This article explains how to turn on the key backlight on an HP Pavilion laptop. Normally you can activate the keyboard illumination by using the "function" key for example the "F5" key. If the keyboard backlight on your HP Pavilion is not working, you can try to fix the problem by performing a forced reboot of the system.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Turn on the Keyboard Backlight
Step 1. Connect the computer to the mains
In some cases, the keyboard light cannot be turned on if the remaining battery charge of the computer is not above a certain level.
Step 2. Find the key to activate the "Backlight" of the keyboard
This is usually one of the function keys (often the F5) which are visible at the top of the keyboard. It features a three-dot symbol.
Step 3. Press the button to activate the "Backlight" several times
If the computer is configured to use the functions associated with the function keys, you will notice that by continuing to press the indicated key, the intensity of the keyboard illumination will change cyclically according to the configuration settings.
If nothing happens when pressing the key to activate the "Backlight" of the keyboard, continue reading the article
Step 4. Try pressing the function key to activate the "Backlight" while holding the Fn key
This special key is located at the bottom left of the keyboard. If you were unable to activate the keyboard illumination in the previous step, repeat the procedure indicated by holding down the key Fn. In this way the computer should have access to the functionality associated with the function key in question, allowing you to activate and vary the illumination of the keyboard keys.
You may need to press the "Backlight" key several times while holding the key Fn in order to see all the settings available for the illumination of the keys on the computer keyboard.
Step 5. Make sure your HP Pavilion has a backlit keyboard
Not all HP Pavilion models have a backlit keyboard. If you are unable to locate the key to activate the keyboard backlight, consult your computer's user manual or the manufacturer's website to determine if your device has this feature or not.
Method 2 of 2: Restore Malfunctioning Lighting
Step 1. Make sure your HP Pavilion has a removable battery
You can "reboot" your HP computer to fix potential hardware problems with the backlight, but you need to remove the battery to do so.
While it is technically possible to remove the battery in sealed versions of the HP Pavilion, to do so you need to remove the keyboard and several sensitive components before you can remove the battery, so this is not recommended
Step 2. Remove any USB cables or items from the computer
This includes the charger cable, USB flash drives, speakers, and so on.
Step 3. Turn off your computer
To do it:
-
Click on the icon Start
Windowsstart -
Click Power
Windowspower - Click '' 'Shut down' '' in the pop-up window.
Step 4. Remove the computer battery
If your computer has a removable battery, you can do it by following these instructions:
- Turn the computer so that the bottom is facing up.
- Push and hold the battery compartment locks inward.
- Remove the battery cover.
- Pull the battery out of the laptop, making sure to place the battery on a soft, dry surface (such as a towel).
Step 5. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds
This will cause the remaining power left in the computer to discharge.
Step 6. Replace the battery and close the compartment
At this point you are ready to turn your computer back on.
Reconnect the computer to its charger if it was close to running out before performing the forced restart
Step 7. Turn your computer back on
Press the "Power" button on your computer to do this. Your computer will boot as usual.
Step 8. Try turning on the backlight
Now that you've done a hard restart of your computer, you should be able to cycle through the keyboard brightness settings.
