5 Simple Steps ways to fix a Laptop Keyboard

First, it's the F key, then the R. Before you know it, your entire laptop keyboard has stopped working—and so have you. Not only can this be frustrating, it can be difficult to fix, unless you know what's causing the issue.

Why is my laptop keyboard not working?

There are several reasons you may be having trouble with your keyboard, from hardware failure to software issues. But most of the time, you can narrow it down to a few common laptop repair problems, including:

The driver

Your keyboard may be unresponsive because of a driver issue. If you've previously attached a different keyboard, that driver could be interfering with and disabling your current keyboard.

The motherboard

The ribbon or connector between your keyboard and your laptop's motherboard may have become loose, damaged, or broken, causing your keyboard to be unresponsive.

Hidden dirt and spills

Can't remember the last time you cleaned your keyboard? There could be dirt in or around specific keys causing them to stick, jam, or stop working.

Sensitivity settings

When you press a key once and it appears on your screen several times, your settings could have updated incorrectly or been changed, resulting in multiple entries per keypress.

How to fix your laptop keyboard

Check for Physical Obstructions:Turn off the laptop and gently turn it upside down to shake out any loose debris, crumbs, or dust that may have accumulated under the keys. Use a can of compressed air to blow away stubborn debris. Be sure to hold the laptop at an angle to prevent debris from falling back into the keyboard.

1. Restart Your Laptop

Sometimes, keyboard issues can be resolved with a simple restart. Close any open applications and shut down your laptop. Wait a few seconds, then power it back on. This can help reset any software glitches or temporary system errors that may be affecting the keyboard.

2. Update Keyboard Drivers

Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can cause keyboard malfunctions. Go to the Device Manager on your laptop (you can usually find it by right-clicking on the Start button), locate the keyboard section, and expand it. Right-click on your keyboard device and select "Update driver." Follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.

3. Check Keyboard Settings

Sometimes, keyboard settings or configurations may be causing issues. Go to your laptop's settings menu (often accessible through the Control Panel or the Start menu) and navigate to the keyboard settings. Ensure that the keyboard layout and language settings are correct. You can also try disabling and re-enabling the keyboard to reset it.

4. Test with External Keyboard

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, try connecting an external USB keyboard to your laptop. If the external keyboard works fine, it may indicate a hardware problem with the laptop's built-in keyboard. In this case, you may need to seek professional assistance to repair or replace the internal keyboard.

5. Remove and Clean Individual Keys (Advanced)

If specific keys are not functioning correctly, you may need to remove and clean them individually. Use a keycap puller or a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the keycaps. Clean the key switches and the underside of the keycaps using a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution. Allow the keys to dry completely before reattaching them.