To turn on keyboard lights, press the dedicated backlight key, which is usually located on the top function (F) row or on the Spacebar, and it often features an icon of a small keyboard with light rays or a sun. On most laptops, you'll need to hold down the Fn key (near the bottom-left corner) while pressing that backlight key to activate it. For Windows laptops, common backlight keys include F3, F4, F5, F7, F9, F10, or F11, while Dell laptops typically use Fn + F5, F6, F7, or F10 (or sometimes the right arrow key). If you're managing multiple light sources, you may also want to turn off PC case lights ibuypower to reduce glare while typing. Once the keys are lit, you can learn to play twinkle twinkle little star on a keyboard using the glowing keys as a guide.
How to turn on keyboard lights immediately
Look for the backlight icon on your keyboard's top row or on the Spacebar. The icon usually looks like a small keyboard with glowing rays, or sometimes a sun with small lines. Press that key alone first; if nothing happens, press and hold the Fn key and then tap the backlight key. On many Dell laptops, the combination is Fn + F5, Fn + F6, Fn + F7, or Fn + F10. On other Windows laptops, try Fn + F3, Fn + F4, Fn + F9, or Fn + F11. If your keyboard has a dedicated backlight key on the Spacebar (often with a sun icon), just press that key directly without Fn.
Adjusting keyboard backlight brightness
Once the backlight is on, you can usually cycle through brightness levels using the same backlight key. Press it repeatedly to go from off → low → medium → high → off. Some keyboards have separate brightness keys, often marked with a sun icon and up/down arrows. On laptops, hold Fn and press the up arrow to increase brightness or the down arrow to decrease it. If your keyboard has multiple brightness steps, each press of the backlight key (or Fn + arrow) will move to the next level. To turn the backlight off completely, keep pressing until the light disappears. On a Mac, use the F1 and F2 keys (with the sun icons) to decrease or increase brightness, or press F1 repeatedly to turn it off.
Turning on keyboard lights using software
If hardware keys aren't working or you want more control, use manufacturer software. For Dell Alienware and gaming models, open Alienware Command Center (AWCC) to control per-key RGB backlighting and multi-zone colors. Other brands like Logitech, Razer, or Corsair have their own software (e.g., Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse) where you can adjust brightness and effects. On a Mac, go to Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard and use the "Keyboard brightness" slider. You can also enable "Adjust keyboard brightness in low light" to let the Mac automatically manage backlighting in dark environments. For many Windows laptops, the manufacturer's pre-installed app (like MyASUS, Dell Power Manager, or HP Command Center) also includes backlight controls.
Troubleshooting: why won't my keyboard light turn on?
First, verify your keyboard actually has a backlight. Look for the backlight icon on the F-row or Spacebar, or check your device's specifications or user manual. If the icon is missing, your keyboard likely doesn't support backlighting. If it does have the icon but still won't turn on, try these steps in order:
1. Check the Fn key and key combination
Make sure you're holding the Fn key (usually bottom-left) while pressing the backlight key. Some keyboards require pressing Fn + Spacebar, not just the backlight key alone. Try all possible combinations (F3, F4, F5, F7, F9, F10, F11, or the right arrow) while holding Fn. On Dell laptops, Fn + F5 or Fn + F10 are most common.
2. Update keyboard drivers
Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can prevent backlighting. You can also restart your computer, which often fixes temporary software glitches. For Mac, ensure macOS is up to date via System Settings > General > Software Update.
3. Check for software conflicts
Third-party RGB software or system utilities might override backlight settings. Close any keyboard control apps (like Alienware Command Center, Logitech G Hub, or manufacturer utilities) and try the hardware keys again. If the lights turn on, reinstall the software or update it to the latest version. For a quick test, boot into Safe Mode (Windows) to see if the backlight works without third-party software.
4. Inspect for hardware issues
If the backlight works on some keys but not others, clean the keyboard with compressed air, focusing on the affected keys. If cleaning doesn't help, there may be a hardware fault, contact the manufacturer's support. For a dim or flickering backlight, first increase the brightness via the keys or software. If that fails, the LED strips may be failing, and you'll need professional repair or replacement.
If you're using a battery-powered keyboard and the backlight drains battery quickly, reduce the brightness level or turn it off when not needed. For gaming keyboards, you may also want to change the color of your Aula gaming keyboard through its dedicated software, which often lets you set custom effects and brightness profiles. If the issue persists after all these steps, consult your user manual or the manufacturer's website for model-specific troubleshooting guidance.
For the wider topic, see change color of aula gaming keyboard.
