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Published on: 28.01.2024 | updated on: 10.04.2024
The beauty of laptops lies in their portability. You don't need a keyboard and a mouse—your laptop has it all. But what do you do if you boot up your PC and find your laptop keyboard not working? That can render your device nearly unusable, and no one wants that.
Don't let it get to you just yet. Laptop keyboards may stop working for a variety of reasons, ranging from software issues to hardware breakdowns, but the one thing they all have in common is that most of them can be fixed without needing to pay for repairs. In this guide, we'll show you how to deal with it when the keyboard on laptop is not working.
In this article, we will discuss all the reasons why your laptop keyboard may not be working. We’ll also provide effective strategies to help you fix it on your own without needing to pay for repairs. Some of the most common issues with laptop keyboards are software- and driver-based. Our step-by-step guide shows how to find out the cause and address it, with fixes such as reinstalling your drivers or cleaning the keyboard using compressed air.
Discovering that your keyboard suddenly stopped working is distressing. On a laptop, it's arguably even worse than on a desktop, because it's such an integral part of your computer. Troubleshooting is made harder by the fact that there are lots of different reasons why the keyboard might be acting up.
Here are the reasons why you might be dealing with this problem:
Typing out a frantic "my laptop keyboard is not working" into Google is only half the solution if you're dealing with any of the above. The next step is actually getting it fixed, which, fortunately, you can often do at home at little to no cost.
Here's how you can try to fix your laptop keyboard:
Below, we'll go over the way these issues may affect some of the best laptop brands. Remember to read through them all and not just the one related to your model, as there's often a lot of overlap.
HP makes high-quality laptops, often with a high focus on productivity. This just means that if your keyboard breaks down, it's a major disaster! Here's what you can do.
HP laptops may struggle with problems like outdated or incompatible keyboard drivers or software conflicts.
Look up the exact HP laptop model that you have and head over to HP's website to find the complete driver kit for it. Install it and restart your PC. If that doesn't help, search for Device Manager in Windows, navigate to the keyboard drivers, then uninstall them and install them again. Next, uninstall any recently installed third-party software and see if that helps.
If your HP Envy laptop keyboard is not working and the above didn't help, check your keyboard settings for any problems. Make sure that features like Filter Keys or Sticky Keys haven't accidentally been activated, and check that Repeat Delay isn't turned up to the maximum.
Keyboards can break down on any laptop, and even a reliable brand like Dell is not immune to it—but you might be able to sort this out without any professional help.
Physical damage to the laptop, including water damage, can sometimes break the keyboard. Similarly, hardware malfunctions, such as a loose connection, wear and tear, or a manufacturing effect can all cause the problem of the keyboard not working on laptop.
If you've dropped your laptop or it took a hit or two on a bumpy road, check it carefully for any visible signs of damage—severe damage may require reaching out to a reputable computer repair service. You can also open up the laptop's back panel to inspect the keyboard's connection to the motherboard and make sure the ribbon cable that connects the keyboard is securely attached. However, that could void your warranty.
If you've spilled any liquid on the laptop, turn it off immediately, unplug it, and disconnect all peripherals. Next, tilt the laptop to let the excess water drain onto a towel or a microfiber cloth. Air-dry the laptop for at least 24 hours before trying to use it again.
Alienware laptops are huge among gamers, and they're also expensive, so be careful when trying to fix your keyboard. If you suspect the issue is software-based, consider running your laptop in Safe Mode and removing any recent software.
MacBooks, with their sleek frames and elegant designs, are premium laptops that often last for years. However, apart from a MacBook that won't turn on, the keyboard is one of those components that are most prone to breaking.
You'd be surprised how much debris and crumbs can get underneath a MacBook keyboard, disrupting some keys, or even the connection to the motherboard. In addition, some MacBooks with a faulty butterfly mechanism are especially prone to such issues.
Start by turning your MacBook off and unplugging everything. Next, use a can of compressed air to gently blow out debris from under the keys. Apple recommends holding your MacBook at a 75-degree angle and spraying the air in a left-to-right motion. If you have a MacBook with the butterfly keyboard mechanism and cleaning it doesn't help, Apple has a Keyboard Service Program for such devices that's worth looking into.
MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air—all of these excellent laptops aren't infallible, so keyboard issues can occur. Check to make sure that your MacBook Pro has the latest macOS version to fix potential operating system issues that could be affecting the keyboard.
When you find your Lenovo laptop keyboard not working, you might suspect that there's an issue with the computer itself. Oftentimes, it's really not that bad.
Your keyboard may have been disabled by accident through software settings or a combination of function keys. Similarly, new software (including external keyboard interfaces) could be causing problems.
However counterintuitive it might seem, it is possible to disable the keyboard on a Lenovo laptop (as well as most other laptops). Check whether it's enabled by entering the BIOS/UEFI. To do this, tap the correct key at boot; this is usually the F1, F2, or Fn key, or a combination of Fn and another key. On a Lenovo IdeaPad, try to use the Novo button instead. Check the settings in the BIOS/UEFI and enable the keyboard if necessary.
For software conflicts, restart your Lenovo laptop first and see if that helps. If not, uninstall any recent software. Lastly, boot the computer in Safe Mode to see if the keyboard works there, and try to restore it to a previous system save point as per Microsoft's guidance.
Microsoft Surface laptops are unique in that they include 2-in-1 models that can also be used in tablet mode, such as the Surface Pro 9. This can bring some unique keyboard-related challenges.
Depending on the exact model of the Surface Laptop, hardware issues can be one of the reasons why the keyboard on laptop is not working. If you have a 2-in-1 model like the Surface Pro, the detachable keyboard might have connection problems or physical damage, preventing it from working. Sometimes, power settings may also inadvertently disable the keyboard.
If your Surface uses a detachable keyboard, disconnect it and inspect the connectors on both sides for damage or dirt. Clean them with a soft, lint-free cloth, then try to connect the keyboard again before reaching out to a professional repair service like Simply Fixable.
Power settings in Windows are worth checking out. Go to your laptop's Control Panel, then to Power Options, and then "Change plan settings." In the advanced settings, search for options related to the keyboard or USB settings and toggle them on.
Asus makes lots of different laptops, ranging from entry-level PCs to high-end gaming beasts. No matter your model, the keyboard can sometimes break down—here's what to do if that happens.
If the computer itself appears to work, but you find your laptop keyboard not typing letters, the issue could lie with certain keys as opposed to the entire keyboard. On the other hand, various system settings, including accessibility features, could be the cause.
Asus equips some of its gaming laptops, like the ROG Zephyrus S17, with mechanical keyboards. While you can easily replace several keycaps on an external mechanical keyboard, doing this on a laptop isn't always possible. You can open up the laptop and check for severed connections, but if you suspect some keys aren't working, you may have to use a trustworthy Asus repair service for keyboard replacement.
To fix issues with system settings, open Windows Settings, then head to Ease of Access, and lastly, Keyboard. Look for settings like Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys, and toggle them off. Make sure that there aren't any options in Mouse settings that are set to override keyboard functions.
Acer, much like Asus, has released some high-end and budget-friendly laptops with all sorts of specifications, but it's generally pretty pricey. That's why it can be really stressful to find out that your laptop keyboard isn't working.
Some laptops, including Acer models, may run into problems with the battery. This can be caused by overheating, factory issues, or external damage. In those situations, the battery may swell and prevent other components inside your laptop from working properly.
If the laptop battery appears to be swollen, that pretty much guarantees that there's a huge problem with it. You'll often notice other issues with the computer as well, such as rapid battery drain or even the laptop refusing to turn on sometimes. If you have an older Acer laptop that comes with a removable battery, take it out and then plug in the PC and see if the keyboard works. Newer Acers usually have internal batteries that shouldn't be taken out outside of a professional setting.
Whether your keyboard isn't working entirely or a few keys are acting up, this is cause for concern. Here's what you can do about it.
Sometimes, on any laptop, things just stop working for seemingly no reason. In reality, this comes down to a software glitch, malware problems, or issues with the operating system. The good news is that fixing this is usually pretty simple.
Your best bet is to simply restart your laptop and see if that fixes it. If not, run Windows in Safe Mode and see if the keyboard works there. If it does, uninstall any recent software and try to boot once again. Update your Windows to make sure that you have the latest available patch. To get rid of malware, download an antivirus program as well as a malware-specific program like Malwarebytes and scan your PC regularly.
Although Samsung is known for its top-notch Android phones and tablets, it also produces Windows-based laptops known as the Samsung Galaxy Book lineup. If you have one and the keyboard is acting up, read on below.
If your keyboard on the Samsung Galaxy Book is not working, the problem might stem from an outdated or faulty keyboard driver. However, hardware issues are also possible, and quite easy to diagnose on this particular laptop.
First, check whether the keyboard LED light is glowing or not. If it's not, you will, unfortunately, need to visit a nearby repair store and hand the laptop over to an experienced technician. If it is, update the Samsung keyboard driver through the Windows Device Manager.
Both hardware and software issues can affect your Windows 10 laptop, and as a result, the keyboard may stop working.
Windows 10 is still supported by Microsoft, but it's slowly on its way out. Newer software and hardware may be restricted to only Windows 11, and if you've installed such a program, the keyboard might stop responding.
Start by restarting your laptop to see if that fixes it. If not, you might have to uninstall any recent software, including external keyboard drivers and controllers, such as RGB lighting software. Always double-check that you're installing programs made for your version of Windows.
You've got a good laptop and the latest operating system Microsoft has to offer, but even that can't fully protect you from various keyboard nuisances.
Microsoft releases new updates to Windows 11 frequently, and unfortunately, some patches may come with bugs. Even if not widespread, such bugs could affect your particular laptop model by disabling the keyboard or causing other problems.
Head to the Windows Update by following this path:
Conversely, you can roll back a recent update if it's disagreeing with your laptop. While in Windows Update, click on Update History and select Uninstall updates, then remove the latest patch.
It's one thing when your entire keyboard doesn't work, but what do you do if it's just a few keys? We'll show you how to deal with this problem.
Certain keys that are used most often are susceptible to wear and tear. Your laptop keyboard might also have some crumbs or debris in it, blocking certain keys but not the entire device.
Start by giving your laptop keyboard a good clean. Turn the PC off and unplug it, then turn it upside down to dislodge any potential crumbs. Buy a can of compressed air and gently clean it out, then let it dry before turning it back on. If that doesn't help, your laptop may need a keyboard replacement, and that's handled by professional repair services.
We've gone over some of the most common laptop keyboard issues, but if you have any further questions, read on below.
Yes, you can accidentally lock your keyboard, often by pressing certain key combinations like Fn and Num Lock. You can also accidentally lock the entire PC with keys like Windows and L.
Typing on your laptop should be enabled from the get-go. If it doesn't work, check that the keyboard is connected if you're using an external model, and check that no accessibility settings are preventing typing.
You can typically do this by pressing the same key combination that locked it, like Fn + Num Lock or Fn + F6.
Yes, you can often fix an unresponsive keyboard by yourself by restarting your laptop, updating drivers, checking connections, or cleaning the keys.
To reset your laptop keyboard, you can try restarting your computer or reinstalling the keyboard drivers through the Device Manager in Windows.
If it's an integrated keyboard, simply restart your laptop. For external models, unplug it and plug it back in, perhaps using a different port.
Prevention can go a long way—it's easier to take good care of your laptop on a daily basis than it is to get it fixed if something's acting up. Here are some ways to make sure that the keyboard on your laptop won't run into the same problem again.
While doing this won't rule out potential factory problems, it'll give your laptop a longer life, and that includes its keyboard.
If the keyboard on your laptop ever stops working, don't panic. Software glitches and conflicts, outdated drivers, and operating system updates account for many of these issues. Troubleshoot calmly and rule out problems one by one, and if nothing seems to help, don't hesitate to reach out to Simply Fixable for professional and affordable laptop repairs in your area.
Expertise: Technology, PC Hardware, Software, Gaming
Linkedin: Monica J.White
Monica is a journalist with a lifelong interest in technology. Monica attended King's College London and obtained her bachelor's degree in English Language and Linguistics. She then went on to get a master's at that same university, this time focusing on Global Media Industries. She first started writing over ten years ago and has made a career out of it, with a special focus on PCs and mobile devices. She enjoys the challenge of explaining complex topics to a broader audience, whether it's how semiconductors work or how to troubleshoot a tablet. Her work has previously appeared in Digital Trends, Tom's Hardware, Pay.com, SlashGear, Forbes, Springboard, Looper, Money, WePC, and more.
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