Are Some of Your Keyboard Keys Not Working? Here's How to Fix Them on Windows
If some of your keyboard keys stop working, it doesn’t always indicate that they need to be replaced. Often, issues arise from corrupt keyboard drivers, mistakenly disabled keys, or misconfigured settings rather than physical malfunctions. Your workflow’s been hijacked by a temperamental keyboard? Don’t panic - we’ve collated a set of practical remedies to rectify the problem and get your workflow humming again.
Are You Signed In to Your Computer?
If you’re already logged into your account, you can skip this step. However, if you’re stuck at the login screen because some keys aren’t responding, use the Windows on-screen keyboard to log in. Here’s how to do that:
Click on the Accessibility icon (the person icon next to the power button).
Toggle the On-screen keyboard switch to the On position, which will open the on-screen keyboard.
Enter your password using the on-screen keyboard and press Enter.
Troubleshooting After Logging In
Once you’ve logged into your computer, you can start applying the following fixes.
1. Check for Key Damage
It’s rare for multiple keys to malfunction simultaneously without external factors. If you’ve recently dropped your keyboard, hit it, or spilled something on it, some keys may have sustained damage.
To check if the keys are functioning, visit a keyboard testing website, press the unresponsive keys, and see if they register. But if they can’t, it’s likely they’ll need to schedule a thorough examination with an inspector. If they do register, the issue may be software-related.
2. Conduct Preliminary Checks
Before delving into deeper troubleshooting, perform these quick checks:
If you’re using an external keyboard, unplug it and then plug it back in.
Ensure nothing is stuck under the keys.
Restart your device if you’re using a laptop.
If you have a keyboard manager app running, consider shutting it down or uninstalling it temporarily.
Wipe any dust or debris from your keyboard with a dry cloth.
Run a malware scan with Microsoft Defender to ensure your device is free of malware, as keyloggers and other infections can interfere with keyboard functionality.
3. Identify Specific Non-Working Keys
Keyboard keys can be categorized into five main types: alphanumeric, control, function, navigation, and numeric keypad keys. If a specific set of keys is unresponsive, they may be disabled or misconfigured.
Refer to guides on fixing function keys, media keys, or Numpad keys for specific solutions related to those categories. If multiple keys from different sets are failing randomly, continue with the troubleshooting.
4. Use the Keyboard Troubleshooter
Windows includes a keyboard troubleshooter that can diagnose and fix many keyboard issues. It’s go time! Follow these simple steps.
Right-click the Windows Start button and select Settings.
Click on System in the left sidebar.
Go to Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
Click the Run button next to the Keyboard troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter may automatically resolve the issue or suggest changes.
5. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Outdated or corrupt drivers can lead to unexpected problems with your keyboard. If you haven’t updated your drivers recently, follow these steps:
Right-click the Windows Start button and open Device Manager.
Expand the Keyboards section.
Right-click the keyboard driver and select Update driver.
If updating doesn’t help, you may need to reinstall the driver:
Right-click the keyboard driver again and select Uninstall device.
Confirm the action and restart your device. Windows should automatically reinstall the driver.
6. Adjust Keyboard Settings
If you’ve recently changed your keyboard settings and started experiencing issues, it might be time to revert those changes. If you’re unsure of what was modified, follow these steps:
Right-click the Windows Start button and open the Settings app.
Select the Accessibility tab from the left sidebar.
Click on Keyboard on the right side.
Disable the toggles for Sticky keys, Filter keys, and Toggle keys.
Turn off the toggle for Underline access keys.
Navigate to Typing under Related settings and turn off the toggles for Show text suggestions when typing on the physical keyboard and Multilingual text suggestions.
Click on Advanced keyboard settings and ensure the correct language is selected.
Conclusion
Experiencing issues with your keyboard can be frustrating. Walk through these troubleshooting steps, and chances are you’ll pinpoint the issue and fix it on the spot. If the keys are defective or if none of these solutions work, consider having your keyboard inspected by a technician.