Why Does My Keyboard Randomly Stop Working? (10 Top Reasons Why)

Does your keyboard ever act up and you ask yourself, “Why does my keyboard randomly stop working?” We got the top 10 reasons why keyboards do that!

Your keyboard may randomly stop working because of a hardware issue or because of a software issue, viruses, driver issues, or outdated firmware. There are several reasons why a keyboard may stop working.

Here are 10 of the most common reasons why your keyboard may randomly stop working on you:

10 Reasons Why Your Keyboard May Randomly Stop Working

1. Loose connections

One of the most common reasons for a keyboard to stop working is loose connections. If the keyboard is not properly plugged into the computer, it will not work. Check to make sure that the keyboard is plugged in securely.

Loose connections are as a result of accumulated dust and grime. Over time, these can cause the connections to loosen. Unplug the keyboard and use a can of compressed air to clean out the dirt and debris.

Also, check the USB port to ensure that it is not loose. If the port is loose, you may need to replace it.

2. Driver issues

Another common reason for a keyboard to stop working is driver issues. Drivers are the software that allows the keyboard to communicate with the computer. If the drivers are not up to date, the keyboard may not work properly.

To update your drivers, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers. Once the drivers have been installed, restart your computer. Also, wrong type of drivers installed can also cause the keyboard to stop working.

In such a case, you will need to uninstall the drivers and then reinstall the correct drivers.

3. Accumulated dust and debris

Over time, keyboards can accumulate a lot of dust and debris. This can prevent the keys from working properly. To clean your keyboard, unplug it and turn it upside down. Use a can of compressed air to blow away the dust and debris.

You can also use a vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment to remove the dirt and debris. To prevent the keyboard from getting dirty, use a keyboard cover.

4. Liquid spills

Another common reason for a keyboard to stop working is liquid spills. If you spill liquids on your keyboard, it can damage the circuit board and prevent the keys from working. To fix a keyboard that has been damaged by liquids, unplug it and turn it upside down.

Use a can of compressed air to blow away the liquid. Then, use a vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment to remove any remaining liquid.

Allow the keyboard to dry completely before plugging it back in. You can also use a hairdryer on the low setting to speed up the drying process.

5. Hardware issues

If the keyboard is not working, it could be due to hardware issues. One of the most common hardware issues is a defective key. If a key is not working, it may be because the circuit board underneath the key is damaged.

To fix a defective key, you will need to replace the key. Another common hardware issue is a defective circuit board. If the circuit board is damaged, you will need to replace it.

6. Firmware issues

Firmware is the software that runs on the keyboard itself. If the firmware is out of date, the keyboard may not work properly. To update the firmware, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest version.

Once the firmware has been installed, restart your computer. If some keys are not working, it may be because the firmware is corrupted. In this case, you will need to reinstall the firmware.

7. Wireless interference

If you are using a wireless keyboard, interference from other devices can cause the keyboard to stop working. To fix this issue, move the keyboard away from other devices that emit electromagnetic fields, such as microwaves and cordless phones.

 Also, make sure that the keyboard is not too far from the receiver. If the keyboard is still not working, try changing the batteries.

8. Outdated Software

If your keyboard stopped working after you installed new software, it is likely that the software is not compatible with your keyboard.

To fix this issue, uninstall the new software and reinstall the old software. The old software should be compatible with your keyboard.

9. Viruses

Viruses are another common reason for a keyboard to stop working. Viruses can damage the drivers, firmware, and software that allows the keyboard to work properly. To remove viruses from your computer, you will need to install an antivirus program and run a scan.

Once the viruses have been removed, restart your computer. If the virus has damaged the drivers, you will need to reinstall them.

10. Settings

If the keyboard is not working, it could be because of the settings. To fix this issue, go to the Control Panel and click on “Keyboard”. In the “Keyboard” window, make sure that the “Input Language” is set to English.

If it is not, change it to English and click “OK”. Next, go to the “Device Manager” and expand the “Keyboards” section. Double-click on the keyboard that you are using and click on the “Driver” tab. Click on “Update Driver” and follow the instructions.

Once the driver has been updated, restart your computer.

To prevent your keyboard from stopping working, you need to take care of it. Here are 7 helpful tips you can use:

Why Does My Keyboard Randomly Stop Working? Final Thoughts!

Keyboards can stop working for a variety of reasons, including hardware issues, firmware issues, wireless interference, outdated software, and viruses. If your keyboard has stopped working, try the solutions listed in this article to fix the problem.

Make sure to take care of your keyboard to prevent the issue from happening again in the future. The most common hardware issue is a defective key. If a key is not working, it may be because the circuit board underneath the key is damaged.

To fix a defective key, you will need to replace the key. Another common hardware issue is a defective circuit board. If the circuit board is damaged, you will need to replace it.