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A broken keyboard is no laughing matter. It's why Apple paid people $395 to settle a class-action lawsuit for its faulty butterfly keyboards. But the problem isn't always that widespread, so it often means you're on your own if something goes wrong.
You could be working on your laptop, when one key suddenly stops working. Or maybe a whole section of keys is taking forever to respond. Worse yet, the keyboard cuts out entirely. This can be a huge hassle, but there are a few things you can try before you call for help.
1. Reboot Your PC
Have you tried turning your computer off and on again? Before you attempt any random fixes, a simple reboot can correct a thousand ails. If you can't use the trackpad or mouse to reboot the PC, just hold down the power button for about 10-15 seconds to turn the computer off, then turn it back on.
If that doesn't fix the problem, try booting into Safe Mode and see if that works. How you get there depends on which version of Windows you have and what kind of processor is in your Mac. Safe Mode won't fix the problem permanently, but it will help you determine whether your keyboard has a hardware fault or software problem.
2. Narrow Down the Issue
Try to narrow down your problem. Is there something wrong with the keyboard hardware itself, or is a software glitch preventing Windows from recognizing keystrokes? Figuring this out can save you a lot of time later on. In Windows, reboot your computer and try to enter the UEFI or BIOS. To do this, you typically need to press Delete, Esc, or another key as your machine boots—it'll say on the screen.
If you're unable to enter the BIOS or properly navigate it with your keyboard, there's a good chance you have a hardware problem. If you can enter the BIOS, and everything works fine, your problem lies within Windows. Exit the BIOS (without saving your changes) and continue to some of the fixes below. You may have to hook up a USB keyboard to troubleshoot.
3. Check for Crumbs
If you suspect your problem is hardware-related, you'll need to get your hands dirty...literally. You may have to clean your keyboard. Hold your laptop at a 45- to 75-degree angle from horizontal and give it a good shake. Sometimes crumbs from working lunches or your last snack break can get stuck under the keys. This is more of a problem for older laptops, but it's worth a shot even on a new one.
Take a keyboard vacuum or can of compressed air, and give the nooks and crannies of your keyboard a quick cleaning. If one or two keys are stuck because of soda spillage, pop the offending key caps off (if possible) and try to clean as much dried liquid from the key switch as possible. Dab some rubbing alcohol or soapy water on a rag—not onto the keyboard—and clean away the residue. A cotton swab can also come in handy here.
If you plan on disassembling the keyboard, make sure to take a picture before proceeding so you know where each key goes. And don't disassemble the key switch unless you know what you're doing. For more in-depth help, check out our cleaning guide. If an extensive section of the keyboard is stuck because of liquid damage, like a spilled cup of soda or coffee, your best recourse may be to have the keyboard assembly replaced.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)4. Reinstall Your Keyboard Driver
Sometimes the driver managing your keyboard can run into problems, particularly if you install third-party software often or turn your machine off all the time without using the Shut Down command. Open the Start menu and type "Device Manager." Select the Device Manager entry, and expand the Keyboards section. If any items in this section have a yellow exclamation point, it can indicate a problem.
Even if you don't see an exclamation point, though, I recommend right-clicking your keyboard in this menu and choosing Uninstall Driver. Reboot your PC, and Windows should automatically grab the needed drivers, which may fix the problem. If that doesn't bring the keys back to life, or if the Keyboard icon isn't even visible in the Device Manager, head to the laptop manufacturer's support page and install the latest drivers for the keyboard. (If there's no keyboard driver, try the chipset and/or USB drivers.)
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)For those with a Mac, you can't uninstall individual drivers without diving into the computer's Library folder, which can get messy. Instead, go to System Settings > General > Software Update to install any system updates. Otherwise, hold down the power button for 10 seconds, then turn it back on after a few seconds. For those still on Intel-based Macs, it may also be beneficial to reset your Mac's SMC, PRAM, or NVRAM.
(Credit: Apple)5. Adjust Your Keyboard Settings
Certain software settings can cause your keyboard to behave erratically, even if they were intended to be beneficial. For example, if your keyboard's Repeat Delay setting is too short, pressing a key might type two or more characters. Head to your keyboard's settings by opening the Start menu and typing "Keyboard" into the search field. Click the Control Panel entry to view the Keyboard Properties window, click the Speed tab, and then alter the setting to see if it helps.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)If, on the other hand, you notice a delay between pressing a key and that character appearing on screen, you may want to adjust the Filter Keys setting. In Windows 11, open Settings > Accessibility (Ease of Access in Windows 10). Is the Filter Keys option enabled? If so, toggle it off to see if it helps. Similarly, make sure Sticky Keys is also turned off in this menu.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)6. Change Your Keyboard Layout
If your keyboard keys work but produce different letters than the keys indicate, it's possible your language or keyboard layout got changed accidentally (or someone has pulled a decades-old prank). Open Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region. Head down to your list of languages and click on the one you want to use—for most US users it'll be English (United States)—then click the three-dot menu and choose Language options). Make sure US QWERTY is available under Keyboards on the next page, and remove any layouts you aren't using.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)7. Go Viral
If none of the above solutions solve the problem, it's possible that your keyboard is the victim of a virus. Run a malware scan by using one of our top antivirus protection picks.
8. Remove the Battery (If You Can)
Occasionally, a laptop's battery—which resides under the keyboard—can cause problems. If your laptop battery becomes swollen, for instance, it can push on other parts and prevent them from working properly. Take a look at the body of your laptop—are the seams bulging out? Is it sitting unevenly?
If your laptop has a removable battery, shut down the laptop, remove it, then plug in the power cable and try to boot the laptop using only the power cord. If the keyboard only works when the battery is removed, you may need your battery replaced. (Just be sure to get an official battery from the laptop's manufacturer—we don't recommend third-party laptop batteries for safety reasons).
9. Reseat Bad Connections
Have you recently dropped your laptop? It happens to us all, but sometimes the keyboard loses connection with the laptop's motherboard, resulting in a keyboard that either works intermittently or not at all. If you're an IT pro, removing the outer case and reconnecting the ribbon cable on the bottom of the keyboard should be child's play. If not, check your laptop manufacturer's site for disassembly instructions so you can reconnect it. If you're not comfortable doing this, bring it to a service depot so a professional can take a look at it.
10. Defective Keyboard
If you're still in your warranty period, try your laptop manufacturer's tech support line. If they determine you're using a defective keyboard, you should be able to get it replaced at a service location without too much hassle. However, before you send your laptop in or surrender it to a service tech, it's always advisable to back up your data.
Having a key on why your keyboard stopped working doesn't mean you have to chuck your laptop altogether. The fixes above should address the majority of possible issues, but if you can't get it to work, use a USB keyboard or wireless keyboard for now and get your laptop looked at by a professional when you have time.