How to Fix Keyboard Lights Staying On After PC Shutdown

Have you noticed your keyboard’s lights staying on after your PC is off, shining in the dark like a mini-light show? It might seem odd, but there’s a simple setting on your computer that can help with that. It’s known as ERP mode, a feature that will tell your keyboard to rest when your PC does.

In this guide, we’ll explore what ERP mode is, how it can solve the mystery of your glowing keyboard, and the potential impacts of using this setting.

Plus, for those who like a visual aid, I’ve included a quick video showing you exactly how to activate ERP mode. Without further ado, let’s get started!

How-To Enable ERP Mode

Now, let’s illuminate the details of ERP mode and shed light on why your keyboard may stay lit even when your PC does not.

What is ERP Mode?

ERP (Energy-Related Products) mode in BIOS is a setting that helps your computer comply with the European Union’s energy efficiency regulations. When ERP mode is enabled, it ensures that your system uses the least amount of power possible when turned off.

Here’s a detailed explanation of ERP Mode and its relation to your keyboard staying lit:

1. ERP Levels: There are typically different levels of ERP settings, such as S4+S5, which correspond to the power states your computer can be in. S4 is hibernate, and S5 is shut down. When ERP is applied to these states, it minimizes power usage by cutting power to peripheral devices.
2. USB Power Supply: With ERP mode enabled, the motherboard is instructed not to provide power to the USB ports when the PC is in a shutdown state (S5). This means that devices like your backlit keyboard should also power down. If your keyboard stays lit, ERP mode might be disabled or configured to a less strict level.
3. Peripheral Response: Some keyboards are designed to go into a low-power state when they detect that the computer is off, but if ERP mode is not enabled, they may not receive the signal to shut down, and thus the lights remain on.
4. BIOS/UEFI Configuration: To enable ERP mode, you typically need to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup during your computer’s boot process. Once there, you can find the ERP setting under power management or a similar section. Enabling it should cut power to the USB ports when the PC is turned off, thus turning off the keyboard lights.
5. Compatibility: It’s important to note that not all motherboards support ERP mode, and on those that do, enabling it may disable some features like wake-on-LAN or USB device charging when the PC is off (we will get into this part soon).

In summary, if your keyboard stays lit when your PC is off and you’re looking into ERP mode as a potential solution, you’ll want to ensure that ERP mode is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings.

This should cut the power to the USB ports when the computer is shut down, turning off the keyboard lights in the process.

Potential Issues From Enabling ERP Mode

While enabling ERP mode can be beneficial for energy conservation and managing peripheral lighting, it’s not without its potential drawbacks. Here are some issues that you need to be aware of:

USB Device Limitations

Activating ERP mode means your computer’s USB ports may not deliver power in certain low-power states, like S4 (hibernate) or S5 (shutdown).

Since ERP mode aims to reduce the system’s off-mode power consumption to under 1 watt, this restriction can affect the functionality of USB devices that require power to maintain certain features or remain active.

Unavailable LAN Signals

Another consideration is your network connectivity. With ERP mode engaged, the signal for your LAN connection is typically disabled to save power. This means any features that rely on network connectivity while the system is off, such as remote access or wake-on-LAN, may not function.

Wake-Up Limitations

One of the more noticeable impacts of ERP mode is on your system’s wake-up capabilities. If you’re accustomed to waking your PC using a mouse click or a keypress, ERP mode might change that.

The power management settings that allow for wake-up actions often require a small amount of power to be supplied to the USB ports, which ERP mode restricts.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Now you know why your keyboard likes to stay awake even when your PC is snoozing. With the ERP mode trick up your sleeve, you can tell your keyboard it’s bedtime too. Give it a try and see if it makes your keyboard lights go out when you turn off your PC.

Did it work for you? Drop a comment below and share your story. We’d love to hear how you got your keyboard to hit the hay with your PC!

If you wish to learn more tips about your keyboard and gaming PC, check out our article about how to turn on your computer using your keyboard.