No Keyboard Backlight on Alienware Shipped in China

Summary: Learn why an Alienware laptop that is shipped in China has the keyboard backlight disabled. Learn how to enable the Alienware laptop keyboard backlight.

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Symptoms

By default, the keyboard backlight on affected Alienware laptops shipped in China is disabled. The LIGHTING EFFECT in Alienware Command Center (AWCC) is set to Off.

Affected Platforms:

  • Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250
  • Alienware 16X Aurora AC16251
  • Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250

Affected Software:

  • Alienware Command Center

Cause

The keyboard backlight is disabled to comply with China Energy Label (CEL) standards.

Resolution

Enable the keyboard backlight in AWCC.

  1. Open AWCC.
    Alienware Command Center main page
  2. Go to the ALIENFX page by clicking the mouse icon on the left, then select a LIGHTING EFFECT for the keyboard backlight.
    Mouse icon that leads to the AlienFX page with Lightning Effect options
  3. Click SAVE PRESET.
    Save Preset button

Affected Products

Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250, Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250, Alienware 16X Aurora AC16251, Alienware Command Center
Article Properties
Article Number: 000453073
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 02 Jul 2026
Version:  2
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