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How to Fix “Keyboard Not Working” issue on Windows? In most cases, this occurs because the driver for your keyboard is not compatible with the latest version of Windows. Sometimes, the issue could also be caused by an outdated driver that contains bugs. You have been tapping away at your keyboard, fully anticipating to see text appear on the screen, but so far you have only encountered a random assortment of characters. Or, even worse, perhaps the keys on your laptop’s keyboard are completely non-functional.
Your computer is rendered useless if it does not have a keyboard that works. Because the keyboard cannot be easily replaced like it can be on a desktop computer, this is a particularly frustrating issue that affects portable computers like laptops. We have compiled a list of potential solutions that you can try to restore functionality to your keyboard in the event that a recent update to Windows has caused the keyboard to behave erratically or has caused it to stop functioning entirely.
A malfunctioning keyboard on a computer running Windows 11 or 10 could have been caused by a number of factors, such as a problem with the hardware or a conflict with the software. You should give these troubleshooting methods how to Fix “Keyboard Not Working” issue on Windows before you go to the trouble and expense of replacing your keyboard or making expensive repairs.
Causes of the “Keyboard Not Working” issue on Windows
- Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can lead to malfunctioning. Ensure that your keyboard drivers are up-to-date.
- Hardware Problems: Physical damage to the keyboard, loose connections, or issues with USB ports can result in a non-functional keyboard.
- Power Management Settings: Incorrect power management settings, such as allowing the computer to turn off the keyboard to save power, may cause the issue.
- Compatibility Issues: Some keyboards may not be compatible with certain versions of Windows or specific hardware configurations.
- Malware or Viruses: Malicious software can interfere with keyboard functionality. Regularly scan your system for malware or viruses.
- System Updates: Incompatibility issues with recent Windows updates could impact keyboard performance. Check for and install the latest updates.
- Faulty Keyboard: If the keyboard itself is faulty, it may not work correctly. Test the keyboard on another computer to rule out hardware issues.
How to Fix “Keyboard Not Working” issue on Windows
Install Driver From Device Manager
- Hold down the Windows and X keys on your keyboard and choose Device Manager from the list that comes up.
- You can make the Keyboards menu bigger by clicking the arrow next to it.
- Right-click on your keyboard and choose Update Driver from the menu that comes up.
- It’s up to Windows to find the latest driver on your computer or the internet. Just follow the on-screen instructions.
- Now, check to see if the problem with the keyboard not working in Windows has been fixed.
Use The Windows Keyboard Troubleshooter
- Click on the Windows icon in the taskbar and then choose Settings.
- In the Settings app, use the built-in search function to look for “Fix keyboard.” Then, choose “Find and fix keyboard problems.”
- Click the “Next” button to start the troubleshooter. One thing you can see is that Windows should find problems.
- If any issues are found, you can try an automatic fix by following the steps shown on the screen.
- Now, check to see if the problem with the keyboard not working in Windows has been fixed.
Uncheck Allow The Computer To Turn Off This Device To Save Power
- Hold down the Windows and X keys on your keyboard.
- Choose Device Manager from the list that comes up.
- Make the Universal Serial Bus controllers menu bigger by clicking the arrow next to it.
- In the new window, double-click the USB port that your keyboard is plugged into.
- Choose the Power Management tab.
- Do not check the box next to “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
- Click OK.
- Check to see if the problem with the keyboard not working in Windows has been fixed.
Disable Filter Keys
- To open Run, press Windows + R on the on-screen keyboard, type “control,” and then click the OK button.
- As your view mode, make sure that Category is chosen.
- After that, go to the part called “Ease of Access.”
- Find the “Change how your keyboard works” link in the Ease of Access Centre and click on it.
- Make sure that the box next to “Turn on Filter Keys” is not checked. To get rid of something, just click the checkmark that shows up.
- After you click the Apply button, click OK.
- Now, check to see if the problem with the keyboard not working in Windows has been fixed.
Disable Fast Startup
- Type “control” and click the OK button on the on-screen keyboard to open the Run utility.
- In your view mode, ensure that Category is chosen.
- Navigate to the section labeled “Hardware and Sound.”
- From the drop-down menu, select Power Options.
- Locate and select the link labeled “Choose what the power buttons do” on the left side of the screen.
- Change how your computer starts up. Click the “Change settings that are currently unavailable” link under “Change settings that are now unavailable” to make these changes.
- Before clicking “Save changes,” uncheck the box that says “Turn on fast startup.”
- Verify if the problem with the keyboard not working in Windows has been fixed.
Conclusion
You can restore functionality to your keyboard by checking the USB port into which it is inserted and ensuring that it is connected in the correct manner. In addition to that, you can clean your keyboard. However, it’s possible that those quick fixes won’t actually solve the problem. If you are continually pressing the keys on your keyboard, but nothing is appearing on your screen, then you have arrived at the correct location.
Because I’m going to show you how to fix it in this guide, which is why you should read it. Note that if you are experiencing issues with your external or built-in keyboard, you will need to activate the keyboard that appears on your screen in order to resolve those issues using the solutions that are outlined in this guide.
Questions and Answers
The ‘FN’ key, which is most often found at the bottom left of the keyboard, should be the first key that you attempt to press. While you are holding this key down, try pressing the ‘Scroll Lock’ key, the ‘Num Lock’ key, or any other key on your keyboard. If you are successful, the lock will be reset, and you will be able to use your device once more.
This can take place as a result of things like spills, drops, dust, or general wear and tear. The presence of keys that are stuck, loose, or missing, as well as keys that produce the incorrect characters or no response at all, are all indications that there may be a problem with the hardware. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to clean, replace, or repair the keyboard in order to fix the hardware issues you are experiencing.
(Function key) A modifier key on a keyboard that operates similarly to the Shift key and activates a secondary function on a key that serves multiple purposes. The Fn key is typically located on the keyboard of a laptop and can be used to control hardware functions such as the screen brightness and the volume of the speakers.
It’s possible that your keyboard won’t connect properly or respond because its drivers are out of date or corrupt. After upgrading the driver and restarting the computer, you should check the functionality of the keyboard to see if it has been restored. Make sure the language settings on your keyboard are correct.