If you’re working late at night, or maybe you’re gaming in a dark room, you know the struggle of typing without being able to see your keys. Thankfully, there’s a solution: keyboard lighting! In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to turn on your keyboard light in Windows 11, and you’ll be typing like a pro in no time.
So, Does Your Keyboard Have a Backlight?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s make sure your keyboard is ready for the spotlight. Not every keyboard comes with a backlight, so the first thing you’ll want to do is check whether yours has one. You’ll usually spot a small icon on the function keys if it’s equipped with backlighting. It looks like a little light or sun symbol. If you don’t see that, don’t worry—I’ll show you some cool options later!
How to Turn on the Keyboard Light in Windows 11
Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s how you can easily turn on the keyboard light if your laptop or external keyboard supports it.
1. Use the Keyboard Shortcuts
For many laptops, turning on the keyboard light is just a key press away. Generally, you’ll need to use the Fn key (that’s the one with the blue label) and one of the function keys. On most keyboards, the function key with a light symbol (F3 or F4) controls the brightness.
For example:
- Fn + F3 decreases the brightness.
- Fn + F4 increases the brightness.
So, if you’re in a dark room and can barely see your keyboard, try those shortcuts and watch the light come on!
2. Check the Settings in Windows 11
If your keyboard has backlighting, but it’s not lighting up, it might be a setting issue. Don’t panic—here’s how to enable the keyboard light in Windows 11:
- Open the Start menu and type Settings. Once it pops up, click to open it.
- In the left menu, click on Devices, and then select Keyboard.
- Look for an option like “Turn on keyboard backlight” and toggle it to On.
It’s that simple. Now, your keyboard should be glowing brightly!
3. Update Keyboard Drivers
In some cases, the keyboard light might not turn on because your drivers are out of date. Fortunately, updating your drivers is an easy fix:
- Press Windows + X, then select Device Manager.
- Find your keyboard, right-click, and choose Update Driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software. Let Windows do the work!
Once your drivers are updated, your keyboard lighting should start working again, assuming your keyboard supports it.
4. Third-Party Software for Extra Control
Let’s say you want more than just simple on/off controls. In that case, third-party software like Razer Synapse, SteelSeries Engine, or Logitech G Hub can help you take full control over your keyboard lighting. These tools allow you to customize your lighting effects, brightness, and even sync the lights to match your mood (or the music you’re listening to).
FAQs – All You Need to Know About Keyboard Lighting
Q1: How do I turn off my keyboard light in Windows 11?
It’s just as easy to turn it off! Simply press the Fn key along with the function key that controls the light. For most laptops, that’s Fn + F3 to dim or turn off the backlight.
Q2: What if my keyboard doesn’t have backlighting?
Unfortunately, if your keyboard doesn’t have a backlight, there’s no software fix for it. However, you can always grab a new keyboard that offers this feature. I’ll give you a few great recommendations below!
Q3: What do I do if the keyboard light still doesn’t work?
If none of the above steps work, it could be a hardware issue. But first, double-check the settings and make sure your drivers are up to date. If nothing changes, reaching out to the manufacturer’s support team is your next best bet.
Top Keyboards with Backlit Features
If you’re looking to upgrade to a new keyboard that glows in the dark, here are five top choices that’ll light up your workspace:
1. Logitech G PRO Mechanical
- Specs: Ultra-Portable Tenkeyless Design, Detachable USB Cable, LIGHTSYNC RGB Backlit Keys.
- Price: Around $99.90
- Buy on Amazon
2. Razer BlackWidow V3
- Specs: Silent, Chroma RGB, Compact Form Factor, Programmable Macros.
- Price: Around $78.99
- Buy on Amazon
3. Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical
- Specs: Cherry MX Brown Tactile Switches, 8,000hz Hyper-Polling, PBT Double.
- Price: Around $156.83
- Buy on Amazon
4. SteelSeries Apex Pro
- Specs: RGB backlighting, Adjustable Actuation, OLED Screen.
- Price: Around $198.99
- Buy on Amazon
5. HyperX Alloy Rise 75
- Specs: Up to 80 Hours Backlighting On, Dual Wireless 2.4GHz & Bluetooth.
- Price: Around $183.00
- Buy on Amazon
Why Upgrade to a Backlit Keyboard?
If you’re tired of typing in the dark or just want a more stylish workspace, upgrading to a backlit keyboard is definitely the way to go. Not only does it make typing easier in low-light environments, but it also adds a sleek, modern look to your desk setup. Plus, you get to show off your cool new toy to all your friends. Win-win, right?
Now, you’re ready to light up your keyboard in Windows 11! It’s really not that difficult once you know the steps. Whether you’re working late at night or just want to add a little flair to your desk, keyboard lighting is the perfect solution. Don’t let the darkness hold you back—get your keyboard shining bright today!
