Why do the keys on my MacBook Pro not light up when it initially starts up? If I'm trying to use it in the dark, how can I log in if I can't see the keys easily? Can anyone explain the rationale behind this decision?
It's supposed to maintain the same backlight level that it was previously set at. You can use the F5 and F6 keys to adjust it as well.
Since it's not remembering things clearly try doing an SMC reset on your MacBook Pro.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
Keyboard Backlight not Working at Startup
