How to Fix Keyboard Backlight Not Working in Windows 11

12 Min Read
How to Fix Keyboard Backlight Not Working in Windows 11

Keyboard backlighting has gained popularity in recent times. These illuminated keyboards offer enhanced visibility, particularly in dimly lit environments. With the addition of RGB lights, keyboards can even contribute to a stylish and geeky aesthetic when paired with a well-designed workstation. However, because software is used to regulate the keyboard illumination, there may be occasions when it malfunctions. In this guide, we will discuss how to fix the keyboard backlight not working in Windows 11.

In reality, several users have claimed that after updating their system to the Windows 11 operating system, the keyboard backlight is not working for many reasons. Here we have mentioned some methods that can help you fix the keyboard backlight issues in Windows 11. So, let’s get started.

Fix Keyboard Backlight Not Working in Windows 11

There are several troubleshooting steps you can take to fix this problem and restore the functionality of your keyboard backlight. Let’s discuss them one by one:

1. Check Backlight Feature

It’s important to keep in mind that not all keyboards or computers while being modern and smart, offer the illumination option. It is advised to verify the product description on the manufacturer’s website to see if your keyboard or laptop offers the backlight option.

If you’ve confirmed that your keyboard has the backlight feature, then you can turn it on. If you are having trouble turning it on, you can follow the troubleshooting methods mentioned below.

2. Turn ON Keyboard Backlight

Turn ON keyboard backlight on Windows 11

After you have confirmed that your keyboard supports the backlight feature, you can turn it on. On the manufacturer’s site, you will find the keyboard shortcut to enable it.

Most keyboard backlights can be toggled on using the Fn key together with one of the F keys or the Fn key and the space bar. If the backlight doesn’t turn on, try the solutions we have listed below.

Here are some keyboard shortcuts from different manufacturers that you can use:

  • Asus: Press F7 or Fn+F7.
  • HP: Press F5 or Fn+F5.
  • Lenovo: Press Fn+Spacebar.
  • Dell: Press F10, Fn+F10, Fn+F6, Fn+F5, or Fn+Right Arrow keys.
  • Samsung: Press Fn+F9.

3. Increase the Brightness Level

If your keyboard backlight is turned on and it’s too dim, then the brightness level for your keyboard backlight may be set too low, resulting in no noticeable change even after turning it on.

You can use the dedicated keys on your keyboard to swiftly raise the brightness level. Locate and repeatedly hit the key that has the backlight icon two or three times. If you find the backlight symbol, but it doesn’t appear to be on, try hitting the Fn key and backlight keys at the same time to increase the brightness level. If you are still facing the issue, try some software-level fixes.

4. Check the Keyboard App

Certain keyboards or PC manufacturers may have built-in software for enabling, disabling, and customizing the keyboard backlighting. To turn on the keyboard backlighting, if a special keyboard app is installed on your computer, you must go to the program’s settings. While exploring the app’s settings, you can also verify and adjust the keyboard backlight timeout or adjust the backlight feature if applicable.

Even if you have correctly adjusted the system settings, sometimes old and outdated apps can also cause the issue. To fix it, visit the manufacturer’s website and update the app to the latest version.

5. Check for Hardware Issues

When faced with a non-functional backlit keyboard, determining whether it’s a hardware or software problem can be challenging. Therefore, before investigating your system settings, start by examining potential hardware issues.

For Bluetooth keyboards, temporarily disable Bluetooth and then re-enable it. Then, check if the keyboard backlit is working or not.

For a USB backlit keyboard, attempt to connect it to a different USB port. If the backlit feature begins to work, you might need to fix a malfunctioning USB port.

After double-checking your hardware connections and addressing any issues, proceed to fix the backlight not working on your Windows PC.

6. Update Keyboard Drivers

An outdated and corrupt keyboard driver can also be the reason behind the malfunctioning keyboard features, such as its backlight.

In such a scenario, you can follow the below-mentioned steps to update your keyboard driver to the latest available version to resolve this problem:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager from the context menu.

Accessing Devive Manager

2. It will open the Device Manager window. Here, look for the Keyboards category and expand the options.

Keyboard Driver Settings

3. Now, right-click on the keyboard driver that you want to update and choose Update driver from the menu.

Updating Keyboard Driver to fix keyboard backlight not working on Windows 11

4. To update the driver, select the Search automatically for drivers option.

Searching for Driver Updates

5. After that, it will search for the latest driver for your keyboard online and install it if it is available.

Just follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process. After that, restart your system to apply the changes. Upgrading your keyboard driver may help you fix the keyboard backlight issue on Windows 11 caused by out-of-date or damaged drivers.

7. Run Keyboard Troubleshooter

However, if the keyboard backlight not working issue occurs even after updating the keyboard driver, try running the keyboard troubleshooter. Windows has built-in troubleshooting tools that help troubleshoot your Windows system.

To utilize the diagnostic tools, follow these steps:

1. Press the Win + I keys together to open Windows Settings.

2. Here, select the System option from the left pane. Now, on the right pane, look for the Troubleshoot option and click on it.

Windows Troubleshoot Tool

3. On the next window, select the Other troubleshooters option.

Other troubleshooters options

4. Under the Other section, select Keyboard and run the troubleshooter.

Run Keyboard troubleshooter to fix keyboard backlight not working on Windows 11

5. Windows will make an effort to identify and resolve any keyboard-related problems.

Once the troubleshooting process is done, try turning on or adjusting the brightness of your backlit keyboard to see whether the issue has been resolved.

8. Perform a Clean Boot

Also, try performing a clean boot on your computer. When you do a clean boot, it will start your system without any third-party applications that could interfere with the functionality of your backlit keyboard.

To perform a clean boot, you can follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Press the Win + R key to open the Run dialog.

2. Here, type the following command and click on the OK button.

msconfig 
Accessing msconfig on Windows 11

3. It will open up the System Configuration window. Here, choose the General tab and select the Selective Startup option with Load System Services.

Selective Startup on Windows

4. After that, switch to the Services tab. Here, click on the Hide all Microsoft services option, and then click the Disable all button. This will disable all third-party services.

Disable Third-party Services from your Windows system

5. Now, to save the changes, click the Apply button. After that, click OK to close the System Configuration window.

6. Now, restart your PC. It will normally boot into your system with only the system’s default services enabled.

If the backlight on your keyboard lights up after the clean boot, you can open the Control Panel and check for recently installed applications. If necessary, you can uninstall them as well.

9. Uninstall Windows Update

If you continue to face the keyboard backlight not working issue after following all the above methods, there is a chance of a bug in the installed Windows version.

To resolve this, you can uninstall any recently installed Windows update that might be causing the issue.

Here is the step-by-step procedure to uninstall the Windows update:

1. Right-click on the Start menu and choose Settings from the context menu to access Windows Settings.

2. Here, choose the Windows Update option from the left pane. Then click on the Update History option.

Windows Update History

3. Now, scroll down to the Related Settings section and choose the Uninstall Update option.

Uninstall Update Settings

4. Here, you will get the list of all recently installed Windows feature updates.

5. Choose the problematic update that correlates with the keyboard issues. Then, click on the Uninstall option to remove it.

Uninstall Windows update

10. Restart your PC

Restarting your PC is a simple yet effective troubleshooting step that can often resolve temporary issues, including problems with the keyboard backlight. Restarting your computer refreshes the operating system and might assist in resolving any momentary bugs or conflicts that might be impairing the keyboard backlight’s effectiveness.

Here’s how to restart your computer:

1. Save any ongoing work and close all open applications.

2. Click on the Start button at the bottom of your screen. Here, from the Start menu, click on the Power icon.

Accessing Power icon on Start Menu

3. After that, select the Restart option from the power menu. Your computer will begin the restart process. Wait for it to shut down completely and start up again.

Clicking on Restart Button

Now, check if the keyboard backlight works again once your computer restarts. In many instances, a straightforward restart may restore the keyboard backlight to working properly.

If the problem continues even after restarting, you may need to attempt other troubleshooting techniques or seek additional help. There could be connection issues with the wiring, so it is recommended to visit a technician for further inspection.

Conclusion

By considering these factors and applying the suggested solutions, users can effectively resolve the keyboard backlight issue and restore its functioning. However, if you have a Bluetooth keyboard powered by batteries, you can check the power level of your keyboard. Sometimes it can also cause the issue.

That’s it! This is how you can fix the keyboard backlight that is not working in Windows 11. After that, you will be ready to take advantage of increased visibility and usefulness, even in low-light settings.

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As an engineer, the technology niche has always been her favorite. She has a knack for transforming complex concepts into accessible content. Her expertise lies in software development, cloud computing, Windows, and cybersecurity.
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