Why is the Asus TUF A15 Keyboard Backlight Not Working?

The Asus TUF A15 is a popular gaming laptop that offers solid performance and an attractive design. However, some users have reported issues with the keyboard backlight not functioning properly. If you’re experiencing this problem, there could be several potential causes and solutions to try. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why your Asus TUF A15 keyboard backlight isn’t working and provide troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.

1. Driver Issues
One of the most common reasons for keyboard backlight problems is outdated or corrupted drivers. Drivers are software programs that allow your operating system to communicate with hardware components, including the keyboard backlight. If the drivers are not up-to-date or have become corrupted, it can lead to functionality issues.

Solution: Update or reinstall your keyboard drivers.

a. Open the Device Manager (right-click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager”).
b. Expand the “Keyboards” section and right-click on your keyboard device.
c. Select “Update driver” and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest drivers from Asus or Windows Update.

Alternatively, you can visit the Asus support website and download the latest keyboard drivers for your specific TUF A15 model.

2. BIOS/UEFI Settings
The keyboard backlight settings may have been disabled or misconfigured in the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). These low-level software interfaces control various hardware components, including the keyboard backlight.

Solution: Check and adjust the BIOS/UEFI settings.

a. Restart your laptop and press the designated key (usually F2, Del, or Esc) to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility.
b. Locate the “Advanced” or “Peripherals” section and look for an option related to the keyboard backlight.
c. Ensure that the keyboard backlight is enabled and set to your desired brightness level.
d. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.

3. Power Management Settings
Some power management settings can inadvertently turn off the keyboard backlight to conserve battery life. If these settings are too aggressive, they may be causing the backlight to remain off even when you need it.

Solution: Adjust the power management settings.

a. Right-click on the battery icon in the system tray and select “Power Options.”
b. Click on “Change plan settings” next to your current power plan.
c. Click on “Change advanced power settings.”
d. Locate the “Keyboard backlight” or “Keyboard brightness” setting and adjust it to your desired level.
e. Click “OK” to save the changes.

4. Hardware Issues
In some cases, the keyboard backlight issue may be caused by a hardware problem, such as a faulty keyboard or a loose connection. This is more likely if you’ve recently dropped or exposed your laptop to liquid damage.

Solution: Check for physical damage or contact Asus support.

a. Inspect the keyboard for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or liquid spills.
b. Carefully clean the keyboard with a soft, dry cloth to remove any debris that may be causing interference.
c. If you suspect a hardware failure, it’s best to contact Asus support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance.

5. Software Conflicts
Certain third-party software or system utilities can sometimes interfere with the proper functioning of the keyboard backlight. Conflicting software may be overriding the backlight settings or causing compatibility issues.

• Solution: Disable or uninstall conflicting software.

a. Restart your laptop in Safe Mode to temporarily disable non-essential software and services.
b. Check if the keyboard backlight is working correctly in Safe Mode.
c. If it is, then a third-party program is likely the cause. Identify and disable or uninstall any software that may be conflicting with the backlight functionality.
d. Restart your laptop normally and check if the issue is resolved.

6. Windows Updates
While Windows updates are generally beneficial for fixing bugs and improving system stability, they can sometimes introduce new issues or conflicts. If the keyboard backlight stopped working after a recent Windows update, it could be related to compatibility issues or bugs introduced by the update.

Solution: Roll back the problematic Windows update.

a. Open the “Settings” app and go to “Update & Security.”
b. Click on “View update history” and then “Uninstall updates.”
c. Select the recent Windows update that may be causing the issue and click “Uninstall.”
d. Restart your laptop and check if the keyboard backlight is working correctly.

References:

1. Asus TUF Gaming A15 User Manual: https://www.asus.com/Laptops/For-Gaming/TUF-Gaming/TUF-Gaming-A15/
2. “How to Fix Keyboard Backlight Not Working on Windows 10” by Mahesh Makvana (May 2021), How-To Geek: https://www.howtogeek.com/703598/how-to-fix-keyboard-backlight-not-working-on-windows-10/
3. “Keyboard Backlight Not Working on Windows 10? Here’s How to Fix It” by Vishal Pawar (November 2022), Appuals: https://appuals.com/keyboard-backlight-not-working-on-windows-10/
4. “How to Fix Keyboard Backlight Not Working Issue on Windows 10” by Vibhav Singh (February 2023), Laptop Discovery: https://laptopdiscovery.com/fix-keyboard-backlight-not-working-windows-10/
5. “How to Fix Keyboard Backlight Not Working on ASUS Laptops” by Michael Crider (February 2022), How-To Geek: https://www.howtogeek.com/820609/how-to-fix-keyboard-backlight-not-working-on-asus-laptops/