One of the indicators of a laptop’s ergonomics is the backlighting of its keyboard. This function greatly simplifies working with the device both at night and during the day in low light levels. But some users forget about the presence of such a useful option or simply do not know how to use it.
How to turn on the keyboard backlight on laptops from different manufacturers? In search of an answer, we will consider all possible options.
Turn on the keyboard backlight
Before you try to activate the keyboard backlight, you need to know for sure that this function is present on your laptop model. And if you don’t want to look for technical specifications and re-read the user manual, then you should take a closer look at the special symbols printed on the function keys F1 - F12. Typically, the keyboard backlight icon looks like this and is located on the F4 button.
After finding the symbol you are looking for, you must simultaneously press the Fn+F4 combination. At the same moment, all the keys on the keyboard will begin to light up. If pressing Fn+F4 did not give a positive result, then you can search for the backlight by alternately pressing Fn and other function buttons. It is worth keeping in mind that during a random search for the desired combination, other functions will be activated, the operation of which can be disabled by pressing the previous combination again.
In some models, the keyboard backlight option is assigned to the Fn + “space” key combination, for example, in the Lenovo Z500 model. Or it is placed in the form of a separate button located above the keyboard (MSI GE60, MSI GE70). 
In addition, in many modern laptops you can not only turn the backlight on and off, but also control the brightness of the LEDs. For example, the Asus FX series gives the user the opportunity to independently select one of three brightness modes. Here, the brightness is increased by pressing the Fn+F4 keys, and the brightness is decreased by pressing the Fn+F3 keys. At the same time, a sign appears on the screen indicating the current brightness level. 
Unfortunately, users are not always able to turn on the button backlight in the standard way. This problem especially often occurs after reinstalling the OS, as a result of which the laptop lacks the appropriate driver. To solve the problem, you need to find the backlight driver on the manufacturer’s official website, download it and install it on your laptop.
Shutdown
When the need for backlighting disappears, it can be turned off. But, just like with turning on, there is no single standard shutdown button. All models implement this function differently, for example:
- disabling is done using the same combination of buttons as turning on (Fn+F4, Fn+Space);
- to turn it off, use the function button located next to the power button;
- The backlight turns off in several stages by repeatedly pressing Fn and the function key with the keyboard icon.
How to change the keyboard backlight color?
Today, most laptop manufacturers assemble keyboard backlighting using single-color LEDs, as a result of which the user cannot change its color. However, there are also models in which the backlight is based on RGB LEDs. For example, Asus uses multicolor LEDs in its new laptops, the operation of which can be controlled using the patented Asus Aura software. Owners of such devices can change the color and brightness of LED indicators at their discretion, choosing a background that is pleasing to the eye.
In addition to Asus Aura, there is a universal Steel Series Engine program that is compatible with all laptop models. With its help, you can set the color of the LEDs, as well as use other features of the multifunctional menu.
If the computer keyboard has a single-color backlight, which does not help, but on the contrary, irritates the eyes, then you can modify it yourself in one of two ways. In the first case, you need to disassemble the keyboard, remove the backlight board and determine the type of LEDs installed on it. After this, they can be replaced with LEDs of the same size, but of a different color.
The second option involves disassembling the keyboard and sticking stickers made of translucent paper (yellow, green, blue) onto the backlight board. After assembly, the keys will glow with orange, azure and violet light, which will have to pass through a paper filter.
For a laptop that has never had a backlight, you can make an external miniature USB lamp with bright LEDs with your own hands. Or buy a ready-made USB LED backlight for your keyboard via the Internet.
Read also
Turn on the keyboard backlight
Some Samsung laptop models are equipped with automatic backlighting (for example, the popular Samsung 880z5e).
That is, at some point special sensors are triggered and you do not need to turn on the backlight yourself. As soon as the room becomes lighter, the glow will immediately stop. If your laptop has an automatic backlight feature but it is not working, contact Samsung laptop repair experts.
If you are sure that your laptop is equipped with a key backlight function, but it does not turn on automatically, then you can activate it in the following ways.
Instructions for turning on the backlight
Different Samsung models have their own way to turn on the backlight. In most cases, you need to press "F4" in combination with the "Fn" key.
However, it is not a fact that this option will suit everyone, and besides, you will not be able to change the backlight settings using this combination. If this method does not help you, then you should look for a schematic drawing of a flashlight on one of the keys on the keyboard. As soon as you find it, press the found key simultaneously with “F4” or the “Fn” key. This will activate the backlight.
After you complete the work, and the backlight is no longer needed, repeat the key combination with which you activated the glow.
Samsung Control Center
Another way to turn on the key backlight is to use special software from Samsung. Such a program is Samsung Control Center. Download it, if it is not installed on your laptop, from the official Samsung website. After launching the program, go to the Keyboard Backlit menu and turn on the backlight. It turns off in the same menu.
Today, new laptop models that are being released already have a keyboard backlight function, this is a very convenient and useful feature in a laptop. Those who have to or who like to work at night or in not very good lighting will feel especially comfortable with this function. If there is a backlight, you do not need to strain your eyes to see this or that symbol on the keyboard. There are several ways to turn on the keyboard backlight on a laptop; the only differences are in the models or manufacturers. You can also create your own keyboard backlight.
By the way, I have repeatedly seen this device in online stores and what’s nice is that it is not expensive. I also want to note that backlighting is rare in budget laptops, but it’s worth checking all of them.
Turn on the backlight
First of all, you need to determine whether your laptop has a keyboard backlight function. If there is such a function, then turning on the backlight is not difficult. Each manufacturer puts special symbols on the keys, additional keys with symbols F1 - F12.
In order to turn on the backlight on the keyboard, you need to press the Fn key and hold down another additional key, which may be different for different models - you can experiment with this by pressing F1 – F12. You can try these combinations: Fn – F5/ Fn – F6/ Fn – space (space) / Fn – right arrow.
The only thing to keep in mind when pressing additional keys is that pressing them may also activate various other functions. For example, sleep mode, turning off Wi-Fi or turning off the monitor. To disable/enable these functions, you need to press the same key combination again.
In the image below, you can see how to turn on the keyboard backlight on an HP laptop:
There is another way to turn on the keyboard backlight on a laptop if your laptop does not have such a function. You can design the lighting yourself - this is external lighting.
How to make external lighting
I found the instructions below on the Internet, if anyone wants to do handicrafts, then this is for you.
To do this, you will need +5V power from the USB connector and a white LED. We insert it into the USB power connector. However, given that the LED has a voltage of 3.5V, and the LED current has 0.02A, a 1.5V suppression resistor is required, the additional resistor has a resistance of 1.5V/0.02A - this is 75 Ohm. Since the USB connector supplies up to 0.5A, 25 LEDs can be powered from it, but it is imperative to control the current consumed by the LEDs, since the difference of 18 - 20 MA shortens the life of the LED.
After checking the external backlight you have made and the brightness of its glow, if you need to increase the brightness of the keyboard backlight, you can connect in parallel another LED with the same resistor. The required current must be set by selecting a resistor. The backlight made by yourself is ready, you can install it and start working on a backlit laptop.
In my opinion, of course, it is better to order ready-made lighting, since it is cheap.
Many older laptop models do not have backlit keyboards. This is perhaps one of the most significant disadvantages of this technique. Without backlighting, you will not be able to fully work on your laptop in the dark. Many modern models already have keyboard backlighting.
However, not all users were able to figure out how it turns on. It is this issue that our review today is devoted to.
How to turn on the keyboard backlight: detailed instructions
There is no doubt that a backlit keyboard is a very convenient option. Thanks to it, you can comfortably use your laptop even at night. If you use an Asus laptop and can't figure out how to turn on the keyboard backlight on it, this article is for you.
Many users know that the laptop has a special “Fn” key.
However, not everyone knows about its purpose. This key is an additional type. It is by using it that you can turn on or off the backlight on the keyboard. This method allows you to activate the backlight on most models of modern laptops. However, if you are having difficulty turning on the keyboard backlight on your Asus laptop, then perhaps you should look into other ways to solve this problem. They will be discussed further.
Keyboard shortcuts
To turn on the keyboard backlight on a laptop, if pressing the “Fn” button does not bring results, you will have to select a special key combination. Try pressing all the function buttons located in the top row, from “F1” to “F12”. Sometimes additional keys may have special symbols. So, for example, using some switches you can adjust the brightness, and using others the sound.
Additional keyboard lighting is most likely located somewhere in the same row. To find out how the keyboard backlight turns on on Asus laptops, you will have to experiment a little. To do this, hold down the “Fn” button and use all the additional keys in order. Before starting this process, you can try to look for a special keyboard icon on an additional layout. If you have not noticed such a designation, then the experimental method is suitable for you.
Additional features
If you are dealing with the issue of turning on the keyboard backlight on your Asus laptop, then you may want to consider using other additional options, for example, try setting up the sleep mode or automatic screen shutdown function. To disable the options you've selected, simply press the combination you're using again.
No signs
If you don’t find a special button with an icon on your laptop’s keyboard, and the experimental method failed to achieve success, then perhaps your laptop simply does not support this function. But if you are still sure that your laptop has a keyboard backlight feature, then there are a few more options that you can try. One such option is the combination of the “Fn” and “space” keys. You can also try testing the first button together with “F5” or the left/right switch keys.
If you find out that your laptop does not have a backlit keyboard, do not get upset ahead of time. Anyone can create the necessary lighting with their own hands. Of course, this will be an external device, but this will not affect the level of illumination of the keyboard in any way. To create external lighting, you will need several LEDs. You must also use the USB output.
When creating a lighting system, you can limit yourself to one LED, but in this case you will not be able to see the entire keyboard. Since the USB connector provides power at 5 volts, you will need to select an LED of the appropriate power. You can also use a resistor. So, for example, if you have an LED whose power supply is 3.5 V, then you will need to use a 1.5 V resistor with it.
It's important to keep one thing in mind. One LED may not be enough to illuminate the keyboard. Then you will have to use several at once. This can be done using a parallel connection. In practice, experts have established the maximum number of LEDs that can be connected to one USB connector. There can be no more than 25. However, if you want, you can use only 5 LEDs. If you doubt your own abilities, you can turn to professionals for help. Service center specialists can even add internal lighting to your laptop, but this will be quite expensive.
Today, the backlight of a laptop keyboard is for many a determining factor in the purchase of this gadget. After all, this is a useful and convenient function for lovers of work and leisure at night or in poor lighting. But few users know how to turn on the keyboard backlight on a laptop and what can be done if this model does not have one.
How to set up the keyboard backlight on a laptop
It's worth noting that there are several ways to enable this useful feature. Differences exist depending on the manufacturer and the specific device model. Don’t forget that most budget models do not have such a useful feature, but don’t be lazy to check it again.
It is also possible to make the lighting yourself: all the parts can be bought in specialized stores. And then you will need a few simple operations. Or you can order a similar device from an online store - it won’t cost that much money.
How to turn on the keyboard backlight on a laptop
The first step is to determine whether your laptop has a keyboard backlight function. If it exists, then the whole process consists of pressing a special key combination. Each manufacturer in this case assigns its own button, but it must be located among the keys of the top row F1-F12. On them you can see special symbols printed in a different color (usually blue or red).
In order to turn on the keyboard backlight on a laptop (Acer, HP, Dell, Samsung, MSI and others), you need to hold the Fn button (located in the lower left corner) and press an additional key, unique for each manufacturer. For exact information, please refer to the user manual. It should be remembered that by experimenting with key combinations, you can disable or enable a number of other device functions (turn off WiFi mode, put the laptop into sleep mode, turn off the screen). You can undo changes by pressing the used keyboard shortcut again.
If you are sure that this function is available, but the desired combination does not enable it, then make sure that the Fn button works (for example, by trying another key combination you know). Check the availability of the appropriate drivers, BIOS settings (Setup Utility - System Configuration - Action Keys Mode - Enabled), try activating the button using the Fn+NumLock combination.
As already written, different manufacturers have different combinations for LEDs (we will give a few examples):
- How to turn on the lighting on an HP laptop - Fn+F5.
- How to turn on the lighting on an ASUS n76v laptop - there are three brightness levels, Fn+F3 and Fn+F4.
- How to turn on the keyboard lighting on a Lenovo laptop - Fn+Space (spacebar).
Plus, you can make your own external LEDs. To do this, all you need is knowledge in the field of electronics, an LED, a resistor and a little time. However, it is worth considering that it is much easier and safer to purchase this accessory. After all, if you close the electrical circuit with the wrong side, then you will not only not achieve the desired result, but also risk damaging your computer.
As you can see for yourself, LEDs are an incredibly useful and convenient device. If you don't have it by default, you can always purchase additional hardware and also attach it to your laptop. And thanks to our tips, you can do this easily and quickly.
