How To Fix Windows Keyboard Keys Which Stop Working

A big problem when you’re working on a laptop

A keyboard without working keys may seem like a blow to productivity, but it’s possible to repair. If you’ve been working on your PC and suddenly some or no characters appear on your computer screen, we’re going to show you how to fix it.

If you have a desktop PC, it’s easy to just swap the keyboard and use a different one. For laptops though, this isn’t possible, which makes it a big problem.

It could be that your computer could use some simple hardware or software maintenance, or your keyboard settings are set to use the wrong language or region.

Before you visit the repair shop, buy a new keyboard, or chuck your laptop altogether, try some of the quick fixes below. Also, be sure to check out our YouTube channel where we posted ashort videogoing over some of the fixes in this article.

Note:The instructions below apply to a Windows PC.

Fix Keyboard Keys Which Stop Working

Quick Checks

If the keyboard keys still won’t work after carrying out these basic checks, try the solutions below.

Clean Up The Keyboard

It’s not easy to clean a standard keyboard, but it’s easier to do if you have a wireless or USB keyboard compared to a laptop keyboard. This may not necessarily fix any deep-seated issues with your keyboard keys, but it’ll help if debris and dirt are preventing the keyboard keys from working.

Toclean up the laptopkeyboard:

Restart Your PC

A reboot helps refresh the system and correct any software glitches that could cause your keyboard keys not to work.

Use a Different Keyboard

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.

Check The Region Or Language Settings

When your keyboard’s language or layout settings are wrong, you may see different letters on your screen than what’s indicated on the keyboard. This happens based on the different characters used in different regions, so the keyboard layouts aren’t the same everywhere.

To correct this, change the region or language settings using these steps:

Adjust Keyboard Input Settings

Your keyboard keys have certain software settings that may causeerratic behavior, even if they’re meant to be helpful. You can adjust such input settings like Filter Keys, Sticky Keys, or Repeat Delay settings.

If pressing a particular key types more than one character:

Run a Malware Scan

As crazy as it sounds, it’s possible that your keyboard could beinfected with a virus. Run a malware scan using your currently installed antivirus software, or try a free online malware scanner just to rule out any potential threats.

Reinstall The Keyboard Driver

An outdated driver could cause your keyboard keys not to work. However, sometimes the keyboard driver can malfunction especially if you regularly install third-party software, or turn off your computer without using the Shut Down command.

To reinstall your keyboard driver, take these steps:

Note:You can also go to your computer manufacturer’s website and install the latest drivers for the specific keyboard for your model. If it’s not available, you can reinstall the USB drivers or chipset.

Replace The Keyboard

If none of these solutions helped, and your computer is still in its warranty period, you can check with the manufacturer for further support and repair, or get it replaced altogether.

If it’s a laptop, back up your hard drive or remove it before sending it to a service technician, just so you don’t lose your precious data.

Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. She has a BCom degree in Marketing and currently pursuing her Masters in Communications and New Media.Read Elsie’s Full Bio

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How To Fix Windows Keyboard Keys Which Stop Working#

Fix Keyboard Keys Which Stop Working#

Quick Checks#

Clean Up The Keyboard#

Restart Your PC#

Use a Different Keyboard#

Check The Region Or Language Settings#

Adjust Keyboard Input Settings#

Run a Malware Scan#

Reinstall The Keyboard Driver#

Replace The Keyboard#