You every browse the web on your laptop when all of the sudden you can’t type? You may even ask, ‘Why does my laptop keyboard not work?’ We will reveal why!
Both laptop and desktop keyboards may unexpectedly stop operating for various reasons. Even if it doesn’t happen often, the keyboard’s backlighting or specific keys may stop working (based on the circumstances). It could be due to a faulty keyboard driver, incorrect settings, or maybe because you need a complete keyboard cleaning.
Don’t worry if you don’t know why your keyboard has stopped functioning. Here is a complete list of things that could be wrong with your keyboard and why your laptop keyboard is not working.
9 Top Reasons Why Your Laptop Keyboard is Not Working
1. Connection Problems
How can I identify keyboard connection problems?
If your laptop keyboard is randomly disconnecting and reconnecting, it may have a poor connection to its motherboard. Improper connection will be one of the most typical problems you may experience.
Occasionally, keyboards become inoperable due to connection failure. In some instances, your keyboard may stop operating entirely. A loose ribbon cable typically causes this issue. Switch off your computer, disconnect and reconnect the keyboard cable from the port to solve this issue.
If you’re not an expert or don’t feel comfortable fixing yourself, you should skip this procedure entirely. Instead, you should seek the help of a computer expert to resolve this issue.
2. Keyboard Driver Issues
What causes keyboard driver issues?
One of the most prevalent causes of a non-functioning keyboard is defective keyboard drivers. Typically, this problem occurs when you install third-party software that significantly affects the performance of your keyboard driver.
Additionally, failing to use the shutdown command when shutting down your computer might also lead to this problem.
3. Dirty Keyboard
Can dirt cause my laptop keyboard to malfunction?
When dust, oil, and other particles accumulate on your laptop’s keyboard, your laptop keyboard will stop working. This problem typically affects individuals who overlook computer maintenance.
Like most other equipment, a computer keyboard requires adequate care for optimal condition and functioning. In addition, cleaning a computer keyboard is among the most demanding procedures because it requires examining tiny keys and gaps.
4. Faulty Keyboard
Can I fix a faulty laptop keyboard?
If your keyboard is faulty, no amount of troubleshooting will fix it. Returning your laptop to the store from whence you purchased it is the best course of action. As long as you have a valid warranty, repairing your laptop keyboard is easy.
However, ensure that you have a hard drive backup or remove it before taking your computer to the store for repairs. A backup will ensure that your files are not lost when replacing the hardware. It’s always best to be on the safe side.
5. Damaged Laptop Battery
Can a damaged laptop battery affect the keyboard?
Absolutely Yes. There have been reports of laptop keyboard buttons malfunctioning due to a problem with the laptop’s battery. If you’re experiencing a problem with your laptop’s keyboard, you may want to remove its battery and plug it directly into a power source.
The laptop’s battery is right under the keyboard and trackpad most of the time. If the laptop battery is damaged or swollen, it may prevent the keyboard and trackpad keys from functioning normally by pressing against them. You may even see duplicate presses from time to time.
6. Physical Damage
What happens if I spill water on my keyboard?
If you spill water or other liquids on your keyboard, the keys might stop working correctly. If it’s a sticky or salty drink, this could be a problem for a long time. But if it’s just pure water, as long as it evaporates quickly and thoroughly, you should be able to use your keyboard again.
Use a canned-air blower to force water out of the keys, then let the keyboard air-dry. Placing it in generally warm and dry environments can assist speed the process up. Make sure the keyboard has dried thoroughly before using it.
You can also pry up stuck keys by putting a fingernail underneath the top edge of the stuck key and gently pushing up while pressing down on the bottom. The key should pop up and open, exposing the underside of the lock.
Use a moist (not wet) cloth to carefully clean as much sticky residue as possible. Then examine the push button mechanism to ensure that it is operating correctly. Then, replace the keycap and press it firmly into position.
7. Firmware Problems
Can firmware problems affect my laptop’s keyboard?
Issues with the firmware or low-level hardware might cause a keyboard malfunction. In some instances, this is due to improper keyboard PRAM settings, and in others, USB ports may stop functioning due to faulty SMC settings.
Some laptop keyboards and trackpads share a USB bus with a single external USB connector. In rare instances, this may cause interference with USB devices plugged into that port; therefore, you should consider disconnecting USB devices. In addition to the firmware settings, ensure that you have installed the latest firmware on your laptop.
8. Wrong Keyboard Settings
Why is my keyboard typing numbers instead of letters?
A “number lock” setting on laptop computers converts a part of the keyboard into a number pad. Most of the time, a keyboard shortcut controls it. If some of the letters on your computer keyboard turn into numbers, check if you accidentally turned on this setting.
9. Wrong Keyboard Layout
Why is my keyboard giving me different characters?
Different languages utilize alphabets and letters with accents determined by the operating system’s keyboard layout. A wrong keyboard layout selection could occur when installing the operating system.
If you hit a key on your laptop’s keyboard to type a specific character and a different character appears on the screen, your laptop may have selected the wrong keyboard layout.
Some users change their keyboard layouts unknowingly when messing around with the settings. If this is the case, you can revert to the correct format in the keyboard layout preferences.
Keyboards aren’t among the most delicate devices, and they don’t typically fail so quickly. You can keep using the same keyboard for as long as you want. However, several issues may hinder your keyboard from functioning correctly.
The goal is to identify the problems early and solve them in a relevant manner. That being said, maintaining and keeping your keyboard in top-notch condition is no easy task.
However, it is not impossible. Care and best practices are needed to keep your keyboard going for a long time. We hope this post has helped you understand why your laptop keyboard is not working as expected.
