This article explains how to activate the keyboard light on computers with this feature, covering both Windows and macOS systems.

How Do I Make A Keyboard Light Up?

If your laptop or keyboard supports having a keyboard light, it’s usually a matter of finding the correct button to turn it on. Sometimes, the keyboard light might be disabled in your operating system settings or an app from your computer’s manufacturer. In this case, the usual button(s) might not work, and you’ll need to enable the light through the system settings or the manufacturer’s app.

How to Turn On the Keyboard Light On Windows Computers

Windows computers designate a function key to control the keyboard light, but this key varies by manufacturer. You’ll need to check the function keys, try them out, or contact the manufacturer to find the correct key.

The functionality of the keyboard light key varies by manufacturer. Some only allow turning the light on or off, while others offer a few brightness levels or multiple brightness steps.

Here’s how to turn on the keyboard light on Windows computers using the keyboard:

1. Locate the button which controls the keyboard light.

   The button might have an F-number or an icon resembling three boxes with light rays extending from the left side.

2. Press the button, i.e. F5, F9, or F11.

3. Press the button again if you aren’t satisfied with the brightness.

What if a Windows Keyboard Light Won’t Turn On?

If the correct key doesn’t activate or adjust your keyboard light, you may need to change this in Windows Mobility settings or the manufacturer’s app. This option might not be available in Windows Mobility settings, as it depends on the manufacturer’s configuration. If absent, contact your manufacturer for details on their proprietary app.

Here’s how to turn on or adjust a Windows keyboard light using Mobility settings:

1. Press Windows Key + X and click Mobility Center.

2. Locate the Keyboard Brightness setting.

   If there is no Keyboard Brightness setting or manufacturer-specific section, this option is unavailable on your computer. Contact the manufacturer for more details.

3. Click the slider and drag it to the right.

How to Turn on the Keyboard Light on a Mac

On Macs and MacBooks, two keys control the keyboard light: one decreases brightness, and the other increases it. If the light is off, pressing the Increase Brightness key will activate it. On most Macs, the Decrease Brightness button is on the F5 key, and the Increase Brightness button is on the F6 key. When a Touch Bar is present instead of Mac function keys, it controls the keyboard light.

Here’s how to turn on the keyboard light on a Mac:

1. Locate the Increase Brightness button.

    It appears as a rising sun icon with long light rays, located either on the F6 key or the Touch Bar.

2. Press the Increase Brightness button.

3. If that isn’t bright enough, press the Increase Brightness button as much as necessary to achieve your desired level of brightness.

What if a Mac Keyboard Light Won’t Turn On?

While Macs are designed to allow you to control your keyboard light with the Increase Brightness and Decrease Brightness keys on the keyboard, it may be disabled in system settings. If you aren’t able to turn on the keyboard light, you’ll need to check your system settings.

Here’s how to enable the keyboard light in macOS:

1. Click the Apple icon, and select System Preferences.

2. Click Keyboard.

3. Check the Adjust keyboard light in low light box.

4. Check the Turn keyboard backlight off after x seconds box if you want the light to shut when you aren’t typing.

5. If the keyboard light still doesn’t turn on, make sure the Use F1, F2, etc., keys as standard function box is not checked.

   If this box is checked, you need to push FN + Increase Brightness instead of just Increase Brightness to adjust the keyboard light.