Many of us own laptops because all the vital hardware like the keyboard and mouse are built into them. If these components stop working, it defeats the purpose (and financial expense) of owning a laptop in the first place. There are many reasons why a laptop keyboard might stop working and many solutions to the problem. This guide explores those causes and fixes.
Note: For some of these tips, you will need: Use an external keyboard (or touch keyboard), so have it on standby.
Laptop keyboard not working after Windows update
Windows Updates It doesn't always go well. While it's designed to improve your system's stability, it can also have strange side effects, such as keyboard crashes.
If it causes “Important update” If your Windows keyboard stops working, you can troubleshoot using the backlight switch on some models, such as Lenovo.
If your laptop keyboard is not working after a Windows update, follow the steps below:
- Disconnect any external keyboards, turn on your computer, and log in to your computer using the touch keyboard (formerly known as the on-screen keyboard) if necessary.
- To use the touch keyboard, click in the lower-right corner of the system tray, and then click the icon. Touch keyboard. The keyboard will be displayed in its full-size format, which can be minimized.
- Once you've done that, turn on the keyboard backlight if your laptop has this feature. You may not be able to do this with the keyboard, so head to your laptop's keyboard software (this will vary depending on your laptop) and turn on the backlight through it.
- On Lenovo Legion laptops, for example, this is called “iCUE” , where you select or create a backlight profile to turn on the backlight. This app also works with HP, Dell, and Acer laptops.
- Qom "Strictly closed" For your laptop. Instead of shutting down through Windows, hold down the power button on your laptop until your computer turns off.
- Restart your laptop and the keyboard should work again.
If your keyboard does not support the backlight button, it will work. system recovery To undo the damage caused by the wrong update.
laptop keyboard software not working
If your laptop boots into the BIOS when you press the relevant key, the good news is that your laptop keyboard is working. The bad news is that Windows doesn't see it that way, and you'll need to convince it.
Note: You may need to connect an external keyboard to your laptop to perform this operation, as you must have a way toEnter your Windows password.
Method 1: Check Windows for keyboard system file errors
If your laptop keyboard isn't working due to a software issue, the first sensible thing to do is to run a system file scan, which will check important Windows system files for errors, and then fix any corruption, if possible.
- Click on Win key , then enter cmd In the search box. When Command Prompt appears in the results, right-click it and click "Run as administrator".
- At the command prompt, enter the following and wait for the process to complete:
sfc / scannow
3. After System File Checker completes its error scanning and evaluation, all corrupted files will be successfully repaired. You can check the log files in the specified computer location to see if any of these problems are caused by keyboard issues.
4. In some cases, the command prompt will update the status for rebooting. Complete the reboot on the device to complete pending repairs.
Tip: If you need to do more, you can Batch rename files in Windows.
Method 2: Reinstall the keyboard driver
Most of the time, especially with older laptops, faulty keyboard issues stem from corrupted or outdated keyboard drivers. This requires a straightforward fix that involves reinstalling the drivers.
- Go to "Device Manager" By writing devmgmt.msc Inside order Windows Run ، Win + R.
- Scroll down and tap on keyboardsIf there is an exclamation mark on the virtual laptop keyboard (called Standard PS/2 keyboard In our case), it means that Windows has detected a problem.
- Right-click on the keyboard, and click “Uninstall device” Then restart your computer. The keyboard should reinstall immediately, even when you log in to Windows. Hopefully, your keyboard will be back up and working.
- Before uninstalling drivers, perform a right-click scan using Update drivers to open a window Update drivers.
- Automatically search for keyboard drivers. If Windows determines that the best drivers are available, proceed.
Method 3: Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
Sometimes, the built-in Windows troubleshooter is the best way to determine what's wrong with your keyboard.
- Go to “Settings -> System -> Troubleshooting -> Other troubleshooting tools.”
- Find the keyboard option and click on it. "employment". This will open a new pop-up window.
- Wait a few seconds for the laptop to detect any potential problem areas on the keyboard.
- Most software problems with the keyboard are due to the Text Services Framework not working properly or other errors in the input method.
If there are no problems caused by your laptop's software, the troubleshooter won't show any results. However, if there are any, they will be fixed immediately.
Laptop keyboards not working
Sometimes, your keyboard issue isn't software-related but rather a hardware issue. Fortunately, you can troubleshoot this issue as well.
To isolate the problem, repeatedly press the key that takes you to the BIOS screen while your laptop is starting up. This varies between laptop brands, but it's usually the key Delete Or F2 Or F8 Or F12. If your laptop is running Windows, you are either pressing the wrong key, or the keyboard is not working at the hardware level.
If you're sure you're pressing the correct key and the BIOS doesn't boot, your laptop keyboard likely has a hardware issue. This could be as simple as a loose connector between the keyboard and the motherboard.
If you're not comfortable opening your laptop, consider taking it to a professional who can take a look at it. If you want to try to check the problem yourself, you can use a tool to lift the keyboard and check the connection underneath (at your own risk). Once you see the connector that connects the keyboard to the motherboard, make sure it's not loose (or worse, broken) and is securely seated in its slot.
If the ribbon or connector is damaged, you'll need to have your laptop repaired. If it's loose, you may have solved your problem!
Good to know: If you're still having hardware issues, you can try these other suggestions to fix a broken laptop keyboard.
Laptop keyboard is slow to respond
If your keyboard works, but there's a lag or delay between pressing the keys and your input appearing on the screen, it's likely not a hardware issue. You may just need to do one of the following: turn off Filter Keys or adjust the keyboard speed.
Method 1: Turn off Filter Keys
One reason for slow response to keyboard presses is that the accessibility feature is turned on. Key FilteringThis causes the keyboard to ignore short keystrokes, making typing easier for users with hand tremors.
To turn off Filter Keys, click the Start menu, then Settings icon -> Accessibility -> Keyboard -> Filter Keys. Click on Keyboard in the pane on the left, then scroll down and turn off the default option for Keyboard shortcut for filter keys.
Method 2: Adjust keyboard speed variables
The Windows keyboard's response rate can be adjusted using some of the keyboard properties' speed variables. This enables the system to adapt to undiagnosed keyboard and trackpad issues.
- Open Control Panel of Search menuGo to. View by category and click "Little icons".
- Once the small icons appear, click on "keyboard" To open keyboard properties in a new pop-up window.
- Set my variables Delayed repetition و "recurrence rate" A little more than the default value. Don't move the sliders too much. You can always tap and hold a key to check if the keyboard feels comfortable. Change the blink rate slightly if necessary.
If the above methods fail, you can revisit the section “Reinstall the keyboard driver” In this guide, slow or unresponsive typing is often the result of driver error.
Keyboard not working due to dirt and spills
Over the years, laptop keyboards accumulate a lot of dust, dirt, and sticky residue. According to some studies, keyboards can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat.
A dirty laptop keyboard also means clogged keys that are slower to respond to typing. If you've had coffee or liquid spills, you'll likely feel a general sluggishness at some point. Fortunately, you don't have to go that far to make your keyboard unusable.
Most professionals use a small office vacuum cleaner, as it works best to suck up all the accumulated debris. You can also use cotton swabs wrapped in a blunt tool. You don't want to severely scratch the surface or pull out keys with vigorous sweeping.
You may also experience Problems with the touchpad on the laptop Due to spills and dirt, but it can also be repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can viruses cause keyboard malfunction?
The answer: A virus infection can stop your keyboard from working properly. Certain viruses can affect the keyboard layout, cause the backlight to turn on and off without warning, and may cause one or more keys to stop working properly. In such cases, connect an external keyboard and fix the problems using Windows Defender Security Scans.
Q2: How can I fix some keys on the keyboard not working?
The answer: Turn off your laptop and clean the keyboard using a cotton swab or vacuum. Turn it back on and see if the issue is resolved. If not, check the Device Manager for corrupted drivers or exclamation marks. If it looks fine, proceed with the System File Checker. Also, make sure you have the correct keyboard layout, which you can identify from the keyboard properties. If none of these fixes help, there may be a hardware issue that can only be fixed by opening the back panel of your laptop. Ask your laptop manufacturer to fix it.
Q3: Can I use liquid disinfectant to clean my laptop keyboard?
The answer: Never use any liquid to wipe your laptop keyboard, even accidentally. It's unsanitary for your laptop keyboard and other circuitry.
