schedule my keyboard backlight to turn on or off automatically?
Some laptops and keyboard apps allow scheduling the backlight to turn on or off at specific times. This can help conserve battery and ensure the keyboard is visible only when needed. On Mac, automatic brightness adjusts in low-light conditions, and Windows laptops often allow scheduling via manufacturer software. Scheduling is convenient for nighttime work or energy efficiency without manual intervention.
5. Do all laptops come with keyboard backlights?
Not all laptops are equipped with backlit keyboards. Premium and gaming laptops usually include this feature by default, while many budget or entry-level models do not. To confirm whether your laptop supports it, check your device’s user manual, manufacturer website, or search your laptop model number online. If your laptop doesn’t have this feature built-in, you can consider using an external backlit keyboard as an alternative for typing in dark environments.
6. How do I adjust the brightness level of my keyboard light?
Most laptops allow you to control the brightness using specific function keys. For example, on Windows laptops, it’s often F5, F9, or F11, while on MacBooks, it’s usually F5 to decrease and F6 to increase the brightness. Some newer models even provide on-screen brightness sliders in their control software, allowing for more precise adjustments. If you can’t find the keys, refer to your laptop’s keyboard layout or enable the setting through your system control panel.
7. Can I make my keyboard light stay on all the time?
Yes, but it depends on your device settings. On Windows laptops, some manufacturer utilities allow you to choose how long the backlight stays on—ranging from a few seconds to always on. For Mac users, open System Settings > Keyboard, then uncheck the option that turns the light off automatically after inactivity. Keeping the backlight always on can be helpful if you frequently work or type in low-light environments, but it may affect your battery usage slightly.