Hi all, 

I recently purchased a T460s with some upgrades on the specifications (RAM 16 GB, GPU GeForce 930M and etc.). The initial operating system was set to Windows 7, so I upgraded to Windows 10 64 bit. I manually downloaded all the drivers required for this laptop and windows 10. While everything else runs pretty well, the keyboard backlight does not seem to work. I haven't checked if the backlight works on the previous operating system, so I am unsure if the problem is actually from the hardwares or if the OS was updated wrong. I am pretty sure that this model supports the keyboard backlit function since the space bar has that little image on the left side that (I'm guessing) indicates the function of backlit keyboards. 

I'm wondering if there are actual drivers that I must intall prior to pressing the (Fn+Spacebar) keys to turn on the backlight, or if there is a problem with my computer. If it's the case of the latter, I am thinking about resetting my laptop (reinstalling windows 10). Being aware of how long it takes to download and install all the necessary components, once I do, is there any method of backing up the computer and after the reset just using that backup to go back to the original state where I have all my programs and data? 

Thanks. 

Hello martinhjang,

Backlit keyboard is based on the hardware implementation, it don't need driver.

Software and OS will not affect the backlighting.

You can use the following method for testing:

Press F1/Fn+F1 when you reseting your computer, then enter the BIOS.

In BIOS environment, press Fn+Space, And watching the backlit can work normal or not.

But NOT all the T460s have backlit keyboard, it's optional.

Could you give me the TYPE number on bottom of the machine. It's a small label, starting with 20F9. let me help you check it.

Hi, thanks for the reply. 

My type number is 20FA-0010KR 

I contacted the dealer that I got the laptop from and he mentioned that some of the features of the laptop may malfunction when updated to Windows 10, and in order to fix that, I should get the proper Windows 10 file that they provide us with. I am currently downloading the file from the lenovo website and creating a USB startup disk in order to reinstall my operating system. 

In the meantime, I would appreciate it very much if you could check if my computer has the backlit keyboard fuction. Much appreciated. 

Regards, M 

Hi,

According to offer you the TYPE number, I query the internal database, so i'm make sure it has a backlit keyboard, Korea version.

In fact, Under normal circumstances, the backlit keyboard is on startup will be bright. If it never bright, I think maybe something wrong with your new machine. :smileysad:

If it's still not bright when after re-install Win10, I suggest you contact after-sales maintenance services, or dealers.

Hey there,

I have the same problem, backlit keyboard ist not working, it was supposely ordered with a backlit keyboard though.

On the spacebar, I do have the little sign and when pressing FN+Spacebar, a little icon pups up that let me regulate the brightness or turning off the backlight depending on the number of times I press it.

However, nothing actully lightens up.

I got a glimpse of whats under the buttons and there seem to be small fibers or something which I think are either optical fibers or wires for the LEDs. I might be completely mistaken though.

So with the sign on the spacebar and the icon popping up, can I be sure that I do have the backlit keyboard installed and its a hardware malfunction or do ALL 460s have the sign and option to toggle the backlight?

Id really appreciate a reply.

Best regards,

Alex

I have just received my T460s and discovered it does not have a backlit keyboard.  I went back to my original confiig on te Lenovo web site and have seen that you have to select the "backlit" keyboard option in the configuration.  

Really???

Why would this not default to the backlit version?   Having come from a number of previous Thinkpad models which had the light, it never occurred to me that the keyboard lighting would be an option?  It only £16.80 extra, so why make it an option anyway?

I was quite pleased with the unit, but this ommision as a standard feature has really taken the shine of the whole thing. BIG mistake Levono.

I just received my T460s, and I am very disappointed for not having the backlit keyboard.  I too thought that it's standard on Thinkpads.  Have you contacted Lenovo to ask whether they would replace the keyboard?  I'm willing to pay for the cost.

Thanks 

As stated by others the backlit function has nothing to do with the Operating System. It is part of the hardware configuration. If you have the Icon on the spacebar and you're getting the on-screen brightness indicator but no back light you have a hardware problem. One suggestion is to lift the keyboard (you can find instructions below) and see if the backlight cable is correctly connected. In the haste of factory prep, the lighting ribbon may not have been fully seated. It's a fairly simple step to lift the connector cover, reseat the cable (it's the smaller one) and then flip the connector cover back down. Good luck.

Note that in this video it is not a backlit keyboard but the removal instructions are the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VoPgE00TR

Printed directions below. 

https://support.lenovo.com/mx/en/documents/pd104003