A backlit keyboard can be a great feature for working in low-light conditions or simply adding a touch of style to your laptop. However, not all laptops come with this feature, and figuring out whether yours has it might not always be straightforward.

1. Check the Laptop’s Manual or Specifications

The easiest way to determine whether your laptop has a backlit keyboard is to consult the manual or look up its specifications online. Most manufacturers list all the features, including whether the keyboard is backlit, in the laptop’s documentation. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Search online: Visit the manufacturer’s website and search for your laptop model. Once you find the product page, check the list of features for mention of a backlit keyboard.
  • Physical manual: If you still have the manual that came with the laptop, there should be a section dedicated to the keyboard and its features.
  • Box labels: Sometimes the laptop’s box or a label on the laptop itself will indicate if it has a backlit keyboard.

2. Look for the Backlight Icon on the Keyboard

Many laptops with backlit keyboards have a dedicated key to toggle the backlight on or off. This key often has an icon that resembles a glowing keyboard or light. The key is usually located in the function row (the topmost row of keys), often on the F5 or F6 key.

To turn on the backlight, try the following:

  • Press the Function (Fn) key: Hold the Fn key on your keyboard and press the key with the backlight icon. If your laptop has a backlit keyboard, it should light up.
  • Cycle through brightness levels: Some laptops allow you to adjust the brightness of the backlight. Keep pressing the Fn + backlight key combination to cycle through different brightness levels or to turn it off.

3. Try Changing Settings in the Operating System

If pressing the backlight key combination doesn’t work, your laptop might have the feature disabled in the settings or require software to control the backlight. Here’s how to check for settings in Windows or macOS:

On Windows:

  1. Open Windows Mobility Center:
    1. Press the Windows key + X and select Mobility Center from the menu.
    2. In the Mobility Center, look for an option that mentions keyboard backlight or keyboard lighting.
    3. Adjust the settings to enable or control the brightness of the backlight.
  2. Check Keyboard Settings:
    1. Go to Settings > Devices > Typing.
    2. Scroll down to see if there are any options related to keyboard backlighting.

On macOS:

Macs with backlit keyboards allow you to adjust the brightness directly from the System Preferences:

  1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences > Keyboard.
  2. Under the Keyboard tab, you should see an option to adjust keyboard brightness. You can also select the option to automatically adjust the backlight based on the ambient lighting.

4. Inspect the Keyboard in Low Light

Another simple way to tell if your laptop has a backlit keyboard is to turn off the lights in your room or reduce the lighting to a very low level. Backlit keyboards are designed to illuminate in dark environments. Try pressing some of the keys—if the keyboard has a backlight, you should see it light up when the environment gets darker.

5. Check the BIOS or Firmware Settings

Sometimes, the keyboard backlight feature is disabled in the BIOS or firmware of your laptop. You can check this by accessing the BIOS setup menu and looking for any options related to the keyboard lighting.

To access the BIOS:

  1. Restart your laptop.
  2. Press the BIOS access key (usually F2, Del, or Esc) when the manufacturer’s logo appears on the screen.
  3. In the BIOS menu, navigate to Keyboard Settings (or a similar section) and check for an option to enable the backlight.

6. Use Manufacturer-Specific Software

Some laptop manufacturers, such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS, have proprietary software to control features like keyboard backlighting. These tools often include options to customize the backlight color, brightness, or effects. Look for software installed by the manufacturer:

  • Dell: Use Dell QuickSet or Dell Power Manager.
  • HP: Check the HP Command Center or HP System Event Utility.
  • Lenovo: Look for Lenovo Vantage.
  • ASUS: Use ASUS Armory Crate or ASUS Keyboard Hotkeys.

7. Physical Inspection of the Keyboard

If all else fails, you can inspect the keyboard for physical signs of a backlit feature. Backlit keyboards often have translucent edges around the keys or the letters on the keys themselves appear slightly transparent. In a well-lit room, it might be difficult to tell, but in lower light conditions, the presence of these translucent areas is often a good indication of backlighting capability.

Conclusion

Determining if your laptop has a backlit keyboard involves checking the laptop’s specifications, looking for the backlight control key, or testing in low-light environments. In some cases, you may need to adjust settings in the operating system, BIOS, or manufacturer software. If your laptop doesn’t have a backlit keyboard, external USB keyboards with backlighting are always an option for those who need it.