How to Turn on Keyboard Backlight on Your ASUS Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
Having a backlit keyboard on your ASUS laptop is a fantastic feature, especially when working in dimly lit environments. It allows you to type comfortably and accurately, improving your overall productivity and reducing eye strain. However, if you’re new to ASUS laptops, or if the backlight suddenly stops working, you might find yourself wondering how to turn it on or troubleshoot potential issues. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to illuminate your ASUS keyboard, covering everything from basic activation to advanced troubleshooting techniques.
Understanding ASUS Keyboard Backlighting
Before diving into the specific methods, it’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of ASUS keyboard backlighting. Most ASUS laptops utilize LED backlights beneath the keys, providing a soft and even glow. The intensity of the backlight can typically be adjusted to suit your preferences and the surrounding lighting conditions. Not all ASUS laptops come with backlit keyboards, especially older or more budget-friendly models. Therefore, confirm that your laptop model is equipped with this feature before proceeding.
Checking if Your ASUS Laptop Has a Backlit Keyboard
The easiest way to determine if your ASUS laptop boasts a backlit keyboard is to consult the product specifications or user manual. You can usually find this information on the ASUS website or the retailer’s website where you purchased the laptop. Look for keywords like “backlit keyboard,” “illuminated keyboard,” or “LED backlight.” If you can’t find the information online, examine your keyboard physically. Look for a key with a backlight symbol (usually a sun or light bulb icon) often found on the F3 or F4 keys. If this key is present, it’s a strong indication that your keyboard is indeed backlit.
Methods to Turn On/Off and Adjust Keyboard Backlight
Here are several methods you can use to control the keyboard backlight on your ASUS laptop:
1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts (Function Keys)
This is the most common and straightforward method.
* **Locate the Backlight Key:** Identify the key on your keyboard that features the backlight symbol (sun or light bulb icon). This is usually located on the F3 or F4 key, but it can vary depending on your specific ASUS laptop model. Sometimes, it’s on the arrow keys (Up/Down). Check your laptop’s manual if you are not sure.
* **Use the Fn Key:** Press and hold the “Fn” (Function) key, usually located near the bottom-left corner of your keyboard.
* **Activate/Adjust the Backlight:** While holding down the “Fn” key, press the backlight key (e.g., F3 or F4). Each press will typically cycle through different brightness levels: off, low, medium, and high. Some models might only have on and off settings.
* **Experiment:** If pressing Fn + F3/F4 doesn’t work, try other Function keys (F1-F12) in combination with the Fn key, or consult your laptop’s manual.
**Troubleshooting Function Key Issues:**
If the function keys aren’t working as expected, it might be due to the following:
* **Fn Key Lock:** Some ASUS laptops have an “Fn Lock” feature that toggles the primary function of the function keys. Look for an “Fn Lock” key (often with a padlock symbol on the Fn key itself) and press Fn + Fn Lock to toggle the lock on or off. When Fn Lock is enabled, you can use the function keys directly without holding down the Fn key.
* **BIOS Settings:** In some cases, the function key behavior might be configured in the BIOS settings. To access the BIOS, restart your laptop and press the appropriate key during startup (usually Del, F2, Esc, or F12 – check your laptop’s manual). Navigate to the “Advanced” or “Configuration” section and look for settings related to “Function Key Behavior” or “Hotkeys.” Ensure that the function keys are set to their default function (i.e., require the Fn key to be pressed).
* **Driver Issues:** Outdated or corrupted drivers can sometimes interfere with the function key functionality. Update your chipset drivers and keyboard drivers from the ASUS website or using Windows Update.
2. Using the ASUS Keyboard Hotkeys App (if applicable)
Some newer ASUS laptops come pre-installed with the ASUS Keyboard Hotkeys app. This app provides a dedicated interface for controlling various keyboard functions, including backlighting.
* **Check for the App:** Look for the “ASUS Keyboard Hotkeys” app in your Start Menu or system tray. If you can’t find it, it might not be installed on your system.
* **Install the App (if necessary):** If the app is missing, you can download it from the ASUS support website. Go to the ASUS website, enter your laptop model, navigate to the “Support” or “Drivers & Tools” section, and download the latest version of the “ASUS Keyboard Hotkeys” app.
* **Use the App:** Once installed, launch the app. You should find options to control the keyboard backlight, allowing you to turn it on/off and adjust the brightness level using a slider or buttons.
3. Using the ASUS Armoury Crate App (for Gaming Laptops)
If you own an ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) or other gaming laptop, you’re likely familiar with the ASUS Armoury Crate app. This app provides comprehensive control over your laptop’s performance, lighting, and other settings, including keyboard backlighting.
* **Open Armoury Crate:** Launch the Armoury Crate app from your Start Menu or system tray.
* **Navigate to Aura Sync:** In the Armoury Crate interface, look for the “Aura Sync” or “Lighting” section.
* **Configure Keyboard Lighting:** Within the Aura Sync settings, you should find options to customize the keyboard backlighting. You can typically choose from various lighting effects (static, breathing, color cycle, etc.), adjust the brightness level, and even customize the color of individual keys (depending on your laptop model).
4. Adjusting Power Options Settings (Windows)
In some cases, the keyboard backlight might be affected by your power plan settings. Windows has power saving features that can automatically dim or turn off the backlight to conserve battery life.
* **Open Power Options:**
* Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
* Type “powercfg.cpl” and press Enter.
* **Edit Power Plan Settings:**
* Click on “Change plan settings” next to your currently selected power plan.
* Click on “Change advanced power settings.”
* **Locate Display Settings:**
* In the Advanced settings window, expand the “Display” section. (or “ASUS Keyboard Backlight Control”)
* Look for a setting related to “Enable adaptive brightness” or similar. If present, try disabling it to see if it resolves the issue.
* Look for a setting related to “Keyboard Brightness” or similar. Make sure that it is set to a reasonable value.
* **Battery Settings (Laptops Only):**
* If you are using a laptop, look for “Battery saving settings” or similar options. Make sure that these options aren’t disabling the keyboard backlight.
* **Apply Changes:** Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
5. Updating Drivers
Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can sometimes cause the backlight to malfunction. Updating your keyboard drivers to the latest version might resolve the issue.
* **Open Device Manager:**
* Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager.”
* **Locate Keyboards:**
* Expand the “Keyboards” category.
* **Update Driver:**
* Right-click on your keyboard device (usually labeled as “HID Keyboard Device” or similar) and select “Update driver.”
* Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will search for and install the latest available driver. If Windows cannot find an updated driver, you can try searching for drivers on the ASUS support website.
* Alternatively, you can select “Browse my computer for drivers” and point Windows to the location where you downloaded the driver from the ASUS website.
* **Restart Your Computer:** After updating the driver, restart your computer to apply the changes.
6. Checking BIOS Settings
In rare cases, the keyboard backlight settings might be configured in the BIOS. While this is less common, it’s worth checking.
* **Access BIOS:**
* Restart your laptop. During the startup process, press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS setup (usually Del, F2, Esc, or F12 – check your laptop’s manual).
* **Navigate to Advanced Settings:**
* Once in the BIOS, navigate to the “Advanced” or “Configuration” section. The exact location of the settings may vary depending on your BIOS version.
* **Look for Keyboard Backlight Settings:**
* Look for settings related to “Keyboard Backlight,” “Keyboard Illumination,” or similar. Ensure that the setting is enabled and configured to your desired brightness level.
* **Save and Exit:**
* Save the changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will restart.
Troubleshooting Common Backlight Issues
Even after trying the methods above, you might encounter issues with your keyboard backlight. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
* **Backlight Doesn’t Turn On:**
* **Check Power Settings:** Ensure that your power plan settings aren’t disabling the backlight to conserve battery life. Check the “Power Options” settings as described above.
* **Check Fn Lock:** Make sure the Fn Lock is not enabled.
* **Driver Issues:** Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can prevent the backlight from functioning correctly. Update your drivers as described above.
* **Hardware Failure:** In rare cases, the backlight might have failed due to a hardware issue. If you suspect a hardware problem, contact ASUS support or a qualified technician.
* **Backlight Is Too Dim:**
* **Adjust Brightness:** Use the keyboard shortcuts (Fn + backlight key) to increase the brightness level.
* **Check Ambient Light Sensor:** Some laptops have an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the backlight brightness based on the surrounding lighting conditions. If the sensor is malfunctioning or covered, it might cause the backlight to appear dim. Clean the sensor and ensure it’s not obstructed.
* **Power Settings:** Check your power plan settings. Ensure that you have not selected an option that reduces screen or keyboard brightness to preserve battery.
* **Backlight Turns Off Automatically:**
* **Power Settings:** Windows might be automatically turning off the backlight after a period of inactivity to save power. Adjust your power plan settings to prevent this.
* **ASUS Utilities:** Certain ASUS utilities might have settings that control the backlight behavior. Check the settings of any installed ASUS utilities related to power management or keyboard control.
* **Backlight Flickers:**
* **Driver Issues:** A flickering backlight can be caused by outdated or corrupted drivers. Update your keyboard drivers as described above.
* **Hardware Issue:** Flickering can also indicate a hardware problem with the backlight itself or the backlight controller. Contact ASUS support or a qualified technician if the flickering persists after updating the drivers.
* **Specific Keys Not Lit:**
* **Software Issue:** In most modern ASUS laptops, the backlight zone settings are controlled by a program called **Aura Creator**. Make sure the software is properly installed and configured. If you have accidentally set specific zones to be dark, the keys in that zone will not be lit.
* **Hardware Issue:** If specific keys are not lit, the individual LEDs under those keys may have failed. This is a hardware issue requiring repair or replacement.
## Prevention and Maintenance Tips
* **Keep Your Keyboard Clean:** Regularly clean your keyboard with a soft, dry cloth to prevent dust and debris from accumulating and potentially interfering with the backlight function.
* **Avoid Spilling Liquids:** Liquids can damage the keyboard and the backlight components. Be careful when drinking or eating near your laptop.
* **Handle with Care:** Avoid pressing the keys too hard, as this can damage the backlight mechanism.
* **Keep Drivers Up-to-Date:** Regularly update your keyboard drivers and other system drivers to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
* **Monitor Temperature:** Excessive heat can shorten the lifespan of the backlight LEDs. Ensure that your laptop has adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
Conclusion
Turning on and adjusting the keyboard backlight on your ASUS laptop is usually a simple process involving keyboard shortcuts or dedicated software utilities. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you should be able to easily illuminate your keyboard and enjoy a more comfortable typing experience in low-light environments. If you encounter any issues, the troubleshooting tips provided can help you diagnose and resolve the problem. Remember to keep your drivers updated, avoid spills, and handle your keyboard with care to ensure the longevity of your keyboard backlight.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it’s recommended to contact ASUS support directly or consult with a qualified computer technician for further assistance. Providing them with your laptop model number and a detailed description of the problem will help them diagnose the issue more effectively and provide you with the appropriate solution.