The keyboard light shortcut on most laptops is Fn plus a key that shows a small keyboard with light rays. On many models that key is Space, and on others it is one of the function keys such as F4, F5, F9 or F10. Each press usually steps through off, low and bright.
There is no single Windows shortcut for the keyboard light, because the backlight is controlled by the laptop itself, not by Windows. Some laptops simply have no backlight, which is worth checking before you search further.
Quick facts
Most common
Fn + SpaceAlso common
Fn with F4, F5, F9 or F10Look for
Keyboard icon with raysLevels
Off, low, highSettings
Maker's control app or Mobility CenterMac
Control Centre, Keyboard Brightness
Keyboard light shortcut: find your key
- Look along the top row and at the Space bar for a small keyboard symbol with lines or rays above it.
- Hold Fn and press that key once. The keys should light up.
- Press again to change brightness or switch it off.
- If Fn lock is on, the key may work alone, without Fn.
If no key has that symbol, your laptop probably has no keyboard backlight. Gaming laptops often have coloured lighting controlled by their own app instead.
Common backlit keyboard shortcut keys
| Key with Fn | Seen on |
|---|---|
| Fn + Space | Many business and student laptops |
| Fn + F5 | Several thin and light models |
| Fn + F9 | Some consumer laptops |
| Fn + F10 | Some older models |
| Fn + F4 | A few compact models |
| Dedicated light key | Some gaming laptops |
The icon on your own keyboard is always the final answer, because makers change the key between models.
Turn the keyboard light on from settings
In Windows 10, press Win + X and choose Mobility Center if your laptop shows it; some makers add a keyboard brightness slider there. Windows 11 laptops with RGB keyboards may have Dynamic Lighting in Settings, then Personalization. Otherwise, open the laptop maker's control app from the Start menu and look for keyboard or lighting options.
When the keyboard light will not turn on
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Key does nothing | Install the maker's hotkey or keyboard driver from their support site |
| Light turns off quickly | Change the backlight timeout in the maker's app |
| Works on power, not battery | Battery saver turns it off; change the power plan |
| No icon on any key | This model has no backlight |
Keyboard light on a Mac
Apple laptops handle this differently. Older MacBooks use F5 and F6 to dim and brighten the keyboard. On newer models, Keyboard Brightness lives in Control Centre, the switch icon in the menu bar, and the light adjusts itself in dim rooms.
Save battery with the keyboard light
The backlight uses little power, but on a long day away from a charger every bit helps. Keep it on the lowest level that lets you see the keys, and let the timeout switch it off when you stop typing. In bright rooms or daylight, turn it off completely, since it adds nothing there. For the display itself, see the brightness shortcut key. Other function row keys are explained in F1 to F12 keys, and keys that stop working entirely in unlock keyboard.
Frequently asked questions
What is the keyboard light shortcut on a laptop?
Usually Fn + Space or Fn with an F-key that shows a light symbol.
How do I know if my laptop has a backlit keyboard?
Look for a key with a keyboard and light rays icon. No icon usually means no backlight.
Is there a Windows shortcut to turn on the keyboard light?
No. The laptop controls it, so the key depends on the model.
Why does my keyboard light turn off by itself?
A timeout saves battery. Change it in the maker's app.
How do I make the keyboard light brighter?
Press the light key again; most have two or three levels.
How do I turn on the keyboard light on a Mac?
Use Control Centre, or F5 and F6 on older MacBooks.