Symptoms

Table of Contents: Keyboard backlight hotkeys do not work?Important information about the keyboard on the G5 5590 laptopRecommended troubleshooting Keyboard backlight hotkeys do not work? (Figure.1 Dell G5 5590 Front View) Some owners have reported that the keyboard backlight on their Dell G5 5590 laptop does not respond. This happens when using the Fn + F10 key keyboard shortcut. They also report that it takes time to activate the keyboard function keys (hotkeys) after the computer starts up. This article takes you through important information that you should know about the backlit keyboards available on the G5 5590 laptop. It includes our recommended troubleshooting to help you identify a keyboard issue. Back to Top

Cause

Important information about the keyboard on the G5 5590 laptop There are three keyboard options available for the G5 5590 computer. Knowing which one is in your computer can tell you what you can expect from it: (Table.1 Keyboard type and function) Keyboard TypeBacklight FunctionStandard non-backlit keyboardThere is no backlight functionStandard backlit keyboard - Bluelight (Optional)The Fn + F10 key combination works in the BIOS and the Operating SystemFour-zone RGB (Red/Green/Blue) backlit keyboard (Optional)Hotkey does not work outside of the Operating System and can only be adjusted in the AWCC utility Expected behavior for a keyboard backlight on the Dell G5 5590 laptop: If the backlight is ON and we restart or shut down the computer, when it returns the backlight is still ONIf the backlight is OFF and we restart or shut down the computer, when it returns the backlight is still OFFThe last status of the backlight is keptOnce in the Operating System, if you were to try to change the backlight (turn-on/turn-off) status just after the computer completes startup, it does not work. However, if you wait approximately 1 minute after startup to change the backlight status by using the Fn + F10 keys, then it works as designed. (This is because of the Multiple DELL APP startup type defaults as Automatic (Delay Start).). The Alienware Command Center (AWCC) utility is one of these Dell apps Note: Pressing the Fn + ESC keys together deactivates all of the function keys (hotkeys), so no commands using them can be activated, this includes the backlight. Press the Fn + ESC keys together again to reactivate the function/hotkeys. Note: If you need to test the RGB backlight outside of the Operating System, you can use the Liquid Crystal Display (LCDS) Built-In Self-Test (BIST) test. The backlight colors change in the first sequence of the LCD-BIST after the screen goes off and a new sequence of the LCD-BIST starts. The backlight remains in the default state that was set in the computer. Back to Top

Resolution

Recommended troubleshooting If your keyboard is behaving differently from what is described above? If you are experiencing a different keyboard fault? You can choose the appropriate troubleshooting article from the following link pages that are most relevant for this computer: Learn how to use and troubleshoot problems with keyboards you use with your system. You can find information about Troubleshooting steps, How-To guides and relevant Support Videos for assistance.Dell G5 15 5590 Usage and Troubleshooting GuideAlienware Support Back to Top

Support Cases