Keyboard backlight on laptops ASUS Vivobook is a useful feature for working in low-light conditions, but not all users know how to activate it correctly. Depending on the model (Vivobook S14/S15, Pro 14/16, Flip etc.) activation methods may differ: from a simple key combination to settings in BIOS or proprietary software MyASUS. Often the problem lies not in the absence of a function, but in incorrect settings or an outdated driver.

In this article you will find all possible methods for turning on the backlight, including hidden options for old and new models Vivobook. We'll also look at common errors (for example, when the backlight flickers or doesn't respond to keys) and give recommendations on how to adjust the brightness. If your laptop doesn't come with backlighting out of the box, find out if you can add it in software or hardware.

1. Check for keyboard backlight support on your model

Before attempting to turn on the backlight, make sure that your ASUS Vivobook supports her. Not all models are equipped with this function - especially budget series (Vivobook 14 X415, 15 X515) often lack backlighting, while premium ones (Vivobook Pro 16X, S14 OLED) have multi-stage adjustment.

How to check:

  • 🔍 Documentation: Find on the official website ASUS your model specifications (enter your serial number on the support page). Look for the item Keyboard Backlight or Illuminated Keyboard.
  • 💡 Visual inspection: Hold the laptop up to a bright light - if LEDs or transparent characters are visible between the keys (for example, F3/F4 with a sun icon), there is a backlight.
  • 🛠️ Device Manager: Open Start → Device Manager → Keyboards. If the driver name contains the words Backlight or RGB, the function is supported.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Vivobook (For example, X509) there is a backlight, but it is activated only after installing the driver ATK Package from the official website. Without it, hotkeys do not work.
Model ASUS Vivobook Backlight support Switching method
Vivobook S14/S15 (S433, S533) Yes (white/RGB) Fn + F3/F4 or MyASUS
Vivobook Pro 14/16 (N7400, N7600) Yes (RGB with color customization) Fn + ↑/↓ or Aura Creator
Vivobook Flip 14 (TP470) Yes (single color) Only through BIOS (optional Keyboard Backlight)
Vivobook 14 X415, 15 X515 No (except for special editions) —

2. Turn on the backlight using hot keys

The fastest way is to use keyboard shortcuts. On most models Vivobook Function buttons are responsible for backlighting F3/F4 or arrow keys in combination with Fn.

Instructions:

  1. Make sure the laptop is turned on and running from the mains (on some models, the backlight turns off when on battery power).
  2. Press and hold the key Fn (usually in the lower left corner).
  3. Press one of the following keys (depending on your model):
    • 🔹 F3 — reduce brightness;
    • 🔹 F4 — increase brightness;
    • 🔹 ↑/↓ - adjustment (on models with Aura Sync).
  • If the backlight does not respond, try pressing Fn + Space (on some Vivobook Pro).
    • ⚠️ Attention: On laptops with Windows 11 Hotkeys may conflict with system shortcuts. To fix this, open Settings → System → Hotkeys and disable the option Use F1-F12 as standard function keys.

    Is the laptop connected to the network?|Is the ATK Package driver installed?|Is Fn Lock enabled (if any)?|Have you checked your BIOS settings?-->

    3. Setting the backlight through the MyASUS program

    Proprietary software MyASUS allows you not only to update drivers, but also to control the keyboard backlight on supported models. This method is especially useful if your keyboard shortcuts don't work.

    Step by step instructions:

    1. Download and install MyASUS with official website (select your model in the section Drivers and utilities).
    2. Launch the program and go to the section Hardware Settings (or Lighting effects for models with RGB).
    3. Find the tab Keyboard Backlight. Here you can:
      • 🔘 Turn on/off the backlight;
      • 🌈 Change color (if RGB is supported);
      • ⏱️ Set up an automatic shutdown timer;
      • ☀️ Adjust brightness (from 1 to 100%).
  • Save the settings and restart your laptop if the changes do not apply.

    • On Vivobook Pro 16X (2023) models, MyASUS allows you to synchronize the backlight with music or games via Aura Sync technology.

    What should I do if MyASUS does not see the backlight?

    If the program does not have a tab Keyboard Backlight, check:

    1. Has the BIOS been updated to the latest version (via EZ Flash in BIOS).

    2. Is the driver installed? ASUS Keyboard Hotkeys (download it separately from the support site).

    3. Is the backlight disabled in the BIOS (see section 4).

    If the problem persists, your model may not support software backlight control.—>

    4. Backlight activation via BIOS/UEFI

    On some models ASUS Vivobook (especially Flip And Pro series) the keyboard backlight is disabled by default in the BIOS settings. To activate it, you will need to go to the UEFI menu and change the settings.

    Instructions:

    1. Turn off your laptop.
    2. Press and hold the key F2, then turn on the laptop (using the power button). Let go F2when the BIOS screen appears.
    3. Go to section Advanced (or Configuration on new BIOS versions).
    4. Find the option Keyboard Backlight or Internal Keyboard Light.
    5. Set value Enabled.
    6. Save changes (F10 → Yes) and reboot your laptop.

    If the option is missing in the BIOS, it means that the backlight is controlled only through Windows (hot keys or MyASUS).

    Hot keys|Through proprietary software (MyASUS, Aura Creator)|In BIOS|I don’t know how to turn it on|I don’t have a backlight

    5. Solving backlight problems

    If the backlight does not turn on or does not work correctly (flashes, turns off spontaneously), the reasons may be the following:

    • 🔌 Eating problems: On some models, the backlight turns off when running on battery power. Connect the charger.
    • 🖥️ Outdated drivers: Update ATK Package And Keyboard Hotkeys Driver through MyASUS or manually from the site ASUS.
    • 🐛 Software conflict: Programs like Razer Synapse or Corsair iCUE may block backlight control. Close them through the task manager.
    • 🔧 Resetting BIOS Settings: If the backlight stops working after updating the BIOS, please reset the settings to factory settings (Load Default Settings in BIOS).

    For diagnostics:

    1. Open Command line as administrator and run: 
      powercfg /batteryreport

      Check in the generated report (C:\battery-report.html) section Recent Usage — if the laptop often runs on battery power, the backlight may turn off automatically.

    2. Run Device Manager and check if there is an exclamation mark next to Keyboard or HID devices.
    💡

    If the backlight turns on but is dim, try cleaning the keyboard from dust with compressed air. Collected dirt between the keys can scatter the light.

    6. Alternative ways to control the backlight

    If standard methods don't work, try alternative solutions:

    • 🎨 Aura Creator: For models with RGB lighting (Vivobook Pro 16X, ZenBook Pro Duo) download the utility ASUS Aura Creator. It allows you to customize color schemes, ripple effects and synchronization with other devices Aura Sync.
    • 🔧 Registry Editor: For advanced users. Open regedit, follow the path: 
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ASUS\ATK Package\Keyboard

      Find the parameter BacklightTimeout and set the value 0to turn off automatic backlight turning off.

    • 💻 AutoHotkey scripts: If hotkeys do not work, create a script to emulate pressing Fn + F3/F4. Sample code: 
      #NoEnv

      SendMode Input
      

      SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir%
      

      ; Включение подсветки
      

      ^!k::Send {F3}

      (Combination Ctrl + Alt + K will send F3.)

    ⚠️ Attention: Changing the registry may cause system instability. Before editing, create a restore point (Control Panel → Recovery → Set up system recovery).
    💡

    On ASUS Vivobook laptops with AMD processors (for example, Vivobook S14 with Ryzen 7), the backlight can be controlled through the Armory Crate program instead of MyASUS.

    7. Is it possible to add backlighting if there is none?

    If your model ASUS Vivobook does not support backlighting out of the box, there are several ways to add it:

    • 🔦 External lighting: Use a backlit USB keyboard or LED stickers (such as Xiaomi LED Keyboard Stickers).
    • 🔧 Replacing the keyboard: On some models (Vivobook S15 S533) you can replace the keyboard with a backlit version (see documentation for part number).
    • 💡 Modding: Experienced users install LED strips under the keys, connecting them to a USB port or motherboard. Risky method - requires disassembling the laptop!

    Before purchasing spare parts, check compatibility by:

    • 🆔 Laptop serial number (on a sticker on the back side);
    • 📄Keyboard models (listed in Device Manager in the tab Information).

    The cost of the original backlit keyboard for ASUS Vivobook varies from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles (depending on the model). It is better to entrust the installation to a service center so as not to damage the cables.

    Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

    ❓ Why does the keyboard backlight turn off by itself after 10 seconds?

    This is the default power saving setting. To turn off the timer:

    1. Open MyASUS → Hardware Settings → Keyboard Backlight.
    2. Set the parameter Timeout in meaning Never.
    3. If the option is not there, update the BIOS or reset the settings to default.
    ❓ The backlight only works in white, although it should be RGB. How to fix it?

    The problem is typical for models Vivobook Pro 14/16 with processors Intel 12th generation. Solutions:

    • Install ASUS Aura Creator (not MyASUS!).
    • Update your driver Intel Serial IO in Device Manager.
    • Check if the option is disabled Aura RGB in BIOS.
    ❓ Hot keys Fn + F3/F4 do not work. What to do?

    Causes and solutions:

    • ATK Package driver not installed: Download it from the site ASUS for your model.
    • Conflict with Windows 11: Disable the option Use F1-F12 as standard keys in the system parameters.
    • Fn Lock mode is active: Click Fn + Escto turn it off.
    • The keyboard is faulty: Connect an external keyboard - if the hotkeys work, the problem is in the hardware.
    ❓ Is it possible to set the backlight to turn on automatically in low light?

    Yes, but only on models with a light sensor (Vivobook S14 OLED, Pro 16X). To do this:

    1. Open MyASUS → Smart Settings.
    2. Activate the option Adaptive Keyboard Light.
    3. Set the sensor sensitivity threshold.

    If there is no option, use third-party utilities like f.lux to automatically adjust screen and keyboard brightness.

    ❓ The backlight blinks or flickers. What's the matter?

    Probable reasons:

    • Unstable power supply: Connect your laptop to the original charger.
    • Driver problems: Uninstall the current keyboard driver in Device Manager and reboot your laptop.
    • Mechanical damage: Check to see if any liquid has gotten under the keys. If necessary, contact service.