What To Know
- The most straightforward way to turn off the keyboard light on your Surface Book is by using the function keys.
- The Settings app on your Surface Book offers a more comprehensive approach to managing the keyboard backlight.
- Set a timer in the Settings app to automatically turn off the backlight after a period of inactivity.
The Surface Book, with its sleek design and powerful performance, is a dream machine for many. But sometimes, the bright keyboard backlight can be a nuisance, especially in dimly lit environments or when you’re trying to work late at night. If you’re wondering how to turn off keyboard light Surface Book, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to disable that pesky backlight and enjoy a more comfortable typing experience.
The Simple Way: The Function Keys
The most straightforward way to turn off the keyboard light on your Surface Book is by using the function keys. Here’s how:
1. Locate the Function Keys: Look for the row of keys at the top of your Surface Book keyboard. You’ll find special symbols along with the numbers F1 to F12.
2. Find the Brightness Control: The keyboard backlight control is usually represented by a sun icon or a light bulb symbol. It’s typically located on one of the function keys (F5, F6, or F7).
3. Press the Function Key: Press and hold the **Fn** key (usually located in the bottom-left corner of the keyboard). While holding down the **Fn** key, press the function key with the sun/light bulb symbol.
4. Adjust Brightness or Turn Off: By pressing the function key multiple times, you can cycle through the backlight brightness levels. To completely turn off the backlight, keep pressing the function key until the light goes out.
The Power of the Settings App
The Settings app on your Surface Book offers a more comprehensive approach to managing the keyboard backlight. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the Settings App: Click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Devices: In the Settings app, click on “Devices.”
3. Select Keyboard: Click on “Keyboard” in the left-hand menu.
4. Adjust Backlight Settings: You’ll find options to adjust the backlight brightness and even set a timer for automatic backlight timeout.
The Keyboard Shortcut Option
For those who prefer a shortcut, there’s a keyboard combination that can toggle the backlight on and off:
1. Press the Windows Key: Press and hold the Windows key (located between the Ctrl and Alt keys).
2. Press the Brightness Key: While holding down the Windows key, press the function key with the sun/light bulb symbol. This will toggle the backlight on or off.
Troubleshooting Backlight Issues
If you’re experiencing problems with your Surface Book keyboard backlight, such as it not turning on or staying on unexpectedly, try these troubleshooting steps:
1. Check Battery Level: Ensure your Surface Book has sufficient battery power. A low battery can sometimes affect the backlight function.
2. Restart Your Device: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.
3. Update Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause issues with hardware components. Check for updates in the Device Manager (right-click the Start menu and select “Device Manager”).
4. Run a Hardware Troubleshooter: Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can help identify and fix hardware problems. Open the Settings app, go to “Update & Security,” and select “Troubleshoot.”
Understanding Battery Life and Backlight
While the keyboard backlight adds a touch of convenience, it can impact your Surface Book‘s battery life. If you’re concerned about conserving battery power, consider these tips:
- Turn off the backlight when not in use: This is the most effective way to minimize battery drain.
- Reduce backlight brightness: Lowering the brightness level can significantly extend battery life.
- Enable automatic timeout: Set a timer in the Settings app to automatically turn off the backlight after a period of inactivity.
Beyond the Keyboard: Other Surface Book Light Features
The Surface Book has a few other lighting features worth exploring:
- Ambient Light Sensor: Some Surface Book models have an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on the surrounding light conditions.
- Screen Brightness: You can manually adjust the screen brightness using the function keys or the Settings app.
Enjoying a Brighter Typing Experience
Now that you’ve learned how to turn off keyboard light Surface Book, you can customize your typing experience to your liking. Whether you prefer a bright backlight for nighttime work or a completely dark keyboard for a more focused environment, the Surface Book gives you the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
What You Need to Know
Q: Why is my Surface Book keyboard light not turning off?
A: If the keyboard light isn‘t turning off, try restarting your device, checking battery levels, and ensuring the function keys are functioning correctly. If the problem persists, you might need to update your drivers or contact Microsoft support.
Q: Can I change the color of the keyboard light?
A: Unfortunately, the Surface Book keyboard backlight doesn‘t offer color customization options. It’s typically a white light.
Q: How do I disable the automatic timeout for the keyboard backlight?
A: You can disable the automatic timeout by navigating to the Settings app, going to “Devices,” clicking “Keyboard,” and turning off the “Backlight timeout” setting.
Q: Does the keyboard light affect the battery life significantly?
A: Yes, the keyboard backlight can consume a noticeable amount of battery power, especially at higher brightness levels. Turning off the light or using a lower brightness setting can help conserve battery life.
Q: Is there a way to turn off the keyboard light permanently?
A: While there’s no permanent way to disable the keyboard light, you can set a very short timeout in the Settings app to effectively turn it off most of the time.
