Where to find keyboard color settings on your device

Most keyboards let you change their color through settings built into your device or through software that came with the keyboard. The exact location depends on whether you have a Windows computer, Mac, or a keyboard made by a specific brand like Corsair, Razer, or SteelSeries.

Start by checking whether your keyboard has any software installed. Many gaming and mechanical keyboards ship with their own app — look in your Applications folder (Mac) or Programs list (Windows) for the keyboard brand name. If you find it, open that app first, because it usually gives you the most control over lighting.

If there is no dedicated app, your keyboard may have built-in buttons or keys that cycle through colors. Look for a key labeled with a light bulb icon or marked "FN" plus a color-related key. Pressing these cycles through preset colors without needing software at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Most keyboards with color options come with their own software app, which you should check for first before looking elsewhere.
  • If no app exists, look for physical buttons or key combinations (often FN + a function key) that cycle through colors directly on the keyboard.
  • Windows and Mac both have accessibility lighting settings, but these usually control only the keyboard's backlight brightness, not color.
  • Wireless keyboards may need to be paired or have their battery checked before color changes will work.
  • Some keyboards only support a single color or a fixed set of colors, so check your keyboard's manual to see what options are actually available.

Using keyboard manufacturer software

If your keyboard came with software, that app is usually the easiest way to change colors. Download it from the keyboard maker's website if you do not have it installed already. Once you open the app, you should see options for lighting effects, color selection, and sometimes brightness.

Most apps let you pick a single solid color, choose from preset lighting patterns (like breathing or wave effects), or set different colors for different keys. Some let you sync the keyboard color with other devices from the same brand. Save your settings when you are done — most apps remember your choices even after you close the program.

If the app does not recognize your keyboard, make sure the keyboard is plugged in or paired via Bluetooth. Some keyboards need a USB receiver to communicate with the software. Restart the app and your computer if the keyboard still does not show up.

Changing color through Windows settings

Windows 10 and later have a built-in keyboard lighting option, though it usually only controls brightness rather than color. Go to Settings, then System, then Display. Scroll down to find "Keyboard" or "Keyboard lighting."

From there you can turn the backlight on or off and adjust how bright it is. If your keyboard supports multiple colors, this setting may not give you that option — you would need the manufacturer's app instead. This Windows setting works best for keyboards that have a simple on-off backlight with no color options.

Changing color on a Mac

Mac keyboards with backlighting can be adjusted through System Settings. Go to System Settings, then Keyboard, then Keyboard Lighting. You can turn the backlight on or off and adjust brightness using the slider.

Like Windows, this Mac setting controls brightness only, not color. If your Mac keyboard supports multiple colors, you would need software from the keyboard manufacturer. Some third-party keyboards designed for Mac come with their own app that you can download from the maker's website.

Using physical buttons on the keyboard itself

Many keyboards have buttons or key combinations that let you change colors without opening any software. Look for a button with a light bulb icon, or try pressing FN (Function) plus one of the F-keys (F1 through F12). Some keyboards use FN plus the arrow keys to cycle through colors or adjust brightness.

Check your keyboard's manual or the manufacturer's website to see which keys control the lighting on your specific model. Once you find the right combination, you can press it anytime to cycle through colors or adjust settings. These physical controls work even if no software is installed.

Troubleshooting when colors will not change

If the color is not changing, first check whether the keyboard is actually powered on. Wireless keyboards need a charged battery or working batteries. Wired keyboards need to be plugged into a USB port that has power.

If the keyboard is powered but the color still will not change, restart your computer and try again. Close any keyboard software and reopen it. If you are using the manufacturer's app, check the company's website to see whether a newer version is available — older versions sometimes do not work with newer operating systems.

Some keyboards have a limited set of colors or only support one color. Check the product manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm what your keyboard can actually do. If the manual says your keyboard supports color changes but nothing is happening, contact the manufacturer's support team with your keyboard model number.

What to do if your keyboard has no color options

Not all keyboards support color changes. Basic keyboards and many laptop keyboards have no lighting at all, or only a simple on-off backlight. If your keyboard did not come with software and has no color buttons, it likely does not have this feature.

If you want a keyboard with color options, look for gaming keyboards, mechanical keyboards, or keyboards marketed as having RGB lighting. These are more expensive than basic keyboards but give you full control over color and lighting effects. Check the product description before buying to confirm it supports the colors and effects you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change keyboard color on a laptop?

Some laptops have backlit keyboards that you can adjust through System Settings (Mac) or Settings (Windows), but these usually only control brightness. Gaming laptops sometimes come with software for color control. Check your laptop manufacturer's website or manual to see what options are available for your specific model.

Why is my keyboard only showing one color?

Your keyboard may only support a single color, or the software may not be installed correctly. Check the product manual to see what colors your keyboard can display. If it should support multiple colors, reinstall the manufacturer's software or restart your computer and try again.

Do I need to install software to change keyboard color?

Not always. Many keyboards have physical buttons or key combinations that cycle through colors without any software. Check your keyboard's manual for the button or key combination. If your keyboard has no buttons for this, then yes, you will need the manufacturer's app.

Will changing keyboard color drain my battery?

Keyboard lighting uses some battery power, especially if you set it to a bright color or an animated effect. If your wireless keyboard's battery drains quickly, try lowering the brightness or turning off the backlight when you are not using it.

Can I sync my keyboard color with other devices?

Some brands like Corsair and Razer let you sync lighting across multiple devices through their software. Open the manufacturer's app and look for a sync or profile option. Not all keyboards support this, so check your app to see whether the feature is available.