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HP Notebook PCs - Turning a Backlit Keyboard On or Off

This document pertains to HP notebook computers with backlit keyboards.

If your notebook computer has a backlit keyboard, there is a special key on the keyboard to turn the light on and off. Use the backlight in dim lighting situations.

note:

Not all HP notebooks have a backlit keyboard. Check the product specifications for your notebook model to verify whether it is equipped with a backlit keyboard.

To turn the keyboard backlight on or off, press the F5 key. If the backlight icon

is not on the F5 key, look for the backlit keyboard key on the row of function keys. It might be necessary to press the fn (function) key at the same time to activate the backlight key.

Backlit keyboard key and fn keys highlighted

Frequently asked questions

What if there is no backlight key?

Check the entire row of function keys. The backlight key might be in a different place or on a different key such as the F5 or F11 key. If there is no backlight key on the notebook, refer to the product specifications. Some models do not ship with a backlit keyboard.

When I press the backlight key nothing happens. What should I do?

In Windows, press fn (function key) and the backlight key. If this does not work, check the BIOS Setup Utility to verify if Action Keys Mode is disabled, or if the backlight feature is an option and is disabled.

Your BIOS version and screens might vary.

Why does the backlight stay on for only a few seconds?

When the backlight is enabled using the key on the keyboard and the backlight stays on for only a few seconds, the backlight timeout setting might need to be configured in the BIOS.

note:

If there is not a setting for the backlight timing in the BIOS, this behavior may not be supported on the notebook. Check product support documentation to verify.

Your BIOS version and screens might vary.

Restart the computer and immediately press the F10 repeatedly until the BIOS opens.
Navigate to the Advanced tab. Use the arrow keys to navigate in the BIOS.

Use the down arrow key to highlight Built-in Device Options, and then press Enter.
Use the down arrow key in the Built-in Device Options to select Backlit keyboard timeout.
Press the spacebar to open the keyboard backlight settings. Select the desired setting for timeout of the backlighting.

note:

Selecting Never makes the backlight stay on constantly unless you turn it off with the function key on the keyboard. If it remains on, your battery power could drain quickly.

How do I turn the backlight on after it goes off?

After a period of keyboard inactivity (duration set in the timeout section of the BIOS), the backlight turns off. To turn the backlight on again, press any key on the keyboard or, on some models, tap the touchpad.

How do I adjust the brightness of the backlight?

To adjust the brightness of the backlight, press the key with the backlight icon

two or three times in a row. The keyboard backlight dims and brightens. It might be necessary to press the fn (function) key at the same time to activate the backlight key.

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