As a Surface Laptop user, you’re likely no stranger to the device’s sleek design and impressive features. However, one feature that can be easily overlooked is the keyboard backlight. This convenient feature allows you to work in low-light environments, making it easier to type and navigate your laptop. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods to turn on the keyboard light on your Surface Laptop, as well as some troubleshooting tips to ensure you can stay productive in any setting.
Understanding the Keyboard Backlight on Your Surface Laptop
Before we dive into the steps to turn on the keyboard light, it’s essential to understand how this feature works. The keyboard backlight on your Surface Laptop is designed to provide a subtle glow to the keys, making it easier to type in low-light environments. This feature is particularly useful when working in a dimly lit room or during late-night study sessions.
The keyboard backlight is typically controlled by a combination of keyboard shortcuts and settings within the Windows operating system. In the next section, we’ll explore the different methods to turn on the keyboard light on your Surface Laptop.
Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut
The quickest way to turn on the keyboard light on your Surface Laptop is by using the keyboard shortcut. To do this:
- Press the Fn key and the Spacebar simultaneously. This will toggle the keyboard backlight on and off.
If you’re using a Surface Laptop 3 or later, you can also use the Fn + Del keys to adjust the keyboard backlight brightness.
Customizing the Keyboard Backlight Brightness
If you find the default keyboard backlight brightness too dim or too bright, you can adjust it to your liking. To do this:
- Press the Fn key and the Del key simultaneously to increase the brightness.
- Press the Fn key and the Backspace key simultaneously to decrease the brightness.
Method 2: Using the Windows Settings App
Alternatively, you can turn on the keyboard light on your Surface Laptop using the Windows Settings app. To do this:
- Click on the Start button and select the Settings app.
- Click on the Devices option.
- Click on the Typing option.
- Toggle the switch under Keyboard backlight to the On position.
Customizing the Keyboard Backlight Settings
Within the Windows Settings app, you can also customize the keyboard backlight settings to your liking. To do this:
- Click on the Devices option.
- Click on the Typing option.
- Click on the Keyboard backlight options link.
- Adjust the Keyboard backlight timeout setting to your desired time.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble turning on the keyboard light on your Surface Laptop, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue:
Check the Keyboard Backlight Settings
Ensure that the keyboard backlight is enabled in the Windows Settings app. To do this:
- Click on the Start button and select the Settings app.
- Click on the Devices option.
- Click on the Typing option.
- Toggle the switch under Keyboard backlight to the On position.
Check the Keyboard Shortcut
Ensure that the keyboard shortcut is enabled and functioning correctly. To do this:
- Press the Fn key and the Spacebar simultaneously to toggle the keyboard backlight on and off.
Restart Your Surface Laptop
If the keyboard backlight is still not working, try restarting your Surface Laptop. This will reset the device and may resolve any software-related issues.
Update Your Surface Laptop Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause issues with the keyboard backlight. To update your Surface Laptop drivers:
- Click on the Start button and select the Settings app.
- Click on the Update & Security option.
- Click on the Windows Update option.
- Click on the Check for updates button.
Conclusion
Turning on the keyboard light on your Surface Laptop is a straightforward process that can be done using the keyboard shortcut or the Windows Settings app. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your keyboard backlight is working correctly and adjust the settings to your liking. If you encounter any issues, try the troubleshooting tips outlined above to resolve the problem. With the keyboard backlight enabled, you can stay productive in any setting, whether you’re working in a dimly lit room or during late-night study sessions.
What is the keyboard light on my Surface Laptop and how does it work?
The keyboard light on your Surface Laptop is a backlight that illuminates the keys, making it easier to type in low-light environments. This feature is especially useful when working in a dimly lit room or outdoors at night. The keyboard light is powered by the laptop’s battery and is designed to be energy-efficient, so it won’t significantly impact your laptop’s battery life.
To activate the keyboard light, you’ll need to use the keyboard shortcut or adjust the settings in your Surface Laptop’s operating system. The keyboard light is adjustable, allowing you to customize the brightness level to your liking. This feature is convenient and can help improve your productivity, especially when working in environments with limited lighting.
How do I turn on the keyboard light on my Surface Laptop?
To turn on the keyboard light on your Surface Laptop, you can use the keyboard shortcut. Press the Fn key and the Spacebar at the same time. This will toggle the keyboard light on and off. Alternatively, you can adjust the keyboard light settings in your Surface Laptop’s operating system. Go to Settings, then click on Devices, and select Keyboard. From there, you can adjust the keyboard light brightness and toggle it on and off.
If you’re having trouble finding the keyboard light settings, you can also use the Windows search function to search for “keyboard light” or “backlight.” This should bring up the relevant settings and allow you to adjust the keyboard light to your liking. Remember to save your changes to ensure that the keyboard light settings are applied.
Why is my keyboard light not turning on?
If your keyboard light is not turning on, there may be a few reasons why. First, check to make sure that the keyboard light is enabled in your Surface Laptop’s settings. Go to Settings, then click on Devices, and select Keyboard. Make sure that the keyboard light is toggled on and that the brightness is set to a level that is visible.
If the keyboard light is enabled but still not turning on, try restarting your Surface Laptop. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, you may want to check your Surface Laptop’s battery level to ensure that it’s not running low. A low battery can cause the keyboard light to malfunction or not turn on at all.
Can I adjust the brightness of the keyboard light?
Yes, you can adjust the brightness of the keyboard light on your Surface Laptop. To do this, go to Settings, then click on Devices, and select Keyboard. From there, you can adjust the keyboard light brightness using the slider. You can choose from a range of brightness levels, from very dim to very bright.
Adjusting the keyboard light brightness can help you customize the lighting to your liking and conserve battery life. If you’re working in a very bright environment, you may want to turn down the keyboard light brightness to avoid distractions. On the other hand, if you’re working in a dimly lit room, you may want to turn up the brightness to make it easier to see the keys.
Will the keyboard light drain my Surface Laptop’s battery?
The keyboard light on your Surface Laptop is designed to be energy-efficient and won’t significantly impact your laptop’s battery life. However, using the keyboard light for extended periods of time can cause a slight decrease in battery life.
To minimize the impact on battery life, you can adjust the keyboard light brightness to a lower level or turn it off when not in use. You can also use the keyboard shortcut to toggle the keyboard light on and off quickly. Additionally, make sure to keep your Surface Laptop’s operating system and software up to date, as updates often include improvements to power management and energy efficiency.
Can I use the keyboard light in conjunction with other Surface Laptop features?
Yes, you can use the keyboard light in conjunction with other Surface Laptop features. For example, you can use the keyboard light with the touchscreen or the Surface Pen. The keyboard light will not interfere with these features and can actually enhance your overall user experience.
Using the keyboard light with other features can help you stay productive and focused. For example, you can use the keyboard light to type notes while using the Surface Pen to annotate documents or take screenshots. The keyboard light can also help you navigate the touchscreen in low-light environments.
Is the keyboard light available on all Surface Laptop models?
The keyboard light is available on most Surface Laptop models, but it’s not a standard feature on all models. Some older models or budget-friendly options may not have a keyboard light. If you’re unsure whether your Surface Laptop has a keyboard light, you can check the device’s specifications or consult the user manual.
If your Surface Laptop does not have a keyboard light, you may want to consider using an external keyboard with backlighting or exploring other lighting options. However, if you do have a Surface Laptop with a keyboard light, you can follow the steps outlined in this guide to turn it on and adjust the settings to your liking.