10 Fixes For Laptop Keyboard Not Working

Dell keyboards are dependable. However, all gear fails at some point. I need to discard perfectly acceptable hardware frequently. If your Dell keyboard isn’t working, I’ll show you how to fix it step by step.

Causes Of Dell Keyboard Not Working

The following are the possible causes of your Dell laptop keyboard being locked.

dell laptop keyboard not working

The function key is locked

When you drop your Dell laptop, or your pet sits on your keyboard, it’s easy to lock the “Fn” key by accident. On most keyboards, the Fn key is situated next to the Windows logo button.

Press Fn key + down arrow key. It will decrease brightness.

The NumLock key is locked

Num Lock is a key on the numeric keypad on your Dell keyboard that can also be referred to as a Numeric Lock.

Outdated Keyboard drivers 

The driver is not installed correctly or is out of date. This condition causes your computer to become confused and refuse to recognize the device.

Batteries are no longer functional (wireless Keyboard)

It can be tough to tell when your battery is dead and needs to be recharged or replaced. When your Dell wireless keyboard suddenly stops working, the first thing you should do is check the batteries.

Methods To Fix “Dell Laptop Keyboard Not Working”

  • Reboot Your Computer
  • Clean Laptop Keyboard
  • Run an SFC Scan
  • Check the Keyboard in Safe Mode
  • Update or Uninstall the Laptop Keyboard Driver
  • Check root cause of Problem (Hardware or Software)
  • Check the Keyboard Setting
  • Some Keyboard Keys Don’t Work?
    • Use On-screen Keyboard
    • After Windows 10 Upgrade Dell Keyboard not Working 
    • DELL laptop Keyboard Numbers Not Working
  • Laptop Keyboard Types Wrong Characters
  • Try an External Keyboard
  • Replace a Faulty Laptop Keyboard

1. Reboot Your Computer

When you have a computer problem, the most specific piece of advice you’ll get is to try a system reboot. A reboot restores your computer to its original state, free of errors. Everything should be back to normal after a quick reboot. Check if rebooting can solve the problem.

2. Clean Laptop Keyboard

Remove dirt on keyboards. A certain level of physical engagement is required. While this is usually straightforward with a wireless or USB keyboard, things are a little more complicated on a laptop.

  • Shutting down the laptop first helps to clear dust and debris from the keyboard.
  • Turn it over down and tap the base lightly. While holding the smartphone upside-down, run your fingertips across all of the keys.
  • You can use compressed air or keyboard cleaning putty at this point if there is dirt you can’t get rid of.
  • Cleaning will not fix any deep-seated problems, but it will help if dirt is keeping one or more keys from functioning correctly.

3. Run an SFC Scan

SFC is a free program. It can be used to repair Windows system files. Check to see if this can be the remedy for the keyboard device error.

  • In the Start menu search bar, write the command prompt and Run as administrator.
  • Type sfc /scannow into the Command Prompt and press Enter.
  • SFC will verify all of your system files for corruption in a few minutes. It will next attempt to solve any errors it discovers in your files.
run a SFC scan
  • You’ll need to reboot the machine when the scan is completed for the modifications to take effect.

4. Check the Keyboard in Safe Mode

When you use some applications, it will affect the entire keyboard input. You may require that you start your PC in Safe mode. It disables all third-party software and drivers if you type in various languages using special software. Try deleting the software that modifies keyboard input if it works in safe mode.

5. Update or Uninstall the Laptop Keyboard Driver

Another way to deal with a Dell Inspiron keyboard that won’t work is to update the driver. To update your keyboard driver, follow the below-given steps.

  • Search for the device manager by pressing the Windows logo key.
  • Start the device manager.
device manager
  • When it opens, look for keyboards and choose them from the menu.
  • Update one of the drivers by right-clicking on it.
update keyboard driver
  • You will be prompted to choose how to search for battery drivers. Choose the tab “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
Search automatically for updated Keyboard drivers
  • Allow Windows to look for drivers for you automatically now.
  • Update your drivers and restart your laptop if they aren’t up to current. If not, continue to the next step.

6. Check Root Cause of Problem (Hardware or Software)

Restart your machine and open the BIOS screen or UEFI settings.

  • Select Settings, then  Update & Security. Then Recovery from the drop-down menu.
  • Click Restart Now from the Advanced startup option.
  • Select Troubleshoot then Advanced options. Then UEFI Firmware Settings from the following menu.
  • To access the BIOS, press F1 (or F2) when the computer begins.
  • Your computer will boot into UEFI or BIOS mode.
  • Your computer’s hardware is presumably fine if the BIOS or UEFI was successfully opened.

7. Check the Keyboard Settings

All you’re dealing with may be a slowdown in your keyboard. It can occur for various causes. It frequently occurs after you install a new app on your computer.

  • In the Start menu search box, type ease of access and select Ease of Access keyboard settings.
Ease of Access keyboard settings
  • Check to see if the Use Filter keys are enabled. Whether it is, turn it off and check if the issue still exists.
filter keys

8. Some Keyboard Keys Don’t Work?

Use On-screen Keyboard

The on-screen keyboard comes with the Windows operating system and can also be used. The on-screen keyboard is inconvenient to use and has limited functions. It is recommended for use as a keyboard in an emergency.

  • Click “Start,” then “Settings.”
  • Click “Easy Access” in the Settings window.
  • Scroll down in the Easy Access window and click “keyboard” in the right panel.
on screen keyboard
  • Turn on “use the on-screen keyboard” in the left panel by clicking the switch button.
  • When you enable the on-screen keyboard, you’ll notice a black screen keyboard appear on the screen.

After Windows 10 Upgrade Dell Keyboard not Working 

The integrated keyboard can now be used in some applications after upgrading to Windows 10. When entering letters into the software on a Windows 10 laptop, nothing happens.

All programs should be updated to the most recent version. The problem with the Dell Inspiron keyboard persists. It’s possible that Windows 10 is being upgraded. If a program issue occurs, try resetting the Windows 10 system.

DELL laptop Keyboard Numbers Not Working

DELL Keyboard Numbers aren’t working. The number lock (num lock) key on an unusual keyboard is in use. It’s a type of switch key that, when activated, allows you to use the keyboard’s numeric keys.

You should double-check that the numeric keypad is turned on. Also, double-check that the letter keys and the number switching are set appropriately.

9. Laptop Keyboard Types Wrong Characters

Your language settings may be causing you problems with specific keyboard keys.

Open a text editor and tap the corresponding key. If the symbol is incorrect, the issue is almost definitely due to language settings. Depending on how characters are utilized, different areas employ different keyboard layouts.

To match your keyboard, you’ll need to change your regional settings.

  • You may do this in Windows 10 by pressing Windows Key + I and Time & Language > Language.
  • Here, click Add a language and select the appropriate keyboard option.
time and language
  • Wait for a second while the language is installed by clicking Next and Install. 
  • Select the new language from the Language dropdown menu on the Region & Language screen.
preferred language
  • Check your keyboard input once more; the good characters should now appear on the screen.

9. Try an External Keyboard

When it comes to removing the keyboard from a Dell laptop, it’s a little more complicated. It all depends on the model you’re using. Fortunately, dell and other popular models include an easy technique for removing the keyboard.

Consider this a hybrid of the Dell and Toshiba strategies. Like the previous Dell laptop, a single screw must be removed from the underside before the chassis can be unclipped.

10. Replace a Faulty Laptop Keyboard

It’s sometimes hard to admit what you’re feeling. If you’ve tried every way to unlock your Dell keyboard and it still won’t work, you may have a defective keyboard. If you drop your laptop and spill water on your Dell keyboard, it could be damaged.

There are hundreds of keyboards available in the market. Just sit on the chair and hover over the internet to buy a keyboard online. 

Conclusion

I believe you have fixed your problem by now using the procedures outlined above to fix the keyboard on your Dell laptop. If none of those mentioned above ideas work, the best option is to replace your physical keyboard. If you are using a Dell wireless keyboard, then replace batteries.

FAQs

How do you unlock the keyboard on a Dell laptop?

For your laptop keyboard, look for the NumLock key on the top right-hand side. NumLock is printed on the key, and clicking it unlocks the NumLock Key. To open the NumLock key, you may need to hold Fn and the NumLock key simultaneously.

Why is my laptop keyboard not typing?

Driver difficulties are always to blame for your laptop keyboard not working. Try reinstalling your keyboard driver in this scenario. Then, on your keyboard driver program, right-click it and select Uninstall device. Restart your Dell laptop after it has finished uninstalling.

How do I reset my keyboard on my laptop?

Pressing one keyboard key and getting a different symbol or letter, press the “Alt” and “Shift” keys simultaneously. On some laptops, this will restore the default keyboard setting. Simultaneously press the “Ctrl” key and the “Shift” key.

How do I fix unresponsive keyboard keys?

Turning the keyboard or laptop upside down and gently shaking it is the most straightforward remedy. Anything beneath the keys or inside the keyboard will usually bounce out of the device, allowing the keys to function correctly once more.