How to fix a keyboard backlight that doesn’t work on Windows and Mac

  • Backlit keyboards are keyboards with keys that are backlit by an LED.
  • They provide better visibility and make typing easier, even in completely dark rooms.
  • But sometimes, for no apparent reason, a backlit Mac laptop keyboard won’t work at all.
  • There are several possible reasons why the backlight may stop working on your MacBook Pro, MacBook, or MacBook Air.

 

Illuminate your typing experience effortlessly as we unravel the secrets to rectifying keyboard backlight malfunctions on both Windows and Mac systems.

Adjust Keyboard Backlight Brightness

To fix keyboard backlight not working on Windows and Mac, there are a few ways you can adjust the keyboard backlight brightness.

For Windows users, follow these steps:
1. Press the FN key and the corresponding backlight key (usually located on the top row of your keyboard) to adjust brightness levels.
2. If that doesn’t work, update your keyboard drivers. Go to Device Manager, expand the Keyboards category, right-click on your keyboard, and select “Update driver.”
3. If you’re still experiencing issues, it could be a hardware problem. Consider contacting your laptop manufacturer for further assistance.

For Mac users, try the following:
1. Go to System Preferences and click on Keyboard.
2. Under the Keyboard tab, adjust the “Keyboard backlight” slider to your desired brightness level.
3. If you have a MacBook Air or a Mac with Touch Bar, press the “F5” or “F6” key to adjust brightness.

Remember, different keyboard models and software versions may have varying steps, so consult your device’s documentation for specific instructions.

Disable Automatic Keyboard Backlight Turn Off

To disable automatic keyboard backlight turn off on Windows and Mac, follow these steps:

For Windows users:
1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Click on “Hardware and Sound” and then “Keyboard.”
3. Look for the option to disable automatic keyboard backlight turn off. If available, uncheck the box next to it.
4. If the option is not available, you may need to update your keyboard drivers. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers for your keyboard model.

For Mac users:
1. Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
2. Click on “Keyboard” and then “Keyboard” tab.
3. Look for the option to disable automatic keyboard backlight turn off. If available, uncheck the box next to it.
4. If the option is not available, try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac. Instructions can be found on Apple’s support website.

By disabling automatic keyboard backlight turn off, you can ensure that your keyboard backlight stays on for better visibility in low-light environments.

Prevent Interference from Bright Light Sources

Preventing Interference from Bright Light Sources

If you’re experiencing issues with your keyboard backlight not working on Windows or Mac, it could be due to interference from bright light sources. Here are some ways to fix this problem:

1. Adjust the keyboard brightness settings: On Windows, press the FN key and the corresponding function key (usually F1-F12) to control the keyboard backlight intensity. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard tab and adjust the Keyboard Brightness slider.

2. Check your surroundings: Ensure that there are no bright light sources directly hitting your keyboard, such as sunlight or overhead lamps. Consider moving to a different location or adjusting the angle of your laptop or keyboard.

3. Update your software: Make sure you have the latest software updates installed on your Windows or Mac device, as these updates often include fixes for hardware issues.

Reset SMC for MacBooks

To fix the issue of the keyboard backlight not working on Windows and Mac, you can try resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) on your MacBook. This can help resolve hardware issues that may be causing the problem.

Here’s how to reset the SMC on a MacBook:

1. Shut down the MacBook.
2. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
3. Release the power button, then press it again to turn on the MacBook.

If the keyboard backlight still doesn’t work after resetting the SMC, there may be other factors at play. It’s possible that the backlight settings have been changed or there is a software issue. You can try adjusting the backlight settings in your operating system or updating the system software to see if that resolves the problem.

If none of these steps help, it’s recommended to contact the manufacturer or seek further assistance.

Check Hardware and Keyboard App




Fix Keyboard Backlight Not Working on Windows and Mac


Fix Keyboard Backlight Not Working on Windows and Mac

In this article, we will discuss the possible solutions to fix keyboard backlight not working issues on Windows and Mac computers. We will cover both hardware-related problems and keyboard app settings.

Check Hardware

If your keyboard backlight is not working, it’s essential to ensure that the hardware components are functioning correctly. Here are some steps to check the hardware:

Step Description
1 Verify the keyboard backlight is supported by your computer model.
2 Check if the backlight brightness is turned up. Look for dedicated keys or settings to adjust the brightness.
3 Ensure that the keyboard backlight cable is properly connected to the motherboard.
4 Try connecting your keyboard to a different USB port or try using it on another computer to isolate any connectivity issues.
5 If none of the above steps work, consider contacting the manufacturer or seeking professional assistance.

Keyboard App

Another potential reason for keyboard backlight not working is incorrect settings within the keyboard app. Follow these steps to troubleshoot:

Step Description
1 Open the keyboard app on your computer.
2 Check if the backlight functionality is enabled within the app settings.
3 Adjust the backlight brightness or color settings if available.
4 Try reinstalling or updating the keyboard app to the latest version.
5 If the issue persists, consider resetting the keyboard app settings to default or contacting the app developer for further support.


Update Keyboard Drivers

To update keyboard drivers on Windows and Mac and fix keyboard backlight not working issues, follow these steps:

1. Open Device Manager on Windows or System Preferences on Mac.
2. Expand the “Keyboards” category.
3. Right-click (or control-click) on your keyboard and select “Update driver” or “Update Software.”
4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Wait for the process to complete and follow any further instructions.
6. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

If the issue persists, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Ensure the keyboard backlight is enabled by pressing the FN key and the backlight key (usually F5 or F6).
2. Check the keyboard backlight settings in the operating system’s control panel or system preferences.
3. Adjust the brightness level of the backlight to ensure it is not set to the lowest setting.
4. If you’re using a laptop, make sure the keyboard backlight is not disabled in the BIOS settings.
5. If none of the above solutions work, consider contacting the manufacturer for further assistance or check their website for any available firmware updates.

Remember to always refer to your specific keyboard model and manufacturer’s instructions for accurate troubleshooting steps.

Troubleshoot and Perform Clean Boot

Troubleshoot and Perform Clean Boot
Problem Solution
Keyboard backlight not working on Windows
  1. Check keyboard backlight settings in Windows.
  2. Update keyboard drivers.
    Check keyboard backlight settings in Windows.
Update keyboard drivers.
  3. Restart the computer.
  4. Perform a clean boot to identify conflicting software.
  5. Check for Windows updates and install them.
  6. Reset BIOS settings.
    Check for Windows updates and install them.
Reset BIOS settings.
  7. Contact keyboard manufacturer for further assistance.
Keyboard backlight not working on Mac
  1. Check keyboard backlight settings in System Preferences.
  2. Reset the SMC (System Management Controller).
  3. Restart the Mac.
  4. Perform a clean boot to identify conflicting software.
    Restart the Mac.
Perform a clean boot to identify conflicting software.
  5. Check for macOS updates and install them.
  6. Reset NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory).
    Check for macOS updates and install them.
Reset NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory).
  7. Visit an authorized Apple service provider for further assistance.
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Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.