EliteBook 8 G1i Backlight

[Arielle606]

Hello,

I am planning to purchase an HP EliteBook 8 G1i 16 (AD3H9ET) in the next few days.

Before making my purchase, I have one important question regarding the keyboard backlight.

Is it possible to keep the keyboard backlight permanently on?

Specifically:

• Is there a BIOS or HP software setting that allows the keyboard backlight timeout to be set to "Never" or "Always On"?
• If such an option exists, does it work reliably with the latest BIOS and firmware versions?
• Or does the keyboard backlight always turn off automatically after a period of inactivity?

This feature is very important to me and will significantly influence my purchasing decision.

Thank you very much for your assistance.

Kind regards,
Manuela

[resistencia]

Hi @Arielle606 

Yes, business models only have that function in the BIOS.   As long as your laptop has a backlit keyboard—not all laptops come with one—

[Arielle606]

Hi resistencia,

Thank you for your reply.

The BIOS documentation clearly lists the option "Never" for the keyboard backlight timeout.

Can you please confirm whether this option is fully functional on the HP EliteBook 8 G1i 16 with the latest BIOS version?

I have seen a report from an EliteBook 8 G1i owner saying that the keyboard backlight still turns off after a few seconds, even when "Never" is selected.

Could you please clarify whether this is a known BIOS issue or whether the "Never" setting should keep the keyboard backlight permanently on?

[resistencia]

If that user's keyboard turns off, it's because the laptop has gone into hibernation mode. While you're using it, the keyboard stays lit, but if it goes into hibernation mode, everything will obviously turn off. Normally, when users are running on battery power, the laptop should go into hibernation mode after 3 minutes.

[Arielle606]

Thank you for your reply.

I have one final question.

If I set the "Backlit Keyboard Timeout" to "Never" and also configure the power settings so that the laptop does not enter Sleep or Hibernation while running on battery power, will the keyboard backlight remain on continuously, even if I never press any key?

In other words,

will the keyboard backlight stay on for as long as the laptop is powered on and awake, regardless of whether I use the keyboard or not?

Thank you very much for your clarification

and beste regards 

Manuela

[resistencia · Accepted solution]

Yes, it'll work, but I don't think the battery will last very long—the backlit keyboard uses up a lot of battery power.

If you're going to do that, I recommend keeping your laptop plugged into the AC; this won't affect the battery because it won't be charging.

[jasonmiller11tt]

Most EliteBook models auto-turn off the keyboard backlight after inactivity. A permanent "Always On" option is usually not available. If it's a deciding factor, I'd confirm with HP Support or an owner of the same model before buying.

[Arielle606]

Hi Jason,

Thank you very much for your reply and for taking the time to answer my question. I really appreciate your help.

Unfortunately, I'm trying to get this information before purchasing the notebook. The problem is that HP Support usually asks for a serial number before I can submit a technical question, and since I don't own the laptop yet, I don't have one.

Do you, or perhaps another community member, know of a way to contact HP for pre-sales technical questions? Or maybe someone here owns the HP EliteBook 8 G1i 16 and could confirm whether the keyboard backlight can really stay on permanently?

Thank you again for your time and assistance.

Best regards,
Arielle606

Manuela

[Arielle606]

Hi resistencia

I just wanted to thank you once again for taking the time to help me and for sharing your suggestion about the BIOS settings. I really appreciate your effort and your willingness to help.

Thank you very much, and have a great day!

Best regards,

Manuela
Arielle606