Need to block or turn off power LED light while PC is on -- accessibility issue

[enerjeffic]

Due to a disability I need to keep my newer Win11 PC (which a kind soul got for me) in my bedroom. It is an HP Pavilion Desktop PC TP01-2000a (2Z6C9AV) . Leaving the PC on all night won't work because the bright power LED destroys any chance for sleep. Blocking the front of the power button is easy, but totally meaningless because the LED is so bright and there are so many ventilation holes in the case that the light still comes out of back and sides of the case and lights up the room. Turning off the PC at night doesn't work because then I have to get up to turn it on every single day, maybe multiple times in winter where the nights are long. Can I just turn off or disable this light somehow? It's completely unnecessary. It's not like I won't know if the computer is on. Thanks for reading this.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @enerjeffic 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Unfortunately, there is no built-in setting in Windows or the BIOS to disable the power LED on the HP Pavilion TP01-2000a. 

However, you can safely block the light using a few non-invasive, reversible methods that preserve ventilation and accessibility.

Note: This is from my personal suggestion. 😊 When I went through a similar experience with an air cooler.

Practical Ways to Block the Power LED Without Opening the Case

1. Use Light-Diffusing Tape or Film

• Apply a small piece of light-dimming film or black electrical tape directly over the power button.
• For better coverage, layer it or use matte black vinyl which absorbs more light.
• If light still leaks through vents, place a small folded cloth or blackout sticker behind the front panel (without obstructing airflow).

These materials are inexpensive, removable, and won’t damage the case.

 

2. Create a Light Shield

• Use a small cardboard or foamboard shield to cover the front panel.
• Cut it to size and secure it with Velcro strips or removable adhesive.
• Leave space around the vents to maintain airflow.

This method blocks side and rear light bleed without altering the hardware.

 

3. Relocate the PC Slightly

• If possible, rotate or reposition the tower so the LED faces away from your bed.
• Place it behind a bookshelf, curtain, or desk panel to diffuse the glow.

Even a slight angle change can dramatically reduce visible brightness.

 

Why There’s No Software Option

• The power LED is hardwired to the motherboard and not controlled by software or firmware.
• HP Pavilion desktops do not offer BIOS-level LED control for this model.

You’ve done the right thing by seeking a solution that respects your space and comfort.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[enerjeffic]

Thanks for replying Hawks_Eye. However, calling this an Accepted Solution is not going to happen because it is not a solution at all, sorry. Really, the bottom line is "HP Pavilion desktops do not offer BIOS-level LED control for this model", meaning I'm out of luck. That's all. And thanks for trying to provide guidance in working around the problem, but I am an intelligent adult and have plenty of experience with this issue. In fact, you didn't even suggest the best solution for covering discrete areas (like the power button, as opposed to the grids of hundreds of holes on the left side and especially back) which is rope caulk. It's flexible, completely removable, completely blocks light and doesn't harm the case. Blocking light coming from the front is relatively easy -- it's the back that is going to be very difficult but I'll get it done. My last PC was an HP and they were smart enough to put the power button LED into a black plastic housing so it didn't shine out the back and was easily covered with a quarter on top. I told my friend to be aware of this issue when picking out a PC so this is partially on him. Thanks for trying to help.

[Hawks_Eye]

You are welcome @enerjeffic 

Thanks for your thoughtful reply, and I truly appreciate the clarity and experience you bring to this issue. You're absolutely right—when the hardware design doesn’t allow for LED control, it’s not a true solution, and I respect your decision not to mark it as such.

Your mention of rope caulk is spot-on. It’s an excellent material for this kind of light isolation—flexible, non-damaging, and ideal for sealing irregular surfaces like vent grids. That’s a level of precision and practicality I should have included, and I’m grateful you brought it up.

The comparison to your previous HP system with a recessed LED housing also highlights a design choice that made a real difference. It’s unfortunate that newer models like the TP01-2000a don’t carry that forward. Your workaround plan sounds solid, especially for the rear bleed, which is often the trickiest.

If you ever decide to explore internal LED disconnection (e.g., via motherboard header or front panel cable modification), I’d be happy to walk through the risks and steps—but only if you're comfortable with that level of hardware access.

Thanks again for engaging so constructively. You’re clearly doing everything you can to adapt the system to your needs, and I admire your persistence.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye