What causes keyboard keys not working on laptop
Many factors can cause keyboard keys to stop functioning.
- There's a poor connection with the computer.
- The switch is broken internally
- The switch may be stuck.
- There's debris under the keycap
- Electrical connections with defects.
How to fix unresponsive keyboard keys
- A reboot helps in system refreshment and fixes any software hiccups that might be preventing keyboard keys from functioning
- Verify that your
Bluetooth keyboard is turned on and connected if you're using one. Repair the keyboard to the computer (for
wireless keyboards).
- Verify that your Bluetooth keyboard is turned on and connected.
- Unplug the keyboard and plug it back in. Usually, keys not working on laptop when only one key is broken. But if you reconnect the keyboard and the keys start working then your problem will be solved.
- If your keyboard is connected to your computer with a physical cable, try using a different cable and USB port on your computer. If you are using Bluetooth connect with a cable to solve the problem. If the keyboard then works then there may be a problem with the Bluetooth driver.
- If you're using a Bluetooth-connected wireless keyboard, battery problems may cause connection drops from time to time. Install a new set of batteries and see if that helps.
- Unresponsive keys may have debris stuck inside the keycaps. First, try blowing between the keycaps with canned air. If that doesn't work, remove the keycaps and blow the keyboard with canned air.
- Take your keyboard to a well-ventilated area after unplugging it and removing the batteries. The contact cleaner nozzle or straw should be inserted into the key switch stem once the keycap has been removed. Work the switch stem in all directions after applying one or two squirts of contact cleaner. Once the contact cleaner has completely dried, replace the keycap and test the key's functionality.
- Try connecting a different USB or wireless keyboard, or use the Windows on-screen keyboard and see if it helps. If it does, then your current keyboard could be defective.
How to turn on the onscreen keyboard
Go to settings and select Ease of Access.
Under interaction, select Keyboards.
Toggle on "Use the Onscreen Keyboard".
.
If the keyboard keys still won’t work after carrying out these basic checks, try the solutions below.
Verify the language or region settings.
If the language or
layout settings on your keyboard are configured incorrectly, you can see
different letters on your screen than what is displayed on the keyboard. The
reason for this is that multiple keyboard layouts exist depending on the different
characters used in various locales.
Change the region or language settings as follows to fix this:
Right-click Start and select Settings>Time
& Language.
Click Region to
select your current region.
Click Language and
then click Add a preferred language to choose the right option for your
keyboard.
Click Next and then
click Install.
Select the new language
for your keyboard under the Languages area, then try typing a few characters to
see if it works.
You can also change
your keyboard options by going back to Language, clicking on the current
keyboard language, and then clicking Options to select the keyboard type. For
instance, US users will have English (United States) as their keyboard
language, and the US QWERTY keyboard layout option
The US QWERTY
keyboard layout option.
Adjust Keyboard Input Settings
certain software
settings on your keyboard keys may result in inconsistent behavior. You can
change input options like Repeat Delay, Sticky Keys, and Filter Keys.
If pressing a
particular key type more than one character:
In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, and then select Control Panel and search for Keyboard in
the Control Panel search bar.
Under the speed
tab, adjust the Repeat Delay settings and try typing the characters again.
You must modify Filter
Keys if there is a delay between hitting a key and the character appearing on
your screen. Enter "Ease of Access" into the search box and press
"Enter."
Click Make the
keyboard easier to use.
If Filter Keys is
checked, uncheck it and click OK. In the same menu, disable Sticky Keys if your
keyboard is malfunctioning.
Run a Malware Scan
Your keyboard might be
infected with a virus. Run a malware scan using your currently installed
antivirus software
Reinstall The Keyboard Driver
Your keyboard's keys
might not function if your driver is out of date. The keyboard driver can,
however, occasionally fail, particularly if you frequently install third-party
applications or shut down your computer without using the Shut Down command.
Follow these procedures
to reinstall your keyboard driver.
Right-click Start
and select Device Manager.
Click on Keyboards
to expand the list. Here you can check for any entry that could be having a
yellow exclamation mark next to it, indicating a problem.
Right-click your
keyboard and select Uninstall Driver.
You can test the keys
again after restarting your computer, which will automatically install the
generic keyboard drivers.