XPS 14 Backlit Keyboard - I want it to stay ON when plugged into power!!

Question

Just got a new XPS 14. The backlit keyboard dims out after so many seconds. What's odd is the original BIOS had no option under Keyboard to adjust the timeout. I loaded the latest BIOS, and Dell has now added the timeout setting under Keyboard where I can adjust the timeout, but for when running on BATTERY only! So now I can set the timeout to NEVER on battery but have no way of setting the timeout to NEVER when the machine plugged into power, and thus, the keyboard backlighting still turns off after x-amount of seconds when the machine is plugged in. There's no setting in Windows or BIOS to change/set the timeout when the machine is plugged in.

Seriously Dell!!!?? Why let someone set the timeout to NEVER on Battery, but think "hey, they probably want the keyboard to dim out when plugged in so let's not even offer that setting in BIOS". I would think it would be the other way around, where someone would want to set it to NEVER when plugged in and have it dim when on battery to save battery life.

Please add this option to the next BIOS release!! If anyone knows a registry hack that I can do to keep the backlight on whether on battery or power, please post it.

TIA!

DELL-Daniel V · Accepted Answer

@CTCitnetter​ I would just double check that you have the 'Advanced Setup' toggle enabled as well on the top left of the BIOS screen. If its enabled and and you tried loading the BIOS defaults, but its still missing, then please select the blue 'Get Help Now' option to create a case for the issue. You're likely on the right track of some BIOS update being needed, but the support agent will help work that with you. Since our service manual also lists the option, the functionality you're looking for should certainly be there.

CTCitnetter · Accepted Answer

If anyone else has this issue and is looking for the solution, it's as follows:

1. Enter BIOS

2. Select KEYBOARD in the left pane

3. Press Ctrl-Alt-S

That should bring up the hidden keyboard backlight options - Backlight Brightness and When on Power timer settings. Why Dell would hide the On-Power timeout settings but show the On-Battery timeout settings even when you have Advanced Settings turned on is beyond me.

DELL-Daniel V · Answer

For direct Dell Technical Support, click the blue "Get Help Now" on the right to start a private live chat session. Share with them the private Service Tag, issues, this thread link, and all of your troubleshooting. This will in turn generate a unique Technical Support case for your unique Service Tag.

If its a new XPS 14, then would you be able to confirm if its model DA14260?

Per the service manual, you should have an option for the backlight on AC to never timeout. I would expect it to be in the same place you changed the Keyboard on Battery option. If the "Keyboard Backlight Timeout on AC" option is missing, then I'd recommend loading the BIOS defaults. If it still missing, then contact Dell Support to look into that BIOS further with you. I see the previous 14 model (DA14250) does have the AC backlight option, so I don't see why the newer DA14260 wouldn't.

CTCitnetter · Answer

It's brand new. I ordered it 1/9/26 and just got it delivered on 2/20/26. Dell Support page says it's a DA14260 (Service Tag: <To protect your privacy, all private information was removed from this public post. DELL-Admin>). It's not there in the BIOS. Only "On Battery". Screencap attached.

CTCitnetter · Answer

CTCitnetter · Answer

@DELL-Daniel V​ Yes, Advanced Setup is turned on and I have the latest BIOS offering from the Drivers page for this model. I'll contact Support. Thanks!

LSUFAN51 · Answer

@CTCitnetter​  You are sure latest BIOS was correctly installed on computer? You check System information on the computer to be sure? If no, press window key and R key at same time, type msinfo32 onto command box, select Okay. In System Information, stroll down to BIOS version. According to your Dell Product Support page, the latest version is listed 1.2.2 Support for XPS 14 DA14260 | Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

LSUFAN51 · Answer

Glad to know you resolved the problem and sharing the solution for other to see. Thanks for the update

XPS

XPS 14 Backlit Keyboard - I want it to stay ON when plugged into power!!

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