7 Best Ways To Fix Keyboard Keys Not Working

If your keyboard keys are not working, it is time to look at it. I have a step-by-step guide on how to fix keyboard keys not working on your laptop.

In the keyboard doesn’t work due to mechanical failure. In this scenario, replacing the keyboard is the only option. However, sometimes one or more keys of your computer or laptop keyboard stop working. 

Keyboard keys not working can create a problem, especially if your laptop is a necessary part of your working place.

This can be fixed by applying simple tactics. Keep on reading the article to learn about them.

Why are my keyboard keys not working in Windows 10?

There are many possibilities that can lead to trouble when it comes to your keyboard keys not working. Hardware, software, or connectivity problems can prevent the external keyboard from working with Windows 10. 

The most common causes why your keyboard keys are not working include:

• Physical damage to the keyboard keys due to pressure or dirt.
• The low battery of the wireless keyboard.
• The keyboard was inserted into the wrong USB port.
• Poorly configured power settings.
• Outdated drivers.
• Windows 10 filter key bug.
• Updates are not installed on Windows 10.

How to Fix Keyboard Keys Which Stop Working?

1. Clean Up The Keyboard
2. Restart Your PC
3. Update Keyboard Driver
4. Adjust Keyboard Input Settings
5. Run A Malware Scan
6. Replace the keyboard
7. Turn on On-screen Keyboard

1. Clean Up The Keyboard

Cleaning a keyboard can remove the debris stuck under the keys. Fixing keyboard keys not working by cleaning up the keyboard is the simplest way to free the stuck keys that prevent them from working. Follow these steps to clean up the keyboard.

• Shut down your device and turn it upside down. Tap on the base gently to avoid damage to the unit.
• Dislodge any debris or dirt by running the finger across the keys. Clean the space when you are done.

• Take a compressed air can or keyboard cleaning putty to remove dirt through pressure.
• If the key is stuck due to liquid spills, remove the key from the keyboard and dry the liquid off the key switch.

• Take a flathead screwdriver, place it under the key’s corner and gently pick it up until it pops off. 
• Dab some soapy water and rub alcohol on a rag or cotton swab to clean away any dust left. 

While cleaning the keys, ensure to prevent any physical damage to the internal circuit of the keyboard. Otherwise, you will need replacement instead of repairs.  

2. Restart Your PC

Restarting a PC can fix the glitches that prevent the keys from working properly. It removes bugs and resets the programs that can interfere with the keyboard’s functioning. Follow these steps to restart the PC. 

• Close all applications running on the computer. 
• Go to the start menu.

• Tap on the power button.

• Choose restart from the menu and wait for the device to restart. 

• Check if the keys are working properly or not.

3. Update Keyboard Driver

An outdated driver can cause keyboard keys not to work. Sometimes, the driver may malfunction if you use third-party software on your device or turn off it without following the proper Shutdown command. Reinstalling the driver can help you restore the keys not working.

• Click on the start window

• Click on the search bar

• Select device manager.

• Click on keyboards to expand the list.

• Right-click on the HID keyboard/ Standard keyboard and select update the driver.

• Restart your computer.

• The updated driver will be automatically installed on your device.
• Check if the keys are working or not.
• You can also install the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website according to the device model. 

4. Adjust Keyboard Input Settings

Keyboard keys have software settings that can prevent them from working properly. This can be fixed by adjusting input settings for Sticky keys, Filter keys, or Repeat Delay settings.

If pressing a keyboard key type, two characters then perform this fix:

• Tap on the start menu.

• Select the control panel.

• Click on the keyboard in the control panel search bar

• Under the cursor blink rate tab, adjust the repeat delay settings and try typing the character.

If there is a delay between pressing a key and a character showing up on your computer screen, adjust the Filter keys.

• Go to the control panel and click on Change how your keyboard works. 

• Deselect the filter keys box and click on OK.

• Deselect the Turn on sticky keys in the same menu.

• Click on OK.

5. Run A Malware Scan 

Though it sounds crazy, running a malware scan can help you fix the keyboard because sometimes a virus may interfere with your keyboard key’s normal function. To run a malware scan:

• Open the antivirus software installed on your computer or laptop.
• Locate a quick scan and click on it. 
• After the scan completes remove the infected files.
• Check if the keys are working or not. 

6. Replace the keyboard 

If all of the above fixes for keyboard keys not working fail to work, the keyboard is damaged physically and can not be fixed without an expert. It might be possible that one or two keys on your keyboard can be replaced. 

However, in most cases, the entire keyboard needs replacement. If you use a wireless keyboard, you can get a new one. On devices like computers, the external keyboard can be replaced. 

If your laptop’s keyboard keys are not working properly, then you can go for a replacement.

Sometimes it seems too costly to replace the laptop’s keyboard, you can attach an external USB or wireless keyboard to your laptop for work. 

7. Turn on On-screen Keyboard 

If your external keyboard fails to work, you can use an on-screen keyboard in Windows 10 to type. To turn the on-screen keyboard, follow these simple steps. 

• Click on the start menu.

• Go to settings.

• Click on ease of access.

• In the interaction, section click on the keyboard.

• Under use, your device without a physical keyboard, turn on the switch to use the on-screen keyboard.  

• To avoid repeating all these steps again, pin the keyboard to the taskbar to launch it with one click only. 

How to fix Function Keys that Are Not Working?

If your laptop’s function keys are not working, then the problem might be that you have a function lock or F lock turned on.

The F lock is used to turn off the keys from F1 To F12 and their secondary functions.  Turn the F-lock off, and the keys will start working again. 

How to Fix The Number Keys Not Working Issue?

If the number keys on your keyboard are not working, then:

• Check if your number lock or num lock is turned on. 
• The N-lock prevents you from typing numbers while using the keyboard. So, turn off the num lock to type numbers from your keyboard. 

• LED indicators on keyboard keys signal that the num lock is turned off or on.
• If the LED flashes white light, it means the num lock is on, and you can’t type any numbers with the number keys. 

Conclusion

You may face keyboard keys not working due to software and hardware issues. The most prominent hardware problem is dirt or debris accumulation that you can solve by disassembly.

A broken keyboard might lead to keys not working issue but can be fixed by replacement. 

Software issues can be outdated drivers or faulty input settings that can make keyboard keys not work.

You can connect an external keyboard or turn the on-screen keyboard on for ease of access or if you don’t want to replace your laptop’s keyboard.