How to Fix a Keyboard Not Working on a Laptop

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

KeyboardTroubleshootingLaptopHardwareDevicesWindowsMacPerformanceSettingsRepair

Having a keyboard that doesn't work on your laptop can be very frustrating. There are many reasons why this can happen, ranging from hardware to software issues. This guide will help you go through various steps to diagnose and fix a keyboard that doesn't work on a laptop. These steps can help you whether a few keys aren't working or the entire keyboard isn't working.

1. Restart the laptop

The first thing you should do is restart the laptop. Sometimes, a simple reboot can solve many temporary problems. Make sure you save any open work before doing this. Press the power button and select 'Restart' from the menu options. If your keyboard is completely unresponsive and you can't select 'Restart', you can hold down the power button for about 10 seconds to force shut down the laptop and then turn it back on.

2. Check for physical damage

Inspect the keyboard for any physical damage. Look for any keys that are stuck, missing, or appear physically damaged. If you find any physical problems, you may need to purchase a replacement keyboard or different keys.

3. Clean the keyboard

Dust and debris can sometimes prevent the keys from working properly. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust between the keys. You can also turn the laptop upside down and shake it gently to dislodge any loose debris. If necessary, use a soft brush to clean the keyboard.

4. Check the keyboard connection

The internal connections between the keyboard and the motherboard may be loose. If you are comfortable opening your laptop, make sure the ribbon cable connecting the keyboard to the motherboard is secure. If not, it may be better to seek professional help.

5. Update or reinstall keyboard drivers

An outdated or corrupt keyboard driver can cause the keyboard to stop working. To fix this, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Keyboards category.
3. Right-click on the keyboard device and select Update driver.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. If an update is available, it will be installed.
5. If updating the driver doesn't work, you can try uninstalling it. Right-click on the keyboard device again and select Uninstall device. Then restart your laptop, and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

6. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes a bug in the operating system can cause the keyboard to stop working. Ensuring your system is up-to-date can fix these bugs. To check for Windows updates:

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Select Check for updates.
4. If updates are found, install them and restart your laptop.

7. Use the Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in keyboard troubleshooter that can help resolve issues. Here's how to use it:

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Select Troubleshooting from the left menu.
4. Click Additional troubleshooters.
5. Find and select Keyboard, then click Run the troubleshooter.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

8. Disable Filter Keys

Sometimes, Windows accessibility features such as Filter Keys can cause the keyboard to stop responding. To disable Filter Keys:

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. Go to 'Ease of Access'.
3. Select Keyboard from the left menu.
4. Make sure the toggle under Use Filter Keys is turned off.

9. Test the keyboard in safe mode

Booting into safe mode can help determine if a background application or service is causing the problem. Here's how to start Windows in safe mode:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. Go to the Boot tab.
4. Check the box next to Safe Boot and select Minimal.
5. Click Apply and OK, and then restart your laptop.

Once in safe mode, test the keyboard. If it works, the problem may be caused by a third-party app or service.

10. Use an external keyboard

If the built-in keyboard isn't working, using an external keyboard can be a temporary solution. Connect a USB keyboard to one of your laptop's USB ports and see if it works. This can help you continue working while you troubleshoot or find a permanent solution.

11. Run an antivirus scan

Some malware can interfere with the functionality of your keyboard. Running a full antivirus scan can detect and remove any malicious software. Use your preferred antivirus software to perform a full scan.

12. BIOS/UEFI settings

Sometimes, incorrect BIOS/UEFI settings can affect keyboard functionality. To check this:

1. Restart your laptop and repeatedly press the designated key (usually F2, F10, Delete, or Esc) to enter BIOS/UEFI setup.
2. In the BIOS/UEFI menu, look for any keyboard-related settings and make sure they are configured correctly.
3. Save any changes and exit BIOS/UEFI setup.

13. Restore the system or perform a clean install

If all other measures fail, you can try restoring your system to an earlier level when the keyboard was working. Alternatively, a clean install of the operating system may resolve more permanent problems. Please note that these options will affect system data and should be performed with caution.

Reinstall the system:

1. Press Windows + S and type Recovery.
2. Select Recovery from the results.
3. Click on Open System Restore.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and restore your system.

Clean Installation:

Before performing a clean install, make sure you have backed up your data. A clean install will erase all data on the system drive.

1. Download Windows installation media from the official Microsoft website.
2. Create a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation media.
3. Insert the USB drive into your laptop and restart it.
4. Boot from the USB drive by pressing the appropriate key (often F12, Esc, or F9) during startup.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows.

14. Professional support

If none of the above solutions work, it's time to seek professional help. A trained technician can diagnose and fix the problem for you. Sometimes, the problem may be hardware-related, such as a damaged keyboard or motherboard component, which will require professional repair or replacement.

In short, fixing a keyboard not working on a laptop can involve several steps, from simple solutions like restarting and cleaning the keyboard to more complex procedures like updating drivers, checking BIOS settings, or even performing a clean install of the operating system. If you've tried all these solutions and the keyboard still doesn't work, the best solution is to seek help from a professional.

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