- Process to turn on the backlight in portable from various brands such as HP, ASUS, Dell.
- Solutions to common problems related to keyboard backlighting.
- Additional configuration available for RGB peripherals with Windows 11 and specialized software.
If you own a laptop with a backlit keyboard, chances are you've found that light useful in dimly lit environments. However, depending on your computer model and its configuration, it may not be clear how to enable or disable this feature or what to do if it doesn't work properly. Here's how to do it. How to turn on the backlit keyboard, adjust its brightness, and how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
With Windows 11, Controlling your keyboard backlight should be a straightforward process, but it varies from model to model. Here you will find a comprehensive guide covering different brands and situations, giving you the tools you need so you can enjoy your backlit keyboard without any hassle.
How to turn on the backlit keyboard on different laptops?
The process for turning on the keyboard backlight may vary depending on the manufacturer of your device. Here's how to do it on computers from popular brands like HP, ASUS, and Dell.
Turn on a backlit keyboard on HP laptops
On HP laptops, the keyboard backlight is usually activated by the key F5, although in some models it can be used F9 o F11To turn the keyboard light on or off, simply press the corresponding key while holding down the key. FnSome models may also allow you to adjust the brightness of the lighting using the same key combination, pressing them multiple times to cycle through different intensity levels.
Enable backlight on ASUS laptops
On ASUS laptops, the key combination to turn on the keyboard light may vary depending on the model. Most use the keys Fn + F7 to activate the backlight, while in other models it may be necessary Fn+F3/F4Some ASUS gaming laptops even allow you to adjust the light intensity via the keys. Above y Down, allowing you to customize the brightness at different levels.
If you can't find these keys or nothing appears in the User manual, your model may not support backlight.
Turn on the backlit keyboard on Dell laptops
On Dell laptops, the combination to turn on the keyboard light may also vary slightly depending on the model. In many cases, the light is controlled by the key F10, although in models of the series Dell Alienware o XPS, may be on another function key such as F6. Likewise, the combination with the key Fn will allow you to turn the feature on or off and, on some devices, adjust the brightness.
If you are unable to activate the backlight using any combination, check your power preferences or Dell software such as Alienware Command Center, which can control these functions.
Controlling the backlight on Windows 11 systems
In Windows 11, Microsoft has made it easier to control RGB lighting on some laptops and peripherals. You can manage this lighting from the Settings section. Personalization.Within Configuring WindowsIf your equipment is compatible, here you can adjust both the dynamic lighting of the devices as well as the brightness and the different effects.
For some RGB devices connected to your PC, such as keyboards and mice, you can also use extended tools to customize colors and effects. Additionally, it is possible to synchronize the lighting of your peripherals with the Windows color scheme.
If your computer has dynamic lighting, you can find its settings in Home > Settings > Personalization > Dynamic Lighting. All compatible devices are displayed here and you can adjust the lighting both individually and globally.
Troubleshooting keyboard backlight issues
Reset BIOS or EC
If your keyboard backlight is not working properly, one option is to try resetting the BIOS or the EC (Embedded Controller) driver. This process may fix issues related to the management of the hardware of the team.
To do this on ASUS laptops, first turn off the computer and hold down the key F2 while powering on the device. This will take you to the BIOS menu where you can reset the settings to default. After rebooting the system, check if the problem persists.
In case this doesn't work, you can also try a full reset system, which could fix issues with the power controller and hardware management.
Update BIOS and drivers
Another important step is to make sure that both the BIOS and system drivers are updated to the latest version. This is especially relevant on ASUS and Dell computers, where updates can fix stability or functionality issues. Go to your device manufacturer's website to download the relevant updates and install them as instructed.
Reinstall the system control interface driver
Sometimes the problem may be related to the driver of the System Control Interface (System Control Interface), which controls functions such as the keyboard backlight. To reinstall this driver on ASUS laptops, open the Device administrator (you can search for it in the Windows search bar) and look for the driver under “System Devices”. Right click and select Uninstall device. Once uninstalled, download and install the latest version from the ASUS website.
The steps to reinstall drivers may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but the general procedure is the same for most brands.
How to adjust the brightness or change the color of the backlight
Keyboard brightness adjustment
Depending on your laptop model, you can adjust the backlight brightness level by repeatedly pressing the Function keys assigned to increase or decrease intensity. These keys are usually identified by a light icon on the top buttons of the keyboard.
Changing the backlight color on gaming laptops
Some models designed for gaming, such as the HP OMEN laptops, allow you not only to adjust the brightness, but also to change the color of the backlight. In this case, you can do it through the pre-installed software, such as OMEN Command CenterHere you can assign specific colors to different areas of the keyboard and apply animation effects such as color cycling or breathing mode.
RGB lighting software on Windows 11
On certain Windows 11 models, you can manage RGB lighting for different devices through the operating system. This feature is currently in testing phase on the Insider Program, but if you have access to it, you can activate it using tools like Vivetool, a third-party app to enable experimental features in Windows. Once enabled, you can sync RGB effects with other devices and customize settings from the lighting menu.
With all of these options and troubleshooting methods, you should be able to get the most out of your backlit keyboard, whether you're working at night, gaming, or just customizing your workspace.
Each manufacturer has its own particularities, but with this information you will be prepared to control and solve any problems that arise with the backlighting of your keyboard in Windows 11.
I'm Alberto Navarro and I'm passionate about everything related to technology, from cutting-edge gadgets to software and video games of all kinds. My interest in digital began with video games and continued in the world of digital marketing. I have been writing about the digital world on different platforms since 2019, sharing the latest news in the sector. I also try to write in an original way so that you can stay up to date while having fun.
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