How to on keyboard light in hp laptop?

A Complete Guide

In today’s world, laptops are essential tools for both personal and professional use. HP, a well-known manufacturer of laptops, has equipped many of its models with backlit keyboards, providing an extra layer of convenience. Whether you’re working in a dimly lit room, typing in a dark space, or simply enjoying the aesthetics of illuminated keys, knowing how to turn on the keyboard light is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about turning on the keyboard backlight in HP laptops.

Understanding Keyboard Backlighting in HP Laptops

Before diving into how to turn on the keyboard light in an HP laptop, it’s important to understand what this feature is and why it’s useful.

A backlit keyboard is a type of keyboard in which the keys are illuminated from underneath, making it easier to type in low-light conditions. The backlight not only improves visibility but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the laptop. Some HP laptops have adjustable keyboard backlighting, allowing you to control the brightness or turn it off altogether.

Types of HP Laptops with Backlit Keyboards

Not all HP laptops come with a backlit keyboard, so it’s important to first confirm if your model supports this feature. Some of the popular HP laptops with backlit keyboards include:

• HP Spectre x360 series
• HP Envy series
• HP Pavilion series
• HP EliteBook and HP ProBook series
• HP Omen (gaming laptops)

If you’re unsure whether your HP laptop has a backlit keyboard, check the documentation or product description that came with the laptop. Alternatively, you can simply look for a small light icon (often represented as a sun or lightbulb) on one of the function keys, typically F5, F9, or F12.

How to Turn On the Keyboard Light in HP Laptops: The Basics

Now that we’ve established the importance of a backlit keyboard and which HP laptops come with this feature, let’s explore how to turn the keyboard light on. Here are the most common methods to do so.

Method 1: Using the Function Keys (F5, F9, or F12)

One of the easiest ways to turn on the keyboard backlight in HP laptops is by using the function keys. These keys often control various settings, including the keyboard backlight.

1. Locate the Right Function Key: On most HP laptops, you’ll find a backlight icon (usually a small light or sun symbol) on one of the function keys (F5, F9, or F12). Depending on the model, the exact key may vary.
2. Press the Function Key: Once you’ve located the correct key, press it. On some models, the keyboard backlight will automatically turn on.
3. Adjust Brightness: You may have several brightness settings. Press the backlight function key multiple times to cycle through different brightness levels. The keys usually toggle between three settings: off, dim, and bright.
4. Turn Off the Backlight: If you want to turn off the backlight, simply press the same function key again.

Note: You may need to press the Fn (Function) key in combination with the F5, F9, or F12 key, depending on your HP laptop model.

Method 2: Enabling Keyboard Backlight in BIOS

If the function keys don’t work, it’s possible that the backlit keyboard feature has been disabled in the BIOS. To turn it on, follow these steps:

1. Turn Off Your Laptop: Shut down your HP laptop completely.
2. Enter the BIOS Setup: Turn the laptop back on, and immediately start pressing the Esc key (or the F10 key, depending on your model) repeatedly to access the BIOS menu.
3. Navigate to the Advanced Tab: In the BIOS menu, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Advanced tab or System Configuration (depending on your model).
4. Enable Backlight: Look for the Keyboard Backlight or Action Keys Mode setting. If it is disabled, change the setting to Enabled.
5. Save and Exit: After enabling the keyboard backlight, press the appropriate key to Save and Exit. The backlight should now be functional when you boot up your laptop again.

Method 3: Using HP Support Assistant

HP offers a tool called the HP Support Assistant, which can help you manage your laptop’s settings, including the keyboard backlight.

1. Open HP Support Assistant: If you don’t already have the software, you can download it from HP’s official website. Launch the HP Support Assistant from the Start menu.
2. Check for Updates: Once the program is open, check for any updates that might affect the keyboard or its settings. Sometimes, an update may enable the keyboard backlight or fix any issues with it.
3. Adjust Keyboard Backlight Settings: Within the HP Support Assistant, go to the settings or preferences section to see if there’s an option to adjust the keyboard backlight. This varies depending on your HP laptop model.

Method 4: Checking Windows Settings

On certain HP laptops, the backlight can be managed through Windows Settings. You can adjust keyboard backlighting via the Mobility Center or specific settings within Windows 10 or Windows 11.

1. Open the Windows Mobility Center: Right-click on the Start Menu and select Mobility Center. Alternatively, you can search for it using the Windows search bar.
2. Locate the Keyboard Brightness Option: In the Windows Mobility Center, look for an option labeled Keyboard Brightness or similar. This setting allows you to adjust the brightness of your backlit keyboard.
3. Adjust the Brightness: Use the slider to increase or decrease the brightness of your keyboard backlight. If you don’t see this option, it might not be available on your specific model.

Method 5: Check HP Quick Launch Buttons (For Older Models)

Some older HP laptops come with Quick Launch Buttons for adjusting common features, such as the keyboard backlight. If your HP laptop has this feature:

1. Locate the Quick Launch Button: Check near the top of your keyboard or in the function keys for a button with a light icon.
2. Press the Button: Simply pressing this button will toggle the backlight on or off, or adjust its brightness.

Troubleshooting Keyboard Backlight Issues

If the keyboard light isn’t working, don’t worry. Here are some troubleshooting tips to resolve the issue:

1. Check for Software Updates: Sometimes, outdated software or drivers may cause the keyboard backlight not to work. Check for updates through HP Support Assistant or Device Manager.
2. Verify Battery Settings: On some HP laptops, the keyboard backlight may be automatically turned off when the laptop is running on battery power to conserve energy. Make sure the laptop is plugged in or adjust the battery settings.
3. Update Keyboard Drivers: Go to Device Manager, expand the Keyboards section, and update the driver for your keyboard.
4. Perform a System Reset: If all else fails, perform a system reset or restore to default settings to correct any configuration errors.
5. Check for Hardware Damage: In rare cases, if the keyboard backlight still doesn’t work, it could be due to a hardware failure. In this case, consider reaching out to HP support for assistance.

Conclusion

Turning on the keyboard light in an HP laptop is a simple and straightforward process, depending on your specific model. By following the methods above, you can easily adjust or activate your backlit keyboard, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of your device.

If your HP laptop doesn’t come with a backlit keyboard, there are other ways to enhance your typing experience in low light, such as using an external keyboard with backlighting or adjusting your screen brightness to better illuminate your keyboard. Always remember to check your laptop’s user manual or support page for model-specific instructions and troubleshoot any issues with your backlight through the built-in tools provided by HP.