HOW TO STOP KEYBOARD BACKLIGHTS FROM PULSING?

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HOW TO STOP KEYBOARD BACKLIGHTS FROM PULSING?

Anonymous

Recently my keyboard backlights have been pulsing, like a subtle fade from bright to dark. I've checked my settings multiple times to see if I could possibly stop the pulsing but I could not find anything. Resetting my computer and turning if off hasn't done anything.

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3 additional answers

Answer 1

Hello, Eliana Reynolds

Welcome to the Microsoft community.

Thank you for your feedback. I understand that you are experiencing a problem with the backlight not being able to be turned off, here are some troubleshooting options:

Try a clean start

Press Windos+R and type :

msconfig

Click on “Services” above, and check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box below. Be sure to check this box, or else disabling some Microsoft services may cause serious problems such as not being able to turn on the computer. Click “Disable All”. Click “Startup” at the top, click “Open Task Manager”, click “Startup” at the top of the Task Manager (Working Administrator), right click on each of them. Right-click on each item whose “Status” is “Started” and select “Disable”.

After booting, open Task Manager and make sure there are no non-Microsoft processes. See if it returns to normal.

If it is normal, you can open the disabled services one by one, the daily use of software, etc., to see if there is a cause of the anomaly.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows - Microsoft Support

Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem. 

These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get you back on track.

Control the backlight directly via shortcut keys

Try to turn off the breathing light by key combination

Most keyboards that support backlighting can switch modes via Fn + function keys, for example:

**Fn + F4**: Dell/Lenovo/HP common backlight adjustment key

**Fn + Spacebar**: some Thunderbird/Asus keyboards

**Fn + Arrow keys** (↑↓ adjust brightness, →← switch mode)

If the keyboard does not respond, check whether you need to install the keyboard driver (e.g. Logitech G HUB, ThunderCloud 3, etc.).

System-level power and driver settings

Disable keyboard power saving mode

Right-click Start Menu → Device Manager → Expand Keyboard → Right-click Keyboard Devices → Properties → Power Management → Uncheck “Allow computer to turn off this device to save power” → OK.

Update/Rollback Keyboard Driver

Right-click the keyboard in Device Manager → Update Driver → Search for updates automatically.

If the problem appears after the update, select Rollback Driver → Restore to old version.

Reset keyboard firmware (for external keyboards)

Disconnect the keyboard USB cable → Press and hold down the keyboard ESC + F1 + F4 (different key combinations for different brands) for 10 seconds → Reconnect.

Refer to the keyboard manual to perform Factory Reset.

If none of the above methods work, you need to contact the keyboard manufacturer's technical support to confirm whether it is a hardware failure.

I look forward to your feedback.

Best Regards,

Aaron| Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Hey, no worries—I’m glad you figured it out! Accidental key combos like that happen all the time, especially with function keys controlling extra features. Now that you know the shortcut, at least you won’t have to dig through settings next time!

Thanks for sharing the info, and if you ever run into anything else, feel free to ask. If my reply helped, feel free to mark it as helpful or as the answer.

Best,

Eric

Answer 3

Hello Eric

Thank you for replying to me. I just figured out how to change the settings.

Apparently I can change the light functions by holding FN and tapping the left or right arrow keys. I may have accidentally pressed the right side FN and right arrow key at once when I was adjusting and changed my keyboards backlights.

Just as a reference, this is what my keyboard looks like. I should've added this photo first.

Thank you!

Answer 4

Hi Eliana, I’m Eric, and I’d be happy to help!

Step 1: Check your keyboard software. If your keyboard has its own control software (like Razer Synapse, Logitech G Hub, or SteelSeries Engine), open it and look for lighting settings. There should be an option to disable any pulsing or breathing effects.

Step 2: Try function key shortcuts. Many keyboards have built-in lighting controls. Look for a key with a lightbulb or keyboard icon (often Fn + F3/F4 or similar) and press it to see if it changes the lighting mode.

Step 3: Check your BIOS settings. Restart your PC and enter the BIOS by pressing F2, F12, or Del (depending on your brand). Look for any keyboard lighting options and turn off any pulsing effects if available.

Step 4: Update or reinstall your keyboard drivers. Open Device Manager (press Win + X and select it), find your keyboard under Keyboards, right-click it, and choose Update driver. If that doesn’t help, uninstall the keyboard and restart your PC to let Windows reinstall it.

Step 5: If it’s a mechanical or RGB keyboard, try unplugging it for a minute and plugging it back in. If wireless, try resetting the connection.

Let me know how it goes! If this helps, please mark this reply as helpful or as the answer.

Best,

Eric

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HOW TO STOP KEYBOARD BACKLIGHTS FROM PULSING?

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