WINDOW 11

Keyboard Backlight Not Working in Windows 11? Here’s the Fix for Dell, Asus, and Lenovo

5 SOLUTIONS
NOVEMBER 28, 2024

If your keyboard backlight isn’t working, working in low-light settings can be challenging. Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the possible reasons and provide expert, user-friendly fixes.
Common Issues:
Disabled Settings Driver Issues Hardware Issues Power-Saving Features

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Confirm Backlight Support

Verify your laptop has a backlit keyboard by checking the manual or manufacturer’s website.

Check Shortcut Keys

Ensure Fn and backlight control keys (e.g., Fn + F5) are functional.

Ensure Power Supply

Plug in your laptop or ensure sufficient battery charge, as low power may disable the backlight.

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Check the Function Key Combination

1 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/5

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

Most laptops use an Fn key shortcut to control the backlight.

Method 1 of 5
Next Method

Locate the Backlight Key

Look for a key with a backlight symbol (commonly F5, F6, or F8).

Press Fn + the backlight key to toggle through modes (Off, Low, Medium, High).

Continue pressing the shortcut to cycle through the available backlight settings.

Note: If the shortcut doesn’t work, ensure the Fn Lock feature is disabled by pressing Fn + Esc.

Method 1 of 5
Step 1 of 1
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Use Windows Mobility Center

1 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/5

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

Windows Mobility Center often has built-in controls for the keyboard backlight in laptops.

Method 2 of 5
Next Method

Open Mobility Center

Press Win + X and select Mobility Center.

Look for a setting labeled Keyboard Backlight.

Use the slider or toggle to customize the backlight brightness.

Note: If the backlight option isn’t visible, your laptop may not support this feature. Consider trying other steps.

Method 2 of 5
Step 1 of 1
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Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/5

METHOD
Method 3
Overview

Outdated drivers can stop your keyboard backlight from working.

Method 3 of 5
Next Method

Open Device Manager

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.

Method 3 of 5
Step 1 of 4

Expand Keyboards

Locate your keyboard device under the Keyboards section.

Method 3 of 5
Step 2 of 4

Update Driver

Right-click your keyboard, select Update Driver, and choose Search automatically for drivers.

Method 3 of 5
Step 3 of 4

Uninstall Driver

If no updates are found, select Uninstall device and restart your system.

Note: Manually download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website if automatic updates don’t work.

Method 3 of 5
Step 4 of 4
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Adjust Power Management Settings

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/5

METHOD
Method 4
Overview

Power-saving options might disable your backlight.

Method 4 of 5
Next Method

Open Device Manager

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.

Method 4 of 5
Step 1 of 3

Access Keyboard Properties

Expand Keyboards, right-click your device, and choose Properties.

Method 4 of 5
Step 2 of 3

Modify Power Management

Navigate to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

Note: Disable Battery Saver Mode in Settings > System > Power & Battery to maintain optimal performance.

Method 4 of 5
Step 3 of 3
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Run a System File Check

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

5/5

METHOD
Method 5
Overview

Corrupted system files can interfere with hardware controls.

Method 5 of 5

Open Command Prompt

Press Win + S, type cmd, ancmd

Method 5 of 5
Step 1 of 3

Run System File Check

Type the command: 

sfc /scannow
and press Enter.

Method 5 of 5
Step 2 of 3

Wait for the Scan

Let the scan complete and follow any on-screen instructions to fix corrupted files.

Tip: If issues persist, run the DISM tool with the command: 

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
to repair system image.

Method 5 of 5
Step 3 of 3

Additional Tips

Many brands, like Dell or HP, offer software to control keyboard backlight settings. Download these tools from the manufacturer’s website.

Regular updates often include driver patches and fixes for hardware compatibility.

If none of the fixes work, consider using an external USB backlit keyboard as a temporary solution.

Methods (5)

Check the Function ...
1 Steps
Use Windows Mobilit...
1 Steps
Update or Reinstall...
4 Steps
Adjust Power Manage...
3 Steps
Run a System File C...
3 Steps

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