How to Fix Laptop Keyboard Not Working

Your laptop keyboard is one of the most important parts of your computer. It’s how you type, enter passwords, and interact with your computer. So when it stops working, it can be a major inconvenience.

There are a few reasons why your laptop keyboard might not be working. It could be a hardware issue, such as a loose connection or a broken key. It could also be a software issue, such as a driver problem or a setting that’s been changed.

Why is My Laptop Keyboard Not Working?

Your laptop keyboard is one of the most important peripherals, but it can be frustrating when it stops working. There are a few reasons why your laptop keyboard might not be working, including:

1. Hardware problems. The most common reason for a laptop keyboard not working is a hardware problem. This could be due to a loose or damaged connection, a faulty key, or a problem with the keyboard’s circuitry.
2. Software problems. Software problems can also cause your laptop keyboard to stop working. This could be due to outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers, a problem with the operating system, or a virus or malware infection.
3. Physical damage. If your laptop keyboard has been dropped or spilled on, it could be physically damaged. This can cause the keys to stick, malfunction, or stop working altogether.
4. Settings issue. Sometimes, the keyboard may be turned off or disabled in the settings. Check your keyboard settings to make sure it is turned on and enabled.

5. How to Fix Your Laptop Keyboard Not Working Issue

6. If your laptop keyboard is not typing letters, then here are some of the quick fixes you can try;
   • See if restarting your laptop solves the problem, and thoroughly clean the keyboard.
   • You can also check if your keyboard driver and layout settings need changes.

   In case your keyboard suddenly stops working/keys are not working on your laptop, then here are the potential fixes that can solve your problem;

7. How to Clean Your Laptop or Computer Keyboard

8. Your laptop or computer keyboard is one of the most used peripherals, but it can also be one of the dirtiest. Dust, dirt, and other debris can easily build up under the keys, making it difficult to type and can even damage the keyboard over time.

   To keep your keyboard clean and working properly, it is important to clean it regularly. Here are the steps on how to clean your laptop or computer keyboard:

9. Turn off and unplug your laptop or computer. This will help to prevent any accidental damage to the keyboard.
10. Flip your laptop or computer upside down and gently shake it. This will help to dislodge any loose debris.
11. Use a soft brush or can of compressed air to clean the keys. Be careful not to spray the compressed air directly into the keyboard, as this could damage the components.
12. Wipe down the keys with a damp microfiber cloth. Do not use too much water, as this could damage the keyboard.
13. If there is any stubborn dirt or debris, you can use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean it. Be sure to wring out the cotton swab so that it is not dripping wet.
14. Let the keyboard air dry completely before turning it back on.
    

     How to Reconnect the Motherboard

    The motherboard is the central component of a computer. It is responsible for connecting all of the other components together and providing them with power. If the motherboard is not properly connected, the computer will not work.

    To reconnect the motherboard, you will need:

    • A Phillips head screwdriver
    • A flashlight

    •  Update the Keyboard Driver

      If some keyboard keys are not working on Windows 10/11, try to update the keyboard driver. Most users on the forum suggest that updating the keyboard driver solved their problem. Whether you’re facing that issue on Hp, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, or Acer laptops, updating the keyboard driver will solve your problem;

      To do so, follow the below steps;

      For Windows Laptop/Computer

      Step 1: Right-click the Windows icon and select Device Manager from the menu.

    • A static wrist strap (optional)

      

    • Step 2: Click the arrow next to Keyboards, then right-click on a keyboard listed and select Update Driver.
    • 
    • Step 3: Select Search automatically for updated driver software.Step 4: Click on Update Driver.

    • For Mac laptops Users;

      Step 1: Open System Preferences > Accessibility, then click Keyboard in the menu on the left.

      Step 2: Check whether Enable Slow Keys is selected in the Hardware section. If so, unselect Enable Slow Keys.

      While this feature can stop you from accidentally entering keys you don’t want to; it can also cause general typing issues.

    • Alternatively, you can download Driver Easy and make the whole process seamless. Download the software and install it; upon launching, click on check for updates and let the software find the latest drivers for your hardware. Once the process is complete, install the drivers and restart your PC.

      Change the Keyboard Layout

      To fix the Hp & Dell laptop keyboard not working on Windows 11/10/7, you need to change the keyboard layout. It’s possible that the language on your laptop or keyboard layout was accidentally changed. Make sure that you have the US -QWERTY keyboard layout.

      If you notice your keys are producing different letters than they should be, follow these steps:

      For Windows Laptop/Computer Users;

      Step 1: Click the Start menu and Settings, then select Time and Language and Click Language on the left-hand side

      

      Step 2: Click your existing language and select Options.

      

      Step 3: In the Keyboards section, select Add a Keyboard, then choose the layout you want to add.

      

      For Mac laptops Users;

      Step 1: Open System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources.

      Step 2: Select Show input menu in the menu bar at the bottom, click the plus symbol (+) and choose a language to add.

      Try Using an External Keyboard

      If your laptop keyboard is not typing letters or suddenly stops working, try connecting an external keyboard to your laptop to check if it works.

      If the external keyboard doesn’t work, the issue might be with the software. But if it does work, there could be a bigger hardware problem with your laptop’s own keyboard. There’s still a chance to fix it, though!

      6. Remove the Battery (If You Can)

      Removing the battery will help you to solve your laptop keyboard not working problem. Because sometimes, the battery under the laptop’s keyboard can cause issues.

      If your laptop’s battery can be taken out, shut down the laptop, remove the battery, and use only the power cable. If the keyboard works without the battery, you might need to replace it. Get an official battery from the laptop’s maker for safety.

      6. Power Cycle the Laptop

      After researching on many forums, a user suggested that by doing a cold reboot technique/residual power drain, his keyboard not working issue was resolved. To resolve your issue, you have to follow the below steps;

      Step 1: Turn off your PC/Laptop.

      Step 2: Disconnect all extra devices.

      Step 3: Close the laptop lid and reset the battery by holding a metallic pin in the pin keyhole for 15 seconds. If the battery is removable, take it out.

      Step 4: Hold the power button for 30 seconds.

      Step 5: After waiting 25 minutes, plug in USB devices, connect the power cord, and turn on the PC.

      After doing all the steps, I hope your keyboard works normally again.

      7. Unplug the Power Cord

      If some of the laptop keyboard keys are not working, then try to unplug the power cord. One user suggests that when they plug in the power cord on their Dell Laptop, a group of keys (F2, 2, W, S, X, Alt) stops working (they don’t respond).

      But when they unplug the power cord, these keys start working again. So, unplugging the power cord might work for you.

      8. Check for Malware or Viruses

      Malware and viruses can affect your computer in many ways; one of them is limiting your keyboard functionality. It’s hard to get rid of malware or viruses yourself, but there is plenty of great software to help you clean up your computer.

      Popular apps to handle malware and viruses:

      Malwarebytes
      Avast
      McAfee
      Norton

      Alternatively, you can use Windows Security, Microsoft’s native antivirus tool. It comes pre-installed on Windows machines and works very well.

      9. Reseat Bad Connections

      Sometimes, the keyboard on your laptop might not work because it’s not connected properly inside. If you know about computers, you can open the laptop and fix the cable under the keyboard. If unsure, you can find instructions on the laptop maker’s website or ask a professional to help you.