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- HP Community
- Notebooks
- Notebook Hardware and Upgrade Questions
- HP Spectre x360 keyboard backlight timout

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12-13-2018 04:42 PM
I have an HP Spectre X360, model 15-DF0013DX.
I can turn the keyboard backlight off and on using f5 key. Is there any way to adjust the length of timeout for the keyboard backlight? Right now, if I turn it on, it stays on always.
I would like to turn the keyboard backlight on with the touch of any key, then turn off after 30 seconds of no use.
12-13-2018 06:16 PM
I no longer have my little Spectre - the following advice might not be relevant to that model.
Restart into BIOS – Set backlit keyboard “always” on or other setting
Restart > while screen blank, repeat ESC key until menu starts
BIOS setup
Advanced > Built-In Device Options >
Scroll down, set Backlit keyboard timeout = Never (or other available setting)
Click back to Main (menu), select Save changes and exit
HP Document on the subject
HP Notebook PCs - Using the Backlit Keyboard
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12-14-2018 05:27 AM
Thanks @Dragon-Fur.
Tried the BIOS menu. The problem is, there is no Advandced submenu and after scrolling through all of the submenus, I cannot find anywhere that has a keyboard backlight setting.
Kkmshoffman
12-14-2018 10:45 AM - edited 09-15-2019 10:11 AM
Unfortunate.
I am not surprised - the Advanced setting facility is available in the business grade notebooks; consumer grade systems do not provide the same BIOS features.
Edits / Update / Comments
I agree that a complete method of comparing one system against another would simplify the process of deciding which computer is the "right computer" for the money, for the investment, for the way in which the computer will be used.
In general, in my opinion, the following is true (at this writing):
- Business grade computers cost more. Know that this is expected. Consider the worth of the investment as compared to your overall expectations.
- Business grade computers generally come with a longer (and possibly more inclusive) warranty.
- Business grade computers are meant to be repaired in the field and provide more options for upgrades.
- Business grade computers provide a more robust physical build and provide different (better?) software and tools to configure and maintain the Operating System
- Business grade computers provide more complete access to the BIOS. In the case of the current subject, and for those business grade computers with which I have personal experience, this "more complete access" includes the ability to change the time-out in the backlit keyboard.
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08-13-2019 09:52 PM
HP is there any update to this problem with the VERY EXPENSIVE Spectre x360?
You are losing users once dedicated to HP's line of notebooks.
if this is not fixed soon, i will have to purchase a new replacement and it WILL NOT be an HP product ... EVER again.
Sincerely
HP USER on the fence.
09-15-2019 02:13 AM
This is driving me crazy!
One might think this is a small nuisance, but to me, as a programmer, it is a a big issue. I often end up working in dark environments in need of the backlight turned on. When the backlight turns off you must either press a key or touch the touchpad, in the dark, to turn it on again. If you press a key then you end up inserting an unwanted character into the text, and even replacing selected text. If you touch the touchpad the cursor is repositioned to whereever your mouse is pointing at, and you start typing at the wrong position. I always end up fumbling for the shift/ctrl/fn keys...
Please fix this!
Regards,
Roger
12-31-2019 08:03 AM
and all
At this writing, the same answer continues to apply.
Backlight timeout control is not available in those computers where the feature to adjust the time setting is absent.
In General
- Commercial / Business computers include the Advanced section in the BIOS (and so include the advanced timeout controls)
- Consumer grade systems do not include Advanced section in the BIOS (advanced controls not available)
- Omen Gaming Systems - Omen Control Center controls onboard features HP OMEN Command Center
HP Document on the subject
HP Notebook PCs - Using the Backlit Keyboard
Partial Excerpt
NOTE:Not all HP notebooks have a backlit keyboard. To confirm whether your notebook has a backlit keyboard, go to the HP Customer Support page. Search for your notebook model plus the word specifications. Review the product specifications for your notebook model. To find your notebook model, go to How Do I Find My Model Number or Product Number for more information.If you have a gaming notebook such as an HP OMEN, go to HP OMEN Command Center for more information about the backlit keyboard and other features.
and section
The backlight stays on for only a few seconds
NOTE:If there is not a setting for the backlight timing in the BIOS, this behavior might not be supported on the notebook. Check your notebook model's product support documentation to confirm support.
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