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HP Recommended
HP SPECTRE x360 Convertible 15-df1xxx
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

How can I keep the Keyboard backlit always on? 

I have three backlit options on my keyboard: off, low & high.  When I put it on low or high it will only stay on for 30 seconds and then go off if I don’t touch the keyboard.

This is very annoying especially when I work at night with low light around me, I can't see where I'm typing. The thing that annoys even more is that this is one of HP's latest laptops and it's quite expensive. 

Thanks

3 REPLIES 3
HP Recommended

@Rayed 

 

You are not going to like the answer - I am sorry to be the messenger.

At least you will have the information.

 

Spectre is a nice machine - I had one for a while as a loaner. 

Spectre is Not a business class / commercial computer.

 

True at this writing:

Your Spectre does not have access to the BIOS > Advanced section where the setting you seek is located.

 

Short Version

 

Business class / commercial systems with a Backlit keyboard include access to change the timeout to "never".

Consumer grade systems do not include this feature.

 

This is one of those key differences between the less expensive consumer grade systems and the higher cost business class machines.

 

 

Longer Version

 

BIOS – Backlit Keyboard and other Advanced Options

 

This is one of those situations where the how-to document mentions that a particular feature might not be supported on every computer.  The document does not offer an exact explanation because the document is not written for YOUR computer.

 

HP Notebook PCs - Using the Backlit Keyboard

Section: The backlight stays on for only a few seconds

 

Discussion

 

In general, and there might be exceptions,

 

  • Business class computers offer the BIOS Advanced section. 
  • Examples of business class systems include and are not limited to:  Zbook Mobile Workstations, ProBook, EliteBook, and others.

 

For example

  • The backlit keyboard timeout option is included in the Advanced section as appropriate (assuming system has a backlit keyboard).

 

  • At this writing, consumer class systems do not include the Advanced BIOS section.
  • Examples of consumer grade systems include and are not limited to:  Spectre, Pavilion, Envy, Notebook.

 

 

HP Note

BIOS configurations vary depending on the computer. For further information on a specific computer, refer to the documentation provided with the computer or go to the appropriate document for your PC.

 

Consumer Class Desktops and Notebooks – BIOS Setup

 

Commercial / Business Class Computers – BIOS Setup

HP PC Commercial BIOS (UEFI) Setup - Administration Guide

 

 

 

Commercial / Business Class Computers – BIOS > Advanced >  Built-In Device Options 

Restart into BIOS – Set backlit keyboard “always” on

Restart > while screen blank, repeat ESC key until menu starts

BIOS setup

Advanced > Built-In Device Options >

Scroll down, set Backlit keyboard timeout = Never

Click back to Main (menu), select Save changes and exit

 

 

Reference and Resources – Places to find help, solve problems, and learn about your Device

Device Homepage

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software and BIOS, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, User Guides / Manuals, Service and Maintenance Guide (Replacement Parts and Procedures), Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP Spectre 15-df1000 x360 Convertible PC series

 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology

 

Dragon-Fur

HP Recommended

Thank you very much Dragon-Fur,

 

I tried every trick I know to fix this issue, but I couldn't find a way. This is bad news, as I thought it was just a software issue that could be fixed/programed by HP or by any expert. But you clearly answered my question.

 

How in the world did I pay over 2,000 USD for a laptop that cant keep its backlit keyboard on for more than a few seconds!!!

 

HP: This is a waste of money! 

 

Thanks, Dragon-Fur,

 

HP Recommended

@Rayed 

 

You are welcome.

 

I liked my Spectre;  I did notice the difference in BIOS control features, including the keyboard options.

 

BIOS control is not the main reason - but it is one of several compelling reasons - that I switched over to the business class line.  

 

Yes, when you are getting into this kind of money, the options are important.

 



Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology.

 

Dragon-Fur

† 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>.