XPS 17 9730, keyboard backlight on all the time?

If the keyboard backlight on your Dell XPS 17 9730 keeps fading out and turns off after about 10 seconds, it could be due to various factors, including power settings, software issues, or hardware problems. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this issue:

1. Check Keyboard Backlight Settings:

   • Press the "Fn" key along with the "F10" or "F6" key (the key with a keyboard icon) to adjust the keyboard backlight brightness.
   • If your laptop has a keyboard backlight timeout setting, navigate to the Dell Power Manager or the BIOS settings to adjust the duration of the backlight.

2. Dell Power Manager:

   • If your laptop has Dell Power Manager installed, open it and check for any settings related to the keyboard backlight. Adjust the settings to your preferences.

3. Windows Power Plan:

   • Open the "Control Panel" and go to "Power Options."
   • Click on "Change plan settings" for your selected power plan.
   • Click on "Change advanced power settings."
   • Expand "Keyboard backlight settings" and check if there is a setting for turning off the backlight after a certain period of inactivity. Adjust it as needed.

4. Check for BIOS Updates:

   • Visit the Dell support website and check if there are any BIOS updates available for your XPS 17 9730. Sometimes, BIOS updates can address hardware issues, including keyboard backlight problems.

5. Update Keyboard Backlight Drivers:

   • Go to the Device Manager (you can search for it in the Windows search bar).
   • Expand the "Keyboards" section, right-click on the keyboard driver, and select "Update driver." Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.

6. Software Conflicts:

   • Sometimes, third-party software or utilities can interfere with keyboard backlight settings. Try disabling or uninstalling any third-party keyboard-related software to see if it resolves the issue.

7. Hardware Inspection:

   • Ensure there is no physical damage to the keyboard or backlight components.
   • If the issue persists and you suspect a hardware problem, consider contacting Dell Support or visiting an authorized Dell service center for a thorough inspection and potential repairs.

8. Factory Reset:

   • As a last resort, if none of the above steps work, you can perform a factory reset of your laptop. This will revert it to its original settings. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding.

9. Keyboard Backlight Timeout Software:

   • There are third-party software tools available that allow you to customize the keyboard backlight timeout settings. You can install and use these tools to set the backlight timeout to your preference.

Please note that the availability of certain settings and options may vary depending on your laptop's configuration and the version of the operating system you are using. It's also essential to keep your laptop's drivers and firmware up to date for optimal performance and compatibility.