We explains how to turn on the keyboard light on computers with this capability, including Windows and macOS computers.
How Do I Make A Keyboard Light Up?
If your laptop or keyboard supports it, turning on the keyboard light is typically just a matter of finding the right button. In some cases, you may find the keyboard light is disabled in your operating system settings or an app provided by your computer’s manufacturer.
The button or buttons which usually control your keyboard light may not function in this scenario. If so, you’ll have to enable the keyboard light in your operating system settings or the app provided by your computer’s manufacturer.
How to Turn On the Keyboard Light On Windows Computers
Windows computers assign one of the function keys to control the keyboard light, but it isn’t the same key for every computer. Each manufacturer sets the key independently of the others. Hence, you have to look at the function keys, experiment with the function keys, or contact the manufacturer to determine which key to push.
The exact way the keyboard light key functions also differs from one manufacturer to another. Some manufacturers allow you only to turn the light on or off, some provide a couple of brightness levels, and others have multiple brightness steps.
Here’s how to turn on the keyboard light on Windows computers using the keyboard:
- Locate the button which controls the keyboard light.
- Press the button, i.e. F5, F9, or F11.
- Press the button again if you aren’t satisfied with the brightness.
What if a Windows Keyboard Light Won’t Turn On?
If pressing the correct key on your keyboard doesn’t turn on or adjust your keyboard light, then you’ll need to change it in Windows Mobility settings or an app provided by your manufacturer.
This setting isn’t always available in Windows Mobility settings, as it’s an option control placed there by computer manufacturers. If you don’t see the option in Windows Mobility settings, contact your manufacturer for more information about their proprietary app.
Here’s how to turn on or adjust a Windows keyboard light using Mobility settings:
- Press Windows Key + X and click Mobility Center.
- Locate the Keyboard Brightness setting.
- Click the slider and drag it to the right.
How to Turn on the Keyboard Light on a Mac
Two buttons control the keyboard light on Macs and MacBooks. One button lowers the brightness, and the other raises it. If the keyboard light is off, then pressing the Increase Brightness key will turn it on.
The Decrease Brightness button is on the F5 key, and the Increase Brightness button is on the F6 key on most Macs. The exception is when a Touch Bar is present instead of Mac function keys; in that case, the Touch Bar controls the keyboard light.
Here’s how to turn on the keyboard light on a Mac:
- Locate the Increase Brightness button.
- Press the Increase Brightness button.
Importent Note
Not all keyboards light up. Some manufacturers don’t offer it on their lower-end laptops or only include it as an extra-cost option. If you can’t get your gaming keyboard to light up, check with the manufacturer to make sure it has an illuminated keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my laptop keyboard light up?
You can try to press the Fn + F10 key turn on the keyboard backlight. Hit the Windows + X key at the same time to see the keyboard brightness settings. If you’re still having issues, you can refer to the laptop’s user manual for instructions, or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
How do I make my keyboard light up Windows 10?
Open the Windows Mobility Center, and you will see a few options. Move the slider under the Keyboard backlight tab to the right to enable the backlight. Click on the tab to access additional options. Enable Keyboard lighting and select the brightness you want.
Why is my LED keyboard not lighting up?
Make sure the Keyboard backlit option is enabled in the BIOS. With the computer powered off, press the power button. Immediately start pressing the F2 key once per second (if the computer boots into Windows, shut down the computer and try again). Click the + sign next to System Configuration.
How do I make my laptop keyboard light up for gaming?
Also, depending on your computer model, your PC may be configured to control the backlit keyboard via the F9 or F11 button rather than the F5 button. Practice the same simultaneous Fn + F11 operation to turn on a backlight keyboard light.
