Is there a way to stop the keyboard backlight from automatically turning off?

[J_-_-_]

My HP laptop keyboard backlight turns off after about 20 seconds.  Is there a way to stop this idiotic feature and leave the backlight on full-time?

Because of the backlight problem and the lack of a simple num lock indicator light,  I will probably switch to a different brand of computers.

[J_-_-_]

There is no number lock indicator light on any of my current HP laptops.  

Is there a way to program an indicator?

I think I'll switch to another brand of computer next time.  One that has the num lock indicator.

[Dragon-Fur]

@J_-_-_ 

The feature to keep the backlit keyboard "on" is available in the BIOS > Advanced section for HP Commercial / Business Class systems (for example, Elitebook, Zbook, Probook) but not (at this writing) in consumer level systems (for example, Pavilion, HP Notebook).

Reference

 HP Notebook PCs - Using the Backlit Keyboard

True - different systems provide features based on the model / series.

Understood -- the limitations on some systems mean you might be moving on.

When you are shopping, look for a system that includes a "full size" keyboard -- these require more room, of course, and are not available on the smaller, lighter systems.  The larger keyboards, for example, those that include a separate "number pad" generally include the traditional keyboard lights and control keys.

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[J_-_-_]

Great reply!

I have a full size keyboard.

There are two useless (to me) keyboard indicator lights:

One is active when the sound is off.  I can hear whether the sound is on or off.

The other is an indicator light for the power button!  I already know that the power is on.

I wish one of these lights could be reprogrammed as a num-lock indicator, which would actually be of use.

If HP reads enough complaints, perhaps they will include a taskbar num-lock indicator in a future update.

But I doubt it because I see that people have been frustrated by this for at least 10 years.  Adding one tiny led indicator would do more to reduce consumer flight to competitors than most of their ignored advertising!

[Dragon-Fur]

@J_-_-_ 

Sure - and things change - sometimes.

True - not every manufacturer limits some features to their more premium products.

You never mentioned your exact system model -

If you have other questions for the HP Community, remember that every bit of details helps those who might answer.

True - sometimes questions here are answered with a simple "Gee, me too.  I am so mad."

"Mean Tweets" (mean X's ??) are useless in context of solving issues but perhaps gratifying in some way.

Other times, there might be an attempt by a member, agent, or Expert to answer with a usable response.

Good Luck.

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People who own, use, and support HP devices.

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[J_-_-_]

Thank you

This is the laptop I'm using at the moment:

HP Pavilion Laptop 15-eg2xxx
System SKU 6W540UA#ABA
BIOS Version/Date AMI F.11, 11/11/2022

Also, I have several Envy's- 17" with full keyboards.

The Envy's are missing the numlock indicators, but they don't have the backlight timeout issue.

[Dragon-Fur]

@J_-_-_ 

There is no way to add a light on the keyboard where there is none.

Reprogramming keys (when possible)  is not one of my specialties - best I don't give advice on the subject.

If you make changes, make sure you have an external keyboard handy in case you break your onboard keyboard.

You can (also) add the On-Screen-Keyboard to your taskbar so it's available if you need it.

Image of a backlit keyboard part for this series:

Reference image from:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/313995032676

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[J_-_-_]

I wouldn't know how to change the functions of the lights that are already on the keys either.

I would be happy with just a numlock status icon on the taskbar.

--some of my envy's have an "off" indicator light on the touchpad--

[J_-_-_]

My layout is the same as the picture, but mine has black keys with the light coming through the symbols.

[Dragon-Fur]

@J_-_-_ 

Well, apparently, "there is an app for that".

How to Show NUM Lock & CAPS Lock Indicator on Taskbar 

The app has two modes:  Free and Paid.

Paid provides more options.

Free includes the status lights.

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