Trying to get my keyboard backlighting to turn back on after reinstall windows (Aspire E5-575G-57D4)

A while back I had some windows issues, and I was forced to reinstall windows to fix it and ever since the backlighting on my Aspire E5-575G-57D4 hasn't worked. All the other function key combos work but FN+F9 just doesn't do anything anymore.

I'm under the assumption that I'm just missing a driver since I had to do a complete reinstall (couldn't save any of the files) but I've downloaded just about every applicable Acer driver I could find and still no luck.

I've made sure Windows is up to date and I've even reinstalled Acer care center and nothing has given me any clue as to what I'm missing. I have found while digging though my device drivers that it looks to be using a default windows driver

[Edited the thread to add model number to the title]

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Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/726680/trying-to-get-my-keyboard-backlighting-to-turn-back-on-after-having-to-reinstall-windows

Hi TravenW

Your Aspire E5-575G-57D4 was designed for Windows 10, and Acer has not released official Windows 11 drivers for this model. That’s why FN+F9 for keyboard backlighting isn’t working—it relies on EC firmware and hotkey drivers that aren’t recognized by Windows 11’s input stack.

You can try manually installing the Launch Manager or Hotkey Utility from Acer’s Windows 10 driver list. These sometimes restore FN+F9 functionality under Windows 11, depending on BIOS version and how well EC hooks are handled.

📎 Driver page for your model: https://www.acer.com/ph-en/support/product-support/Aspire_E5-575G/downloads

If that doesn’t work, rolling back to Windows 10 may be the only way to restore full keyboard lighting. Let us know your current BIOS version—older builds don’t always negotiate EC commands correctly with newer OS versions.

TravenW

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1347037#Comment_1347037

I never upgraded my laptop to Win 11, its been running 10 since I first got it and after I did the reinstall I reinstalled Win 10.

I'm looking through the driver list on the page you linked and nothing on there says "Launch Manager or "Hotkey Utility".

My BIOS version is V1.47

Axxo

If your Acer Aspire E5's keyboard backlight isn't turning back on, the first step is to check the keyboard shortcuts. Often, it's toggled by pressing the Fn key along with a function key, typically F8 or F9, which should have a backlight icon. If that doesn't work, ensure the keyboard driver is updated and the Acer Quick Access software is installed and configured correctly. If issues persist, a hardware problem, like a loose or faulty ribbon cable, might be the culprit, requiring potential replacement or professional repair.

Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check Keyboard Shortcuts:
Locate the Fn key and the function key with the backlight icon (usually F8 or F9).
Press Fn + the function key to toggle the backlight on and off.
2. Verify Acer Quick Access Software:
If your model uses it, ensure the Acer Quick Access software is installed and configured correctly for keyboard backlight control.
You can find this software on the Acer support website or through the Windows Store.
3. Update Keyboard Driver:
Open Device Manager (search for it in Windows).
Expand "Keyboards".
Right-click on your keyboard (usually listed as "Standard PS/2 Keyboard") and select "Uninstall device".
Restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver.

4. Check for Loose Connections (Hardware):
This may require opening the laptop's back cover.
Inspect the keyboard's ribbon cable connection to the motherboard for any loose or damaged pins.
If the cable is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
5. BIOS Settings:
Some models may have keyboard backlight settings within the BIOS.
Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS setup (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F12 during startup, consult your laptop's manual for the correct key).
Check for any backlight or keyboard-related settings and ensure they are enabled.
6. Consider a Factory Reset:
If all else fails, you can try resetting your computer to factory settings.
Important: Back up all your important data before proceeding with a reset.
You can typically access the reset option through the Troubleshoot menu within Windows.
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