How to Fix a Laptop Keyboard That’s Not Working – Easy Troubleshooting
Is your laptop keyboard not typing? Learn how to fix unresponsive keys, driver issues, and hardware problems with this step-by-step guide.
A laptop keyboard that stops working can be frustrating, especially when you need to type an important document or send an email. The problem could be due to software issues, driver conflicts, dirt buildup, or hardware failure. This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix a non-working laptop keyboard with simple steps.
1. Restart Your Laptop
Before troubleshooting further, try a simple restart. Restarting can fix temporary software glitches that may cause the keyboard to stop responding.
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Step 1: Save any open work.
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Step 2: Click on the Start menu and choose Restart.
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Step 3: If your keyboard is completely unresponsive, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force shutdown, then turn it back on.
2. Check for Dirt, Debris, or Stuck Keys
Over time, dust and debris can accumulate under the keys, causing them to stop working.
How to Clean Your Laptop Keyboard:
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Turn off your laptop and unplug it.
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Shake the laptop gently upside down to dislodge any dirt.
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Use a compressed air can to blow out dust between the keys.
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For sticky keys, use a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol to clean the affected area.
Tip: If only some keys are not working, they might be stuck due to debris buildup. Try gently pressing and releasing them multiple times.
3. Check If the Issue Is Software-Related
If the keyboard isn’t physically damaged, the issue might be with software or drivers.
Test the Keyboard in BIOS Mode:
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Restart your laptop and immediately press F2, F12, Esc, or Del (depending on your laptop brand) to enter the BIOS setup.
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If the keyboard works in BIOS, it means the issue is with Windows or drivers.
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If it doesn’t work in BIOS, there may be a hardware failure.
4. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Corrupted or outdated drivers can cause keyboard issues.
Update Keyboard Drivers:
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Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
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Expand Keyboards and right-click on your keyboard device.
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Select Update driver → Choose Search automatically for drivers.
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Restart your laptop and check if the keyboard works.
Reinstall Keyboard Drivers:
If updating doesn’t work, try reinstalling:
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In Device Manager, right-click on your keyboard and choose Uninstall device.
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Restart your laptop. Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard driver.
5. Disable Filter Keys (If Certain Keys Are Not Working)
Windows Filter Keys settings can cause some keystrokes to be ignored.
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Open Control Panel → Ease of Access → Keyboard Settings.
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Find Filter Keys and turn it Off.
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Restart your laptop and test the keyboard.
6. Use an External Keyboard or On-Screen Keyboard
If you need to type urgently but the keyboard isn’t working:
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Connect a USB or Bluetooth keyboard to continue working.
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Use the On-Screen Keyboard:
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Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open it.
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Tip: If the external keyboard works fine, your laptop’s keyboard might be physically damaged.
7. Check for Windows Updates
Sometimes, Windows updates fix software conflicts that cause keyboard issues.
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Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
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Click Check for Updates and install any available updates.
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Restart the laptop and test the keyboard.
8. Reset Your Laptop (As a Last Resort)
If none of the fixes work, you may need to reset Windows.
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Go to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.
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Click Reset this PC → Keep my files.
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Follow on-screen instructions.
Warning: This should be your last option, as it reinstalls Windows and resets all settings.
9. Consider Hardware Repair or Replacement
If the keyboard still isn’t working, it could be a hardware issue, such as:
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A damaged keyboard ribbon cable inside the laptop.
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A faulty internal keyboard requiring replacement.
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A motherboard issue affecting the keyboard connection.
In such cases, take your laptop to a professional repair center for diagnosis.
Conclusion
A non-working laptop keyboard can often be fixed with simple steps like restarting, updating drivers, or cleaning the keyboard. If these methods don’t work, hardware replacement may be necessary. Try these solutions before heading to a repair shop!
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