How to Show Seconds in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 28, 2025

Summary: Key Takeaways

  • Many HP laptops include a backlit keyboard that makes typing in low-light conditions easier.

  • You can usually turn on the keyboard light using a function key (F5, F4, or F9), sometimes combined with the Fn key.

  • Some HP models allow you to adjust brightness levels or set the backlight to turn off automatically after inactivity.

  • If your HP laptop doesn’t have a backlight, no shortcut will enable it.

  • This guide explains step-by-step methods to switch on the keyboard light in Windows 11.

Introduction

Typing in the dark can feel like trying to find your way through a room full of Lego blocks — frustrating and risky. Luckily, most modern HP laptops come with a keyboard backlight feature that solves this problem.

But here’s the catch: many users don’t know the exact shortcut to activate it. Some laptops require pressing the F5 key, others may use F4 or even a combination like Fn + Spacebar.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to switch on the keyboard light in HP laptops running Windows 11 — along with troubleshooting tips if it doesn’t work.

How to Know if Your HP Laptop Has a Backlit Keyboard

Not every HP laptop model includes backlighting. To check:

  • Look for a light icon (usually shaped like a glowing keyboard or sun symbol) on the function keys (F4, F5, F9, or Spacebar).

  • Visit your laptop’s product page on the HP Support website.

  • Check the user manual or packaging details.

👉 If you don’t see any backlight icon, your laptop probably doesn’t support this feature.

Method 1: Use the Function Key (Most Common Way)

Most HP laptops with backlit keyboards use a function key.

Steps:

  1. Find the function key with a backlight symbol (usually F5, F4, or F9).

  2. Press the key once to turn on the light.

  3. Press again to adjust brightness (low → high → off).

  4. If it doesn’t work, try pressing Fn + (Function key) together.

✅ This method works on popular models like HP Pavilion, Envy, Spectre, and ProBook.

Method 2: Use Fn + Spacebar

On some HP laptops, especially gaming models (HP Omen, Victus, Pavilion Gaming), the keyboard backlight is toggled using the Spacebar.

Steps:

  1. Hold down the Fn key.

  2. Press the Spacebar once → light turns on.

  3. Repeat to change brightness or turn it off.

Method 3: Adjust Keyboard Light Settings in HP OMEN Gaming Hub

If you have an HP gaming laptop, you may also control lighting through HP OMEN Gaming Hub software.

Steps:

  1. Open HP OMEN Gaming Hub from the Start menu.

  2. Go to Lighting.

  3. Choose your keyboard lighting mode: Static, Breathing, Wave, or custom RGB.

  4. Adjust brightness or colors as desired.

This feature is available only on RGB-enabled keyboards.

Method 4: Change Backlight Timeout Settings in BIOS

Some HP laptops let you set how long the keyboard light stays on when idle.

Steps:

  1. Restart your HP laptop.

  2. Press Esc repeatedly to enter Startup Menu.

  3. Press F10 to open BIOS Setup Utility.

  4. Navigate to Advanced → Built-in Device Options.

  5. Adjust the Keyboard Backlight Timeout (e.g., 5 sec, 15 sec, Never).

  6. Save changes and restart.

Method 5: Adjust Keyboard Backlight in Windows Mobility Center

Windows 11 also lets you tweak backlight settings on some HP laptops.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + X → select Mobility Center.

  2. Look for the Keyboard backlight section.

  3. Adjust brightness or timeout.

👉 Note: This option is not available on all HP models.

Troubleshooting: Keyboard Light Not Working on HP Laptop

If your HP keyboard light isn’t turning on:

  • ✅ Check your model – Some HP laptops don’t support backlighting at all.

  • ✅ Update drivers – Go to HP Support Assistant → update BIOS and keyboard drivers.

  • ✅ Check BIOS settings – Ensure the backlight is enabled.

  • ✅ Perform a hard reset – Shut down, unplug charger, hold power button for 15 sec, restart.

  • ✅ Use HP Support Assistant – Run diagnostics to check hardware issues.

Comparison of HP Keyboard Backlight Shortcuts

Laptop Series Shortcut Key Backlight Control
HP Pavilion / Envy F5 (or Fn + F5) On/Off/Brightness
HP Spectre / EliteBook F4 or F9 On/Off/Brightness
HP Omen / Victus Fn + Spacebar RGB + Effects
HP ProBook F5 (sometimes Fn + F5) On/Off only

Extra Tips for Using Keyboard Backlight on HP Laptops

  • Use lower brightness to save battery life.

  • In BIOS, set the backlight timeout to Never if you want it always on.

  • Gaming laptops often let you customize RGB lighting per key.

  • If you type in the dark often, enable longer timeout settings for convenience.

Conclusion

Turning on the keyboard light in your HP laptop running Windows 11 is usually as simple as pressing F5, F4, or Fn + Spacebar. Gaming laptops may also offer full RGB lighting customization through HP OMEN Gaming Hub.

If your keyboard light still doesn’t work, check your laptop model — not all HP laptops have backlit keyboards. In that case, no shortcut will help, since it’s a hardware limitation.

With these easy steps, you can now type comfortably in the dark without straining your eyes.

FAQs About HP Laptop Keyboard Light in Windows 11

1. Which key turns on the keyboard light in HP laptops?
Usually F5, F4, or F9. Some models use Fn + Spacebar.

2. Why doesn’t my HP laptop keyboard light turn on?
Your model may not support backlighting, or it may be disabled in BIOS.

3. Can I keep the HP keyboard light always on?
Yes. Change the backlight timeout setting in BIOS to Never.

4. Do all HP laptops have a keyboard light?
No. Budget models (like some HP 14/15 series) may not include backlit keyboards.

5. Can I change the color of my HP keyboard light?
Only on HP Omen, Victus, and some high-end Envy/Spectre models with RGB support.

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