Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If your HP laptop keyboard stays dark, first confirm that your exact model was sold with a backlit keyboard. If it was, the light is usually switched on with a function-key shortcut, and in some cases it is controlled by a BIOS setting or a timeout. Work through the checks below in order, because the first one rules out a feature your laptop may not have at all.
Step 1: Confirm your model has a backlit keyboard
Not every HP notebook ships with a backlit keyboard. HP’s consumer support article HP Consumer Notebook PCs – Using the backlit keyboard states: “Some models do not ship with a backlit keyboard.” If your laptop is one of those models, no key combination will turn the light on, and the problem is simply that the feature is absent.
To check, find your exact product name or product number (usually on the bottom label, or in HP Support Assistant or the Windows System information screen), then look up that model’s specifications on HP Customer Support. Do not rely on a visible light alone: a dark keyboard on a model without backlighting is normal behavior.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Step 2: Find the backlight key
On most supported notebooks, the backlight control is on the function-key row, most often F4 or F5. Placement is not fixed across models, so scan the full row from F1 to F12 for a keyboard icon with small rays or a light-bar symbol. Some models place the control on a different function key, such as F11.
#1 Best Overall
Step 3: Try the key and the Fn combination
Press the backlight key on its own first. If nothing happens, hold Fn and press the same key. Which method works depends on how the laptop handles function keys, which is why both are worth trying.
If the key cycles through settings, press it repeatedly. On models that support brightness levels, each press moves to the next level, and the light may appear to go off when the cycle returns to its lowest or off setting.
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
If the function keys seem to act differently from what you expect (for example, volume or brightness keys run without Fn being held), check HP’s article HP Notebook PCs – How to lock or unlock the fn (function) key. Fn lock changes whether the top row produces its printed secondary functions or its standard function-key actions.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Step 4: Check Action Keys Mode in BIOS
If the key and Fn combination do nothing, HP’s consumer guidance recommends checking Action Keys Mode in the BIOS (also called F10 Setup on many models). The exact screens and labels vary by BIOS version and model, so treat the following as a general sequence rather than a fixed menu path.
Rank #3
- STYLISH & QUIET PRODUCTIVITY – Sleek, full-sized keyboard with numeric keypad features low-profile chiclet keys for more accurate typing with less noise
- COMFORT MEETS DURABILITY – Click and scroll in comfort with this durably designed wireless mouse that's built for ease of use and comfort
- FREE YOURSELF FROM WIRES – Eliminate cord clutter with 1 single 2.4GHz wireless connection for both keyboard and mouse and enjoy lag-free wireless movement (1), whether you're using a desktop computer or laptop PC
- PRODUCTIVITY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS – Increase productivity with a wireless keyboard featuring shortcuts to 12 popular functions that can be activated with just one keypress
- LONG BATTERY LIFE – Enjoy up to 16 months of keyboard use and up to 12 months of mouse using just 3 AAA batteries (2)
- Shut the laptop down completely.
- Power it on and press F10 repeatedly as soon as it starts, until the BIOS Setup screen opens.
- Open System Configuration (the label may differ on your model).
- Find Action Keys Mode and enable it if it is disabled, so the function-key row responds to the shortcuts described in Step 3.
- Save and exit, usually with F10 or the on-screen Exit option, then test the backlight key again.
Be careful with this menu. Change only the setting you are looking for and leave other options at their defaults unless HP’s documentation for your model tells you otherwise.
Step 5: Rule out an automatic timeout
Sometimes the light does turn on and then goes off, which looks like a failure but may be intended behavior. HP’s support guidance says the backlight can switch off after a period of inactivity on some models, and that the timeout can be adjusted through the backlight key or the BIOS on models that offer the option. On select products, pressing a key or tapping the touchpad wakes the light again.
Rank #4
- STYLISH & QUIET PRODUCTIVITY – Sleek, ergonomic keyboard with full-sized numeric keypad features low-profile chiclet keys for accurate typing with minimal noise
- SHORTCUT COMBO KEYS – Wireless HP keyboard with integrated number pad and function key shortcuts provide instant access to 12 popular functions that can be activated with just one keypress
- GO WIRELESS – Eliminate cord clutter with easy 2.4GHz wireless keyboard connectivity (1) with data encryption and enjoy lag-free wireless movement, whether you're using a desktop computer or laptop PC
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN – With its natural contours and ergonomic shape, the HP 220 Wireless Keyboard is designed to fit the natural position of your wrist and hands for comfortable typing
- LED KEYLOCK INDICATORS – Illuminated LED Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock keys make it easy to see what is on or off at a glance
Timeout durations are model-specific, and HP does not present a single duration as a universal specification. If your laptop has no timeout control, the setting cannot be changed, and the behavior is a limitation of that model rather than a fault.
Step 6: Test the keyboard if other keys also fail
If the backlight never responds and some letters or function keys also fail, the keyboard itself may need testing. HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows includes a Keyboard Test, described in HP’s article HP Notebook PCs – Keyboard troubleshooting (Windows). This test checks general keyboard operation. HP’s cited guidance does not describe it as a dedicated test of the backlight LEDs, so a passing result does not by itself prove the light circuit is healthy.
Best Value
- ▶[Comfortable Wireless Keyboard Mouse Combo] : This wireless keyboard mouse combo has a comfortable touch and typing feel, this wireless keyboard design with palm rest and folding holder that can protect your wrists from injury even when typing for a long time. Note: The USB receiver is in the battery compartment of the mouse, you can find it when open the mouse battery cover.
- ▶[2. 4G Stable Wireless Connection] : This wireless keyboard and mouse combo share the same USB receiver, no need to take upadditional USB ports (Also the wireless keyboard and mouse can also be used separately). Plug & play, no need to download any software, 2.4 GHz wireless provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 feet(10m) without any delays.
- ▶[Auto-enter Power Saving Function] : This wireless keyboard mouse combo need not any switch, It has a smart power saving chip, when you stop using the keyboard more than 10 seconds, stop using the mouse more than 2 minutes, they will auto-enter sleep mode respectively to save power. This feature greatly extends the battery life, you can click any button to activity the device.
- ▶[3 Adjustable DPI Wireless Mouse] : This is a optical wireless mouse with 3 levels adjustable DPI(800/1600/2400), you can get your favorite mouse movement speed by adjusting the DPI button. Optical wireless mouse also can smooth movement even on smooth surfaces. In addition, this wireless mouse is symmetry design, no matter you are Right handed Left handed, both hands are available, suitable for all people.
- ▶[Universal Compatibility and 12 Months After-sales Service] : Our wireless keyboard and mice combo compatible with windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/X, Mac and other operating system. Works well with desktops, Chrome-book, PC, Laptop, Computer and more. Our promises that our product have a 12-month free after-sales service. Even after the Amazon return period, as long as you contact our email, we will help you solve all problems.
Quick reference: symptoms and next steps
| What you see | Most likely cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Light never turns on, and the model is not listed as backlit | Model has no backlit keyboard | Confirm in the model’s HP specifications; no fix is needed |
| Backlight key does nothing when pressed alone | Key needs Fn, or Action Keys Mode is off | Try Fn plus the key; then check Action Keys Mode in BIOS (Step 4) |
| Light turns on, then goes off after a while | Inactivity timeout | Press a key or tap the touchpad; check for a timeout setting (Step 5) |
| Light cycles but never reaches full brightness | Brightness levels are cycled one press at a time | Keep pressing the key to move through the levels |
| Light is off and several keys also fail | Possible keyboard hardware or driver issue | Run the Keyboard Test in HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (Step 6) |
Limits of these steps
This guide cannot name the exact backlight key or BIOS menu for your laptop, because the title does not identify a model, Windows version, or BIOS version. HP’s support documentation varies by product, and the labels and screens above are general. When HP’s page for your exact model differs from these steps, follow the model-specific instructions. If the light still will not work after the checks above, contact HP Support with your product number and the results of the Keyboard Test so they can advise on repair options for your model.
Use the following sources for model-specific details:
Quick Recap
- HP Consumer Notebook PCs – Using the backlit keyboard (HP Support): backlit model availability, the backlight key, the Fn combination, Action Keys Mode, and timeout behavior.
- HP Notebook PCs – Keyboard troubleshooting (Windows) (HP Support): the Keyboard Test in HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.
- HP Notebook PCs – How to lock or unlock the fn (function) key (HP Support): secondary function-key behavior.
- Getting to know your computer (HP Support): backlight behavior, brightness cycling, and inactivity on selected products.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
