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How To Turn Keyboard Light On Lenovo Yoga: Quick Tutorial
Do you want to turn on the light under your keyboard on a Lenovo Yoga laptop? Yes, you can usually turn on the keyboard light easily. The most common way uses keys on your keyboard. We will show you how to do this and cover other ways and fixes too.
The Easy Way: Using the Shortcut Keys
Most Lenovo Yoga laptops have a keyboard light. This light helps you type when it is dark. The simplest way to turn it on is with a quick key press.
Grasping the Fn Key
Look at your keyboard. Find the key marked “Fn.” It is usually in the bottom left corner. It might be next to the “Ctrl” key. The “Fn” key is special. It changes what other keys do. Think of it like a shift key for extra functions.
Finding the Right Symbol
Now, look at your Spacebar. The Spacebar is the long key at the bottom. Check if it has a small picture on it. This picture often looks like a keyboard with light rays coming out of it. Or it might look like three small squares with lines under them. This little picture tells you the Spacebar also works as the keyboard light control when used with the “Fn” key. This is the Keyboard light icon Lenovo puts on the key.
Sometimes, the icon might be on another key near the top, like one of the “F” keys (F1 through F12). But on most newer Lenovo Yoga models, it is on the Spacebar.
Using the Lenovo Yoga Keyboard Backlight Shortcut
Here is how to turn on the light:
- Find the “Fn” key.
- Find the Spacebar (or the key with the keyboard light icon).
- Press and hold the “Fn” key.
- While holding “Fn,” quickly press the Spacebar one time.
- Let go of both keys.
If your laptop has a keyboard light, it should now turn on. This is the main Lenovo Yoga keyboard backlight shortcut. It uses the Turn on keyboard light Fn key combined with the Spacebar key. This is also known as the Yoga laptop backlight function key method.
Cycling Through Brightness Levels
Your keyboard light probably has more than one setting. Pressing the shortcut keys again will change the brightness.
- Press Fn + Spacebar once: The light turns on at a low setting.
- Press Fn + Spacebar a second time: The light gets brighter (a high setting).
- Press Fn + Spacebar a third time: The light turns off.
You can keep pressing the shortcut keys to cycle through these levels: Off -> Low -> High -> Off. This is how you Adjust keyboard brightness Lenovo Yoga simple steps.
This is the most common and easiest way. Always try this first.
Beyond the Shortcut: Other Methods and Checks
What if the Fn + Spacebar shortcut does not work? There could be a few reasons. Maybe the key setting is turned off somewhere else. Or maybe your specific model needs a different step. Let us look at other places to check.
Exploring Lenovo Vantage Settings
Lenovo makes a special program for their computers called Lenovo Vantage. This program lets you control many settings for your laptop. It can also control the keyboard light.
What is Lenovo Vantage?
Lenovo Vantage is a program that comes installed on many Lenovo computers. It helps you:
- Get computer updates.
- Check how healthy your computer is.
- Change settings for power, sound, camera, and keyboard.
- Get help from Lenovo support.
How to Use Lenovo Vantage for Keyboard Light:
- Open the Lenovo Vantage program. You can search for “Lenovo Vantage” in the Windows search bar.
- Once Vantage is open, look for settings related to “Input & Accessories,” “Keyboard,” or “Device Settings.” The exact words might be different depending on your Vantage version.
- In the keyboard settings area, look for an option about “Keyboard backlight” or “Backlight.”
- You might see a switch to turn the backlight on or off. You might also find settings for how long the light stays on or if it should turn off to save power.
This is where you can find Lenovo Vantage keyboard settings. Make sure the keyboard backlight is turned on in this program. If it is off here, the Fn + Spacebar shortcut might not work.
Steps to Find Keyboard Settings in Vantage (May Vary Slightly):
- Open Lenovo Vantage.
- Look for a main menu or sidebar.
- Click on “Device.”
- Click on “Input & Accessories” or “Keyboard.”
- Find the “Keyboard backlight” option.
- Check its setting. Turn it on if it is off.
Sometimes, Vantage might have more options, like turning on the light when you press any key. Check these options to set up the backlight how you like it.
Fathoming BIOS/UEFI Settings
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is like the computer’s main control panel before Windows starts. It handles basic things like starting up and talking to the hardware. Sometimes, a setting for the keyboard light is hidden away in the BIOS. This is less common for just turning it on or off day-to-day, but it is a place to check if nothing else works, especially if the light never comes on.
Why Check BIOS?
In some cases, the keyboard backlight feature might be disabled in the BIOS. This could be for power saving reasons set by the factory or a previous user. If it is off in BIOS, no amount of pressing Fn + Spacebar or changing settings in Windows will work.
How to Enter BIOS/UEFI:
To get into the BIOS settings, you need to press a special key right when your computer starts up.
- Turn off your Lenovo Yoga laptop completely. Make sure it is not just sleeping.
- Turn it back on.
- As soon as you press the power button, start pressing a key repeatedly. The key to press is often F2 or Del. On some Lenovo models, it might be F1, F12, or the Fn key combined with another key. Look for a message on the screen right after turning it on. It might say “Press F2 to Enter Setup” or something similar.
- Keep pressing the key until the BIOS or UEFI screen appears.
Finding the Keyboard Light Setting in BIOS:
The look of the BIOS screen can be different depending on your laptop model and age. It is usually a blue or gray screen with text menus. Use the arrow keys to move around and Enter key to select.
- Once in BIOS, look for sections like “Configuration,” “System Configuration,” “Advanced,” or “Power.”
- Move through the menus. Look for an option related to “Keyboard Backlight,” “Illuminated Keyboard,” or “Backlight.”
- Select this option.
- Make sure it is set to “Enabled” or “Auto.” If it is “Disabled,” change it to “Enabled.”
- After changing the setting, you need to save and exit. Look for an “Exit” menu. Select “Save Changes and Exit.” Confirm that you want to save.
- Your computer will restart.
This is how you Enable keyboard backlight in BIOS Lenovo. If the setting was off here, turning it on and restarting might fix the problem. Be careful in BIOS; do not change settings you do not understand.
Checking Your Specific Model
While Fn + Spacebar is standard for many Lenovo Yoga laptops, it is good to know that small differences can exist between models.
Yoga C940 Specifics
The Yoga C940 keyboard light works just like described. You use the Fn + Spacebar shortcut. Pressing it cycles through off, low brightness, and high brightness. The Spacebar has the small keyboard light icon. Lenovo Vantage on the C940 also has keyboard backlight settings. The BIOS/UEFI on the C940 has an option to enable or disable the backlight, usually found under Configuration > Keyboard/Mouse or similar. So, for the Yoga C940, all the methods discussed (shortcut, Vantage, BIOS) apply.
Other Popular Yoga Lines
Lenovo has many Yoga lines:
- Yoga Slim: Often uses Fn + Spacebar.
- Yoga Book: These have unique keyboards (sometimes screen keyboards). The backlight might work differently or not exist on some models. Check your model’s manual.
- Yoga Duet: These are 2-in-1s with detachable keyboards. The detachable keyboard should have the Fn + Spacebar shortcut if it has a backlight.
- Standard Yoga (like 7 series, 9 series): Most use the Fn + Spacebar shortcut.
Always check your laptop’s user manual if you are unsure. You can download the manual from the Lenovo support website. Search for your exact model name.
Fixing Common Issues: Troubleshooting Your Keyboard Light
Sometimes, even with the right steps, the keyboard light does not work. Let us Troubleshoot Lenovo keyboard light problems.
When the Shortcut Does Not Work
You pressed Fn + Spacebar, but nothing happened. What next?
- Check the Icon: Did you press the correct key? Make sure the Spacebar (or F-key) you pressed actually has the keyboard light icon on it.
- Check the Fn Key: Is your Fn key working? Try pressing Fn with other keys that have icons (like volume or screen brightness). Do they work? If the Fn key itself is not working, that is a different problem, possibly with drivers or settings.
- Try Pressing Longer: While Fn + Spacebar is usually a quick press, try holding both keys for a moment.
- Is it Dark Enough? Some Lenovo models have a sensor that prevents the light from coming on if the room is already bright. Try testing it in a darker place.
- Check Power Mode: If your laptop is in a very strict power-saving mode, it might turn off the backlight. Plug in the power adapter or change the power settings in Windows.
- Restart Your Laptop: A simple restart can fix temporary glitches. Turn off the laptop completely and turn it back on.
Driver Checks
Drivers are small programs that help your computer talk to its hardware, like the keyboard. If the keyboard drivers are not working right, the backlight might not work. Lenovo also has specific “Hotkey” or “Fn key” drivers that manage the Fn key functions, including the backlight shortcut.
How to Check and Update Drivers:
- Search for “Device Manager” in the Windows search bar and open it.
- In Device Manager, find “Keyboards.” Click the arrow next to it to open the list.
- You will see entries like “Standard PS/2 Keyboard” or similar.
- Right-click on your keyboard entry.
- Select “Update driver.”
- Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will look online for the best driver.
- If Windows finds a new driver, install it.
- You might also need to look for “System devices” or “Software devices” in Device Manager to find “Lenovo Hotkey” or “Lenovo ACPI-Compliant Virtual Power Controller” drivers. Update these if you find them.
It is also a good idea to get drivers directly from the Lenovo support website for your specific model. Search for your laptop model on the Lenovo support site, go to the “Drivers & Software” section, and look for “Keyboard,” “Hotkey,” or “Chipset” drivers. Download and install the latest ones.
Software Glitches
Sometimes, a program or a Windows update can cause problems.
- Lenovo Vantage Issues: If you use Lenovo Vantage, try closing it and opening it again. Make sure Vantage itself is updated to the latest version. Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling Lenovo Vantage can fix problems.
- Windows Updates: Check if any recent Windows updates might have caused the issue. You can sometimes roll back recent updates if you suspect this is the cause.
- Other Programs: Very rarely, another program running on your computer might interfere with keyboard functions. If the problem just started, think about what programs you installed recently.
Power Save Settings Impact
Your laptop’s power settings can affect the keyboard light.
- Windows Power Settings: In Windows Power Options, there might be settings that turn off features to save battery. While there usually isn’t a direct setting for the keyboard backlight here, aggressive settings might affect it. Go to Control Panel > Power Options. Check your plan settings.
- Lenovo Vantage Power Settings: As mentioned earlier, Lenovo Vantage has power settings. It might have an option to turn off the backlight after a few seconds of inactivity to save power. If your light turns on but then quickly turns off, check these settings. Look for “Intelligent Keyboard” or similar options in Vantage. You can usually set how long the light stays on (e.g., 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute) or choose for it to stay on always when the laptop is awake.
Table: Common Troubleshooting Steps & Checks
| Problem | Possible Cause | What to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Light doesn’t turn on at all | Shortcut not working | Make sure you press Fn + Spacebar (or correct key) correctly. |
| Backlight disabled in software | Check Lenovo Vantage keyboard settings. Make sure backlight is enabled. | |
| Backlight disabled in BIOS | Enter BIOS (F2/Del on startup) and ensure keyboard backlight is enabled. | |
| Driver issue | Update keyboard and hotkey drivers via Device Manager or Lenovo website. | |
| Laptop doesn’t have backlight | Check your specific model’s specs online or in the manual. (Most Yoga do). | |
| Hardware failure | Less likely, but possible if nothing else works. Might need service. | |
| Light turns on, then off | Power saving setting | Check Lenovo Vantage for “Intelligent Keyboard” or timeout settings. |
| Windows power settings (less common) | Review Windows Power Options. | |
| Shortcut keys do nothing | Fn key not working | Test Fn key with other function keys (volume, brightness). Update hotkey driver. |
| Software interfering | Restart laptop. Check recently installed programs. Reinstall Vantage. |
Keeping the Light On: Power and Maintenance Tips
Turning on the keyboard light uses power. It is good to know how this affects your laptop. Also, keeping your keyboard clean helps it work right.
The Link Between Backlight and Battery Life
The keyboard light uses power from your battery. When the light is on, especially at high brightness, your battery will run out a little faster.
- Using the light when needed: Turn the light on only when you need it, like in a dark room. In a bright room, you do not need it, so turn it off to save power.
- Using the low setting: If the low brightness setting is enough, use that instead of the high setting. It uses less power.
- Setting a timeout: Use Lenovo Vantage or Windows power settings (if available) to make the light turn off after you stop typing for a short time. This saves a lot of power if you often pause while working.
Knowing this helps you manage your battery life better while still using the helpful backlight feature.
Simple Cleaning Steps
Keeping your keyboard clean helps prevent keys from sticking or not working right. Dust and crumbs can build up under and around the keys.
- Turn off your laptop: Always turn off your laptop before cleaning the keyboard.
- Shake gently: Turn the laptop upside down (when off!) and shake it gently to remove loose crumbs.
- Use compressed air: Use a can of compressed air. Use short bursts to blow away dust and debris from between the keys.
- Wipe gently: Use a soft, lint-free cloth. You can make it slightly damp with water or a cleaning solution made for electronics (do not spray liquid directly on the keyboard). Gently wipe the surface of the keys.
Keeping the keys clean helps make sure the Fn + Spacebar shortcut and all keys work correctly.
Wrapping It Up: Getting Your Keyboard to Glow
Turning on the keyboard light on your Lenovo Yoga is usually very simple. For most models, just find the Fn key and the Spacebar with the little light icon. Pressing Fn + Spacebar together will turn the light on and let you change the brightness.
If the shortcut does not work, do not worry. You have other ways to check. Look in the Lenovo Vantage program for keyboard settings. Check the BIOS/UEFI settings to make sure the light is enabled there. Make sure your keyboard and hotkey drivers are up to date.
Troubleshooting steps like checking drivers, looking at power settings, and restarting the computer can fix many problems. Remember that the keyboard light uses battery power, so use it wisely.
With these steps, you should be able to get your Lenovo Yoga keyboard light working and enjoy typing in any light condition.
Common Questions Asked (FAQ)
Q: My Spacebar does not have a light icon. How do I turn on the light?
A: On some older or different models, the icon might be on an F key (F1-F12) instead of the Spacebar. Look for the small keyboard light symbol on one of the F keys. Then, try pressing Fn + that F key. If you cannot find the icon, your laptop might not have a keyboard backlight feature. Check your model’s specifications online.
Q: The light turns off after a few seconds. How can I keep it on longer?
A: This is usually a power-saving setting. Open the Lenovo Vantage program. Look for keyboard or input settings. Find the keyboard backlight options. There should be a setting for how long the light stays on after you stop typing. Change this time (e.g., to 1 minute or ‘Never’ while plugged in, if available).
Q: I pressed Fn + Spacebar, and the light blinked but did not stay on.
A: This might mean the feature is enabled, but something is stopping it. Try the troubleshooting steps: update drivers (especially hotkey driver), check Lenovo Vantage settings, and restart the laptop. Check power settings too, as it might be trying to save power aggressively.
Q: Does my Lenovo Yoga model have a keyboard light?
A: Most modern Lenovo Yoga laptops do have a keyboard backlight, especially the premium models (like the 7, 9, and Slim series). The easiest way to check is to look for the keyboard light icon on your Spacebar or F keys. If you see the icon, it has the light. You can also check the laptop’s specifications on the Lenovo website using your exact model number.
Q: Can I change the color of the keyboard light on my Yoga laptop?
A: On most standard Lenovo Yoga models, the keyboard backlight is usually white and does not change color. Gaming laptops or specific performance models sometimes have RGB (color-changing) keyboards, but this is rare on the typical Yoga lineup. If your model has this feature, the settings to change color would likely be in Lenovo Vantage or a different specialized software program.
Q: How do I turn off Lenovo keyboard light?
A: Use the same shortcut you used to turn it on. Press Fn + Spacebar (or Fn + the key with the light icon) repeatedly. It cycles through brightness levels (off -> low -> high -> off). Keep pressing until the light turns off completely.
Q: My keyboard light was working, but now it stopped after a Windows update.
A: Sometimes, updates can cause issues with drivers or software settings. First, try restarting your laptop. If that does not work, go to Device Manager and update your keyboard and hotkey drivers. Also, check Lenovo Vantage settings again, as the update might have reset them. You can also visit the Lenovo support site for your model and download the latest drivers manually.