Is your keyboard unresponsive? You may be wondering ‘why does my desktop keyboard not work’? and the answer is usually a software or hardware problem. To get to the root of any problem especially with a keyboard your main objective is to go directly to the source of what is causing the problem instead of its symptoms.
The reason why your keyboard may be malfunctioning could be due to one of several causes. Solutions can range from hardware repair to simply cleaning the keyboard with proper equipment designed to clean keyboards. Here is a list of 10 reasons as answering the puzzling question of: ‘why does my desktop keyboard not work?’
10 Reasons Why Your Desktop Keyboard Does Not Work
1) You may need to update or reinstall the keyboard drivers
2) Adjust the settings on your device for the keyboard
3) Power issues on keyboard or device connected to the keyboard
4) Third party software/hardware that may or may not be compatible
5) Checking and maintaining proper keyboard hygiene
6) Search and perform a diagnosis on the keyboard or device the keyboard is connected to for viruses and malware that may be potentially harmful or prohibiting the use of keyboard
7) If the keyboard or device has a removable battery try removing the battery and reinstalling it
8) Use the BIOS built-in core processor (if you are using a PC) which will tell you upon running
diagnostics of your system if the keyboard is connected or unresponsive.
9) Try using an external keyboard
10) Simply unplug or disconnect the keyboard, make sure it’s dry, and try reconnecting to the device.
I will go over each solution and how it may resolve your current issue with your keyboard.
1) You may need to simply update or reinstall the keyboard drivers and this process isn’t complicated at all. If you are using a PC (laptop or desktop computer) you can check for updates or pending installations by going to your settings and on your settings search bar type in: ‘Updates’ (some devices it may appear slightly differently, however the process is essentially the same).
Upon clicking ‘Updates’ you can see if your device needs an update to accept your keyboard. Some devices require an update to keep up with versions of products on the current market and to further enable connectivity to your device(s).
2) Adjusting the settings on your device for your keyboard may be the solution you need. To adjust the settings on your device simply go into settings, and type in the word keyboard in the search bar. This will prompt you to the location in your settings where your keyboard can be adjusted and from there you can personalize your keyboard settings.
3) Power issues on the keyboard or the device the keyboard may be connected to may be the cause of the problem. This is more of a technical problem and may require a technical support team member from the company who owns the product, however there are still some things in your power you can do to resolve your issue before contacting technical support.
The first thing we would recommend you do is unplug the keyboard to make sure the USB port is dry and then plug back in the keyboard you are using to your device. If the keyboard is wireless you want to be sure it has a fully functioning battery and is charged to be ready to use. Missing components can result in malfunction which can cause the keyboard to have issues connecting to your device(s).
4) Third party software/hardware that may or may not be compatible is one of the main reasons why keyboards can have problems connecting to a device. Sometimes using third party software/hardware which is using a keyboard that isn’t directly from the company device you are using can have you running into some errors.
Most keyboards and devices are able to connect to each other flawlessly despite being from a different company using, however not all can connect via a USB cable.
When using third party software or hardware we recommend switching to the Bluetooth option to connect (if applicable) and resolve the issue. We also encourage users to use keyboards to their corresponding company technologies as this ensures greater connectivity with smoother transitioning. Apple to Apple, Windows to Windows.
5) Checking and maintaining proper hygiene of your keyboard is perhaps the most essential part of keyboard functionality. In order for your keyboard to operate to its full capacity you want to keep it clean, free of dirt or dust and other factors that may prohibit function in your keyboard.
Using proper equipment such as a dry cloth can help you get rid of the dust that may be accumulated on the keys of the keyboard. Keep your keyboard clean and intact (no missing keys, letters, numbers, etc..) as this ensures that the problem of your keyboard connectivity is not due to a hygiene issue.
6) Search and perform a diagnosis on the keyboard or device the keyboard is connected to for viruses and malware that may be potentially harmful and restrict your use of the keyboard. A virus or malware can have some mild or serious consequence on your device if not handled properly and timely. Sometimes a malware or bug can be injected into your device’s software through risky emails or websites you may have visited in the past.
The effects can range from a mild calendar spamming to a serious control of your device to the point where you have limited or no access to your device and as a result cannot use it the way you intend to.
With that being said, if you have a device that is infected with malware it is best to make sure the device is free from it to allow you to regain control over your device you want to connect your keyboard to.
7) If the keyboard or device has a removable battery try to remove the battery and reinstall it. To remove a battery from any device you first want to make sure that everything in the device you are taking the battery out from is turned completely off.
You want your device off to ensure when restarting the device that there is no corrupted data or a short on the power. It is generally advised to wait about 30 seconds before putting the battery back in place before starting the keyboard or device. Once the battery is back in place you can restart the device and connect the keyboard.
8) Use the BIOS built-in core processor (if you are using a PC) which will display diagnostics of your system if the keyboard is connected or unresponsive. A BIOS is the Basic Input Output System that is built inside your computer which is essentially responsible for booting and rebooting up the systems in your computer.
This can provide you with information on your computer ranging from hardware, software, CPU (central processing unit), network disk, memory, devices connected and other essential functions for your computer to run smoothly. To access your BIOS simply go into settings on your device and search for diagnostics as this will tell you what is connected to your device and how it is currently operating.
Another way to access BIOS is by pressing a specific key on your device which will be displayed as you reboot your device. Not all devices show this, however depending on your device you can search on Google to see the exact instructions on how to view your device’s BIOS as every device can be slightly different.
Here are some important notes to consider: if you can access your device’s BIOS the issue here might be software related, but if you cannot enter your BIOS then most likely you have an issue with the hardware in your device.
9) Try using an external keyboard. Using another keyboard might be a last resort option for people with keyboards that may not function properly. To some this may be unfortunate, however when using another keyboard (especially if its new) it will eliminate the possibility that the keyboard is faulty and that the problem has to do with the keyboard itself.
If the problem still persists you may want to contact technical support so they can guide you through a process of calibrating the keyboard and/or the device as well. It’s possible to use a different device and keyboard all together only if absolutely necessary.
10) Simply unplug or disconnect the keyboard, make sure it is dry, and try reconnecting to the device. Sometimes certain problems require easy and simple solutions like this one. While it may sound obvious to choose this method and it is probably the first thing you tried doing, there is a technical approach to this you may have not known.
There is a restarting process for most keyboards and PC with USB ports that involves 5 steps: The first step is to go ahead and unplug your keyboard from your device. The second step is while the keyboard is unplugged use your left hand to hold down the ESC key (should be located at the top left corner of your device).
In the third step while holding down the ESC key, plug the keyboard back into the device. The fourth step is to wait a few seconds (10 to 15 seconds at most), and the fifth step is to wait and see for a flash that will begin lighting if the resetting of the keyboard has been successful.
If after all of these methods you still find difficulty and ask ‘why does my keyboard not work’, maybe it is best to call a technical support member from the company that produces the keyboard so that they may better assist you in providing the service or product you need to get your keyboard functioning as good as new.
Again, the answer is usually a software or hardware problem that needs correction. I hope this article is extremely useful to you in times of need so that you may be able to type again!
