Laptop Keyboard Not Working? Try these 13 powerful fixes to get your keyboard working again!

Are you frustrated with a malfunctioning laptop keyboard that is not working? Typing on a faulty keyboard can be a major inconvenience, hindering your productivity and causing unnecessary stress. However, before you rush to replace your entire laptop or spend a fortune on repairs, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to potentially resolve the issue. In this article, we will explore thirteen fixes that can help you get your laptop keyboard back in working order.

Why is my laptop keyboard not working? Reasons for laptop keyboard issues

There are various reasons why your laptop keyboard may not be working. Some of the common reasons could be:

• Dirt buildup on keysClean your laptop keyboard, as dirt may cause keys to stick to the board.
•  Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers using outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can lead to keyboard malfunctions. If you haven’t updated your keyboard driver in a while, a bug in the current driver may be causing the keys to stop working. Updating to the latest driver version can often resolve a laptop keyboard not working.
•  Incorrect keyboard configurationsSometimes, keyboard configuration changes can result in certain keys not working as intended. It’s possible to inadvertently modify keyboard settings, causing key mapping or functionality issues. Checking and restoring the default keyboard configuration can help resolve the Laptop Keyboard Not Working/keys not working laptop.
•  Physical damage to your keyboardPhysical damage to the laptop keyboard, such as impacts from hard objects or exposure to liquid, can cause keys to become non-responsive. If certain keys are corroded or damaged, they may fail to function correctly. In such cases, repairing or replacing the affected keys or the entire keyboard might be necessary to fix a laptop keyboard that is not working.

How to Fix Laptop Keyboard Not Working: A Simple Step-Step Guide

Restart your laptop to fix the laptop keyboard not working.

• Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until it turns off. Now, turn it back on and check if your keyboard is working.

First, try restarting your laptop, as it may not be working due to a software error that can be fixed with a simple reboot. Restarting your computer resets system services, drivers, and programs as it flushes your computer’s RAM.

Clean your keyboard.

It’s common for dirt to stick to your keys, so clean your laptop.

• Use compressed air to blow out any debris stuck in the keys.
•  Use a soft cloth to wipe down the keys and remove dirt or grime.

As it is quite common for a laptop keyboard to have problems because of dust, hair, and other debris that is stuck between the keys,

• Turn off your laptop and unplug it.
•  After that, hold your laptop upside down and gently shake it to dislodge any loose debris.

Note: Use a keyboard cover to prevent dirt from getting into the keys.

Use an external keyboard.

If it still isn’t working, try connecting an external keyboard. If some keys on the external USB keyboard are not working, you must check your laptop’s keyboard settings. If the external keyboard works, the problem is with your laptop’s keyboard.

Check the battery percentage on the keyboard.

If you have been using an external wireless keyboard, check if it has enough battery life to run it. If not, then you need to charge it. Also, if the battery is old or damaged, replace it with a new one or check the battery level with a battery tester.

Reinstall the keyboard driver.

If your laptop keyboard is not working, then your driver may be corrupted, and you need to uninstall and reinstall your keyboard driver with the following instructions:

• Open the Device Manager. Open the window’s Run (Windows Logo Key + R).
•  Type in “devmgmt.msc.”
•  Enter, and it will open Device Manager.

Note: You must download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Laptop keyboard troubleshooting

If it still isn’t working, try running Keyboard Troubleshooting.

• Open Windows Troubleshooting, and then head over to Updates & Security.
•  After that, click on Troubleshooting in the left pane.
•  Navigate down to the right pane and tap on Keyboard Option.
•  Now, select Run the troubleshooting and wait a few minutes to finish.
•  It will run, and then try using the keyboard again.

This will diagnose and fix the laptop keyboard not working automatically, which could fix keyboard malfunctions on Windows using the Settings app. If you have been using a Mac, then here are the fixes.

• Open System Preferences.
•  Next, click on Accessibility, and then click on a keyboard in the left menu.
•  If you see an option for Enable Slow Keys, select the Hardware Section. If so, unselect the slow key.

Enable or disable the filter key.

Try disabling the Enable or Disable Filter Keys.

Enable or disable the filter key on Windows.

• Open Settings, and then click on Ease of Access.
  •  Then, click on the Keyboard option in the left pane and navigate to the Filter Key Section. Try enabling or disabling the filter key.

Alternatively:

You can also use the following instructions mentioned below:

• Press and hold down the right shift key for eight seconds, and then you will hear three short warning tones followed by a rising tone.
  •  Follow the default Key Filter Key settings (or the last settings saved) to be activated. Repeat Keys: On, One Second
  •  SlowKeys: On, One Second
  •  BounceKey: Off
  •  Confirm the operation, and you’re done.

Note: It does this by ignoring brief or repeated keystrokes. This sometimes causes the laptop keyboard to not work, such as keys not working or keys repeating.

Check the keyboard layout settings.

The keyboard layout may incorrectly map keys to characters, causing you to type the wrong characters. Here are the steps to check your keyboard layout settings:

Windows

• Open Windows Settings from the Start Menu and click Time and Language in the Settings window.
  •  Choose a language from the left-hand pane, and then choose the preferred language section. For example, English (United States).
  •  If it is not already there, click on Add a Preferred Language.
  •  Select the preferred language, and then click on Options. Make sure it matches your keyboard, such as QWERTY.

Macbook

• Open System Preferences from the menu bar at the top of the screen.
• Select the keyboard and click on Input Sources.
  •  Choose the preferred keyboard type, which should appear on the left. If it is not there, check the box for Show Input Menu in the Menu Bar and then select the language.

Note: It is important to note that keyboard layout settings can affect how the keyboard types different characters, and they can be changed accidentally.

Update Keyboard Drivers

Outdated or incompatible keyboard drivers can cause keyboard malfunctions. Check the manufacturer’s website or your laptop’s support page for the latest keyboard driver updates. Download and install the appropriate drivers to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

Check for physical damage.

Examine your laptop keyboard for any signs of physical damage. Spilled liquids, accumulated dust, or loose keys can all contribute to keyboard malfunctions. If you notice any visible damage, it is important to address it accordingly.

Perform a system restore.

If the laptop keyboard not working persists, you can try performing a system restore to restore your laptop’s settings to their previous state. This can help resolve any recent software conflicts that may be affecting the keyboard.

Scan for malware or viruses.

Malware or viruses can infect keyboard drivers and cause errors such as typing the wrong letters or changing the language.

If your keyboard has been infected with a virus, it can cause errors such as the inability to type, switching languages without the user’s permission, and typing letters different from the ones the user pressed. Use Windows Defender or other popular antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes, Norton, or Avast.

Remove the virus or malware, and your keyboard should start working again. To check if your keyboard has been infected with malware, scan your computer safely for rootkits.

If you still experience issues with your laptop keyboard, you should consult an IT expert. The issue may be caused by faulty software, incorrect settings, or dirt on your keys. Additionally, an issue with your hardware could be caused by a mechanical problem, which could make the keyboard malfunction.

Seek professional help.

If all else fails, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Contact your laptop manufacturer’s support team or take your laptop to a certified technician who can diagnose and repair the issue accurately.

Remember, these troubleshooting steps are general suggestions and may not fix all keyboard-related problems. The severity and complexity of the issue can vary, so it’s essential to consider seeking professional help when needed.

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