A keyboard without action keys may seem like a performance hit, but it can be fixed. If you have been working on your computer and suddenly some symbols appear on the computer screen or there are no symbols at all, we will show you how to fix it.
If you have a desktop computer, just change the keyboard and use a different one. However, this is not possible for laptops, which poses a big problem.
Your computer may need simple hardware or software maintenance, or the keyboard settings may be in the wrong language or region.
Before visiting a repair shop, buying a new keyboard, or ditching your laptop altogether, try a few quick fixes below.
Note. The instructions below apply to Windows PCs.
- Quick Check
- Clean your keyboard.
- Restart your computer.
- Use a different keyboard.
- Check your region or language settings
- Adjust your keyboard input settings.
- Run a malware scan.
- Reinstall the keyboard driver.
- Visit Service / Replace keyboard
Fix keyboard keys that are not working
- Quick Scans
- Clean up the keyboard
- Restart the computer
- Use a different keyboard
- Check the region or language settings
- Adjust keyboard input settings
- Run malware scan
- Reset Installing the keyboard driver
- Visit a technical service / keyboard replacement
- If you are using a Bluetooth keyboard, make sure it is turned on and connected.
- Reconnect the keyboard to the computer (for wireless keyboards).
- Try a different USB port (wired keyboard).
- Check the battery level of the keyboard as it may cause performance issues.
Quick Checks
- If you are using a Bluetooth keyboard, verify that it is turned on and connected.
- Re-pair the keyboard with the computer (for wireless keyboards).
- Try a different USB port (wired keyboard).
- Check the keyboard battery level as it may cause performance issues.
If, after performing these basic checks, your keyboard keys still don’t work, try the following solutions.
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Keyboard Cleanup
Cleaning a standard keyboard isn’t easy, but it’s easier if you have a wireless or USB keyboard than a laptop keyboard. This won’t necessarily fix any deep-seated keyboard key issues, but it will help if debris and dirt is interfering with the keys.
To clean your laptop keyboard:
- Turn off the device, turn it upside down, and then gently tap the base to avoid damaging the entire unit.
- Swipe your fingers over the keys to remove any leftover debris or grime, and clean the table when you’re done.
- Take a can of compressed air and blow it up well. or a keyboard cleaner to remove any stuck-on dirt.
- If keys are stuck due to spilled fluid, remove the key from the keyboard and try to clear any dried fluid from the key switch. You can. To remove the key without breaking it, place your fingertip or a flat head screwdriver under the corner of the key and gently pry it until it pops out. You can blot a rag or cotton swab with a little soapy water or alcohol to remove any residue.
Restart your computer
A reboot helps update your system and fix any software glitches that could cause your keyboard keys to not work.
Use a different keyboard
Try plugging in another USB keyboard or wireless keyboard, or use the Windows on-screen keyboard and see if that helps. If so, then your current keyboard may be defective.
Check the region or language settings
If your keyboard has the wrong language or layout settings, you may see letters on the screen that are different from those on the keyboard. This is because different regions use different characters, so keyboard layouts are not the same everywhere.
To fix this, change your region or language settings by following these steps:
- Click Start> Settings> Time & Language.
- Click Region to select the current region.
- Click Language and then click Add Preferred Language to select the correct one for your keyboard.
- Click Next and then Install.
- Go to the Languages ??section and select a new language for your keyboard, then try typing a few characters again to see if it works.
- You can also change your keyboard settings by going back to Language, click the current keyboard language, and then click Options to select your keyboard type. For example, for US users, the keyboard language will be US English and the US QWERTY keyboard layout.
Adjust keyboard input settings
Your keyboard keys have certain software settings that can cause erratic behavior, even if they are intended to provide assistance. You can customize input options such as Filter Keys, Sticky Keys, or Retry Delay.
If more than one character is entered when you press a specific key:
- Click Start> Control Panel and search for Keyboard in the search bar for Control Panel.
- On the speed tab, adjust the retry delay settings and try typing the characters again.
- If there is a delay between pressing a key and displaying a character on the screen, you need to configure the filter keys. Enter “Ease of Access” in the search bar and click on it.
- Click Make the keyboard easier to use.
- Uncheck Filter Keys, if enabled, and click OK. Disable Sticky Keys in the same menu if your keyboard isn’t working.
Run a malware scan
As crazy as it sounds, it’s possible that your keyboard is infected with a virus Run a malware scan with the currently installed antivirus software, or try a free online malware scanner to rule out any potential threats.
Reinstall the keyboard driver
An outdated driver can cause keyboard keys to not work. However, sometimes the keyboard driver may not work properly, especially if you regularly install third-party software or shut down your computer without using the Shut Down command.
To reinstall the keyboard driver, follow these steps:
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Click Keyboards to expand the list. Here you can check for any entry that might have a yellow exclamation mark next to it, indicating a problem.
- Right-click on your keyboard and select Uninstall Driver.
- Restart your computer and it will automatically install the generic keyboard drivers, then you can check if the keys work again.
Note. You can also go to your computer manufacturer’s website and install the latest keyboard drivers for your model. If it’s not available, you can reinstall the USB drivers or chipset.
Replace the keyboard
If none of these solutions helped and your computer is still under warranty, you can contact the manufacturer for additional support and repairs, or replace it entirely.
If it is a laptop, back up the hard drive or remove it before sending it to a service technician to avoid losing your valuable data.
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