Many HP laptops have a backlit keyboard that makes typing in the dark much easier, but the key that turns it on isn’t the same on every model, and there’s no switch for it in Windows 11 Settings. This guide shows how to find the backlight key, adjust brightness, keep the light from turning off too quickly, and what to check if the keyboard won’t light up.
Quick Answer
Look for a key in the top row with a keyboard icon with light rays (often F5, F4, F9, or F11). Press it once. If nothing happens, hold Fn and press it. Press it again to change brightness or turn the light off.
Step 1: Check That Your HP Laptop Has a Backlit Keyboard
- Look for the backlight icon on a function key (a keyboard with three short lines or dots above it).
- Check your model’s specifications on HP’s support site; search your product number and look for “backlit keyboard.”
- If there’s no icon and the specs don’t list it, the laptop doesn’t have a backlight, and software can’t add one.
Step 2: Turn On the Keyboard Light
- Press the backlight key (commonly F5 on many Pavilion and Envy models, F4 or F9 on some others, or F11 on certain EliteBooks and ProBooks).
- If pressing the key triggers the regular F-key action instead, press Fn + the backlight key. Some models use Fn + Spacebar.
- Press repeatedly to cycle through brightness levels (typically bright, dim, off).
Tip: press Fn + Esc or Fn + Shift on some HP models to toggle Fn Lock, which swaps whether the top row does media actions or F1–F12 by default.
Step 3: Keep the Backlight On Longer
By default, HP keyboard lights turn off after a short idle time. To change it:
- Restart the laptop and tap F10 repeatedly to open BIOS Setup (or press Esc and then F10).
- Go to Advanced > Built-In Device Options (wording varies).
- Find Backlit keyboard timeout and choose a longer time or Never.
- Press F10 to save and exit.
Not every consumer model offers this setting. Some business models also let you adjust it in the HP control software.
Keyboard Light Not Working?
- Try Fn combinations: the backlight key may only work with Fn held down, or Fn Lock may be flipping it.
- Check for a light sensor: on models with an ambient light sensor, the backlight may stay off in bright rooms.
- Update BIOS and drivers: use HP Support Assistant or HP’s support site to install the latest BIOS and the HP Hotkey Support or HP System Event Utility driver, which handles function keys on many models.
- Reset the laptop’s power: shut down, unplug the charger, hold the power button for 15 seconds, then turn it on again.
- Check BIOS: make sure the backlight or action keys aren’t disabled in BIOS settings.
- Hardware fault: if nothing works after updates, the backlight or its connector may need service under warranty.
To switch it off again on any laptop, see how to turn off the keyboard light in Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the keyboard light color on my HP laptop?
Only on models with RGB keyboards, such as many OMEN and Victus gaming laptops, which use the OMEN Gaming Hub app. Standard backlit keyboards are white only.
Does the keyboard light drain the battery?
Slightly. Use the dim setting or turn it off when you don’t need it to save power.
Is there a Windows 11 setting for the keyboard light?
Generally no. HP controls the backlight through the function key and BIOS, not Windows Settings.
Summary
- Find the top-row key with the keyboard backlight icon.
- Press it, or Fn + the key, to turn on and adjust the light.
- Change Backlit keyboard timeout in BIOS to keep it on longer.
- Update BIOS and HP hotkey drivers if it doesn’t work.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.