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HP Recommended

Backlit Keyboard not turning on when using the keyboard

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

Hi @896463,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

If your HP PC's backlit keyboard isn’t lighting up when you type or use the keyboard, here are a few steps to troubleshoot and enable it:

1. Try the Keyboard Shortcut

Most HP laptops use one of these keys to toggle the backlight:

  • F5F4, or F3
  • Or Fn + F5 (or the key with the backlight icon)

🔄 Try pressing the key once to turn it on, again to adjust brightness, and again to turn it off.

2. Check BIOS Settings

Sometimes the keyboard backlight is disabled in the BIOS.

  • Restart your PC and press Esc or F10 repeatedly to enter BIOS.
  • Look for Advanced > Built-in Device Options.
  • Enable Keyboard Backlight and set it to your preferred timeout (e.g., “Always On” or “15 seconds”).


3. Update HP Drivers and BIOS

Outdated firmware or drivers can cause the backlight to stop working.

  • Go to HP Support – Software & Drivers
  • Enter your laptop model number.
  • Download and install the latest:
    • BIOS update
    • Keyboard driver
    • HP System Event Utility


4. Use HP Quick Launch or HP System Event Utility

Some HP models require this utility to manage special keys like the backlight toggle.

🔗 HPSBHF03650 rev. 2 - HP System Event Utility Execution of Arbitrary Code | HP® Support

5. Check Windows Mobility Settings

  • Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Windows Mobility Center
  • Look for Keyboard Backlight settings and adjust brightness or timeout.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

 

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.