How to Fix Some Keys on the Keyboard Not Working

Learning how to fix some keys on the keyboard not working doesn't have to be complicated. This updated guide presents a clear workflow, practical checks, and troubleshooting advice you can use while completing the process.

Are You Logged into Your Computer?

You can skip this step if you're already signed in to your account on your computer. However, if you're stuck on the login screen because some of your keyboard keys aren't working, you can use Windows' Onscreen Keyboard to sign in.

• On the login screen, click the Accessibility option in the lower right corner.
• Turn on the switch next to On-screen keyboard. It will open the on-screen keyboard.
• Type your password using the on-screen keyboard and press Enter.

Once you are logged into your computer, start applying the following fixes.

1. Make Sure the Keys Are Not Damaged

It's unlikely that multiple keys on your keyboard will malfunction at the same time. However, if you've recently dropped your keyboard, bumped it into something, or spilled liquid on it, some of the keys may be damaged.

Open Keyboard Test, press the unresponsive keys, and check to see if they are successfully pressed during the test. This helps you determine if the keys are working properly. They may be defective if the keys are not pressed. So have a technician check your external keyboard or laptop.

However, if the keys are pressed successfully during the test, it is possible that there is a software or Windows setting that is causing the keys to not work properly. In that case, continue with the remaining fixes.

2. Apply Some Preliminary Checks

Perform the following preliminary checks: before moving on to in-depth troubleshooting.

• Unplug it and plug it back in if you have this problem with an external keyboard.
• Make sure nothing is stuck between the keys on the keyboard.
• Restart the device if some keys on your laptop keyboard are not working.
• Disable it or, if possible, temporarily delete it if your device has a keyboard management application running.
• Wipe them clean with a dry cloth if the keys on the keyboard are dusty.
• Malware infections, such as keyloggers, can also cause your keyboard keys to malfunction. Run a malware scan with Microsoft Defender. This helps you make sure your device is malware-free.

Start applying the remaining fixes if the above fixes don't work.

3. Perform Hard Reset

Sometimes, temporary issues with the Windows operating system can cause it to not be able to accurately record your keyboard inputs. You can try performing a hard reset. This helps you rule this out.

• Turn off your laptop or PC.
• Unplug all accessories, including the power cable, then press and hold the power button for at least 60 seconds.
• Plug the power cord back in and turn on the computer.

Check to see if the keys work after the computer turns back on.

4. Is There a Certain Set of Keys That Are Not Working on the Laptop?

Laptop keys are divided into five main categories: numeric keys, control keys, function keys, navigation keys, and keypad keys. Some modern keyboards also come with special keys, such as multimedia keys.

Then either the keys are disabled or the keyboard settings are misconfigured, which is disrupting their functionality if a certain set of keys isn't working on your keyboard. So, you'll want to find a specific solution for those keys. You have several ways to fix the function keys on your keyboard, and a few different options for fixing broken media keys. You can also fix a broken Numpad.

5. Run Keyboard Troubleshooter

Both Windows 10 and 11 have a Keyboard Troubleshooter designed to diagnose and fix common keyboard problems. In most cases, running this troubleshooter will fix most keyboard problems without any further action.

• Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
• Select the System tab from the left sidebar.
• Navigate to Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
• Click the Run button next to the Keyboard troubleshooter.

Then, follow the on-screen instructions if you are prompted to do so. Most likely, the troubleshooter will make changes automatically. If not, the troubleshooter will suggest some changes for you.

6. Update or Reinstall the Keyboard Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause unforeseen problems with your computer peripherals. So if you haven't updated your keyboard drivers in a while, now is a good time to do so. Follow these steps to update your keyboard drivers:

• Right-click the Windows Start button and open Device Manager.
• Expand the Keyboards category.
• Right-select the keyboard driver you want to update and click Update.

You can try reinstalling it if updating your keyboard driver doesn't make a difference. To do so, right-click the keyboard driver in Device Manager and select Uninstall device. Then, click OK in the confirmation pop-up. Then, restart the device and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

7. Change Keyboard Settings

It's possible that those changes caused the problem if you recently made changes to your keyboard settings and started having problems with your keys. Try reverting them if you remember the adjustments you made. Follow these steps: if you haven't made any recent changes or aren't sure what you changed.

• Press Win + I to open the Settings app and open Accessibility > Keyboard.
• Turn off the switches next to Sticky keys, Filter keys, and Toggle keys.
• Turn off the switch next to Underline access keys.
• Scroll down and click Typing under Related settings.
• Turn off the switches next to Show text suggestions when typing on the physical keyboard and Multilingual text suggestions.
• Then select Advanced keyboard settings and make sure the correct language option is selected.

8. Start Windows in Safe Mode

You can try booting your Windows PC into Safe Mode if nothing else works. It's likely that a third-party program, process, or batch file is causing the problem if your keys work fine in Safe Mode.

You can perform a system restore if the problem started recently. Alternatively, you can try a factory reset of your Windows computer to fix the underlying problem.

Dealing with malfunctioning keyboard keys can be frustrating, but with the solutions listed above, you should be able to get your keyboard working again in no time. If not, it may be time to consult a professional or consider replacing the keyboard.

Final Thoughts

The most reliable way to handle fix some keys on the keyboard not working is to follow the process in order, verify each important setting, and test the result before moving on. Use the guidance above as a practical reference, then adjust the details for your device, software version, or specific goal.