How to Change Keyboard Light Color on Windows 11

by

In the world of computing, customization is a significant aspect of personal preference, and one of the most visually appealing ways to customize your setup is through the keyboard’s backlighting. When it comes to Windows 11, changing the color of your keyboard backlight can not only enhance your workspace aesthetics but also improve your overall computing experience. Whether you’re a gamer who wants to match your keyboard to your game setup or just someone who enjoys a particular visual theme, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps necessary to change your keyboard light color on Windows 11.

Understanding Your Keyboard’s Lighting System

Before diving into the steps to change your keyboard’s backlight color, it’s essential to understand how these systems work. Many modern keyboards, especially gaming keyboards, come with customizable RGB (Red, Green, Blue) lighting. The ability to change the color often depends on the brand of the keyboard, its software, and the drivers installed.

Types of Keyboards


Integrated Backlit Keyboards

:

  • These are typically found in laptops and some desktop keyboards. The lighting can often be controlled directly through keyboard shortcuts or system settings.


Gaming Keyboards

:

  • These usually come with advanced lighting options and require dedicated software for customization. Popular brands include Razer, Corsair, Logitech, and SteelSeries.


Standard Keyboards

:

  • These might have basic backlighting, which may be limited to a few color options. Customization is typically minimal.

Determining Your Keyboard’s Compatibility

To successfully change the keyboard light color on Windows 11, you first need to ensure your keyboard supports RGB customization. This usually involves downloading specific drivers or software from the manufacturer’s website. Check your keyboard manual or the manufacturer’s site for details.

Changing Keyboard Light Color on Integrated Backlit Keyboards

If you’re using a laptop or an integrated backlit keyboard, you tend to have more straightforward methods to adjust the backlight colors.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts


Function Key Usage

:

  • Many laptops have function keys (F1-F12) that control brightness and backlight color. Look for a key that has the keyboard symbol (often represented by a light bulb or a square) on it. You may need to press the

    Fn

    key in combination with this to cycle through the available settings.


Settings App

:

  • Press

    Windows + I

    to open the Settings app. Navigate to

    Accessibility

    >

    Keyboard

    . Here, you may find options to change the backlight depending on your device’s capabilities.

Method 2: BIOS/UEFI Configuration


Accessing BIOS/UEFI

:

  • Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS/UEFI firmware by pressing a designated key (often

    F2

    ,

    DEL

    , or

    ESC

    ) during boot.


Look for Keyboard Settings

:

  • Navigate to the ‘Advanced’ or ‘Keyboard’ settings where you might find options for adjusting the keyboard backlight settings.

Changing Keyboard Light Color on Gaming Keyboards

For dedicated gaming keyboards, the process to change the backlight color generally involves specific software that you must install.

Step 1: Download Specific Software

Most gaming keyboards come with their own software for customization. Here are some popular examples:


  • Razer Synapse

    for Razer keyboards

  • Corsair iCUE

    for Corsair keyboards

  • Logitech G HUB

    for Logitech keyboards

  • SteelSeries Engine

    for SteelSeries keyboards


Visit the Manufacturer’s Website

:

  • Go to the official website of your keyboard’s brand.


Locate the Software

:

  • Find the software specific to your keyboard model in the support or downloads section.


Install the Software

:

  • Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the software on your Windows 11 machine.

Step 2: Customizing Keyboard Lights

After installing the software, you can change the color settings to your liking.


Launch the Software

:

  • Open the software associated with your keyboard.


Select Your Keyboard

:

  • If you have multiple devices, select the keyboard you want to customize.


Navigate to Lighting Settings

:

  • Typically, there will be a “Lighting” or “RGB” tab that allows you to adjust backlighting settings.


Choose Your Colors

:

  • From here, you can choose different colors for various zones on the keyboard. You may find options for static colors, breathing effects, or even reactive modes based on key presses.


Apply Settings

:

  • Once you’ve made your selections, ensure to save or apply the changes as per the software’s function.

Step 3: Create Profiles

Many gaming keyboards allow you to create profiles for different games or tasks.


Creating a New Profile

:

  • Look under the profile management feature in the software.


Customize Your Profile

:

  • You can set different colors and lighting effects for specific profiles. This feature is especially great for gaming, where you may want different settings for each game.


Switching Profiles

:

  • Many keyboards allow you to switch profiles on-the-fly using dedicated keys.

Troubleshooting Keyboard Lighting Issues

If you encounter any issues while attempting to change your keyboard light color, here are some common solutions:

Ensure Drivers Are Up to Date


Open Device Manager

:

  • Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.


Locate Keyboards

:

  • Expand the “Keyboards” section, right-click on your keyboard device, and select “Update Driver”.


Search Automatically

:

  • Allow Windows to search for any available updates.

Check Keyboard Connection


Wired Keyboards

:

  • If you’re using a wired keyboard, ensure it’s securely connected to the USB port.


Wireless Keyboards

:

  • Check the battery levels and ensure the Bluetooth is enabled on your computer.

Reinstall Keyboard Software


Uninstall Existing Software

:

  • Go to

    Settings > Apps

    and locate your keyboard software for uninstallation.


Reinstall the Latest Version

:

  • After removal, download the latest version from the manufacturer’s website again.

Creating a Personalized Workspace

Once you’ve successfully customized your keyboard lighting, consider further enhancing your workspace ambiance.

Ambient Lighting

In addition to keyboard lighting, consider using LED strips around your desk or monitor to create a cohesive look. These can often be set to follow the same color schemes as your keyboard to create an immersive experience.

Desk Setup

A well-organized desk can complement your keyboard. Invest in a decent mouse pad, a clean setup, and some personal touches like plants or photos that resonate with your aesthetic.

Conclusion

Changing the keyboard light color on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that opens up a world of personalization for your computing experience. Whether you have a built-in laptop keyboard or a specialized gaming keyboard, adjusting its backlight can add an exciting dimension to your workspace. Always remember to keep your drivers up to date and explore the software options provided by your keyboard’s manufacturer for the best customization experience. Empower your workspace with colors that inspire you every time you sit down to use your machine!

Leave a Comment