Laptop Keyboard Not Working? 4 Reasons and How to Fix Them

Laptops are used for a variety of reasons, from working on projects to socializing online with friends or family. When a laptop keyboard stops working, it can bring all of that to a screeching halt. Thankfully, the solution is often as simple as some troubleshooting and a little bit of patience. Here are the most common reasons why your laptop’s keys may not be working, and the best ways to fix them.

1. Keyboard driver is outdated or missing

When you use a keyboard, a driver connects that hardware to your computer. If the driver is outdated or missing, it will cause your keyboard to stop working properly. To check if this is the case, go to your computer’s Device Manager. Expand the section labeled “Keyboards” to see if the inbuilt keyboard is listed there. If it is, right-click on the keyboard and select “Update Driver Software”. Windows will then scan for new drivers to install and will hopefully fix your keyboard. If you cannot find a new driver, you can also try to uninstall the current one.

2. Keyboard is dirty

The nooks and crannies in a laptop’s keyboard can trap crumbs, dust, and debris underneath the keys. Over time, this can lead to a sticky key, which makes it difficult or impossible to press a certain key. To avoid this, regularly clean your laptop keyboard with compressed air or a small brush. Also, be sure not to use liquids on your keyboard, and avoid using it while eating or drinking.

3. Keyboard ribbon is damaged

If the keyboard has a ribbon or cord connecting it to the motherboard, this can become disconnected or broken, which will prevent your keys from functioning properly. This can be caused by physical damage, such as dropping the laptop or a sudden shock, or it may be due to a lack of proper maintenance.

4. Keyboard is faulty

Despite its durable exterior, a laptop’s keyboard can become defective over time, and this can lead to a number of problems. Some keys will stop working, while others may work but produce an incorrect output. For example, the F key might seem to repeat itself over and over again when pressed, or perhaps the number 9 comes out instead of the F. This can be very frustrating and make it difficult to get any work done.

5. Windows is experiencing issues

Depending on the cause of your laptop’s keyboard not working, you may need to do some troubleshooting on your own. Start by checking if the keyboard works in a pre-boot environment, like Safe Mode, and then try running Windows with the latest updates installed. If this does not fix the problem, you can try removing recently installed programs or antivirus and malware software to see if this helps.

If none of the above solutions work, it’s likely that your laptop keyboard is faulty and needs to be replaced. Contact your laptop manufacturer’s customer support line, especially if it’s still within the warranty period, or consider taking it to a reputable repair service. Be sure to back up your hard drive before sending in or surrendering the laptop for servicing, however.