If your keyboard is not working properly, such as seeing different characters than you are typing or some other problem, there are several steps you can take to resolve the problem.
Keyboard problems occur regularly. This guide provides solutions to the most common keyboard problems I encounter on a regular basis. I hope these solutions work for you too.
How to fix keyboard problems in Windows 11 or Windows 10
Keys do not respond
When you press a key and the keyboard does not respond, this can be caused by various factors. There may be hardware problems, such as defects in the keyboard itself such as loose keys, or dirt or dust that has accumulated under the keys could also be the cause of the problem. In addition, software problems, such as a slow or unresponsive operating system or conflicting software, can prevent the keyboard from functioning properly.
You can try the following to resolve the problem.
- Make sure the keyboard is properly connected to your computer. If you are using a wireless keyboard, make sure it is paired properly and the batteries are not dead.
- Try turning off and disconnecting the keyboard (if possible). Use a can of compressed air to blow dirt and dust from under the keys. Be careful not to damage the keyboard.
- Try restarting your computer to see if this solves the problem. Sometimes a simple restart can fix these types of keyboard problems.
- Also check if there are any updates available for your operating system or keyboard drivers and install them.
- If the problem persists, try connecting the keyboard to another computer to determine if the problem is with the keyboard or with the computer.
Keyboard settings have been changed
Sometimes the layout of your keyboard changes inadvertently, causing confusion when the letters or characters that appear on the screen don't match the keys you press. This problem often occurs when a keyboard shortcut is accidentally used that changes the keyboard layout, or when some software changes the keyboard layout.
You can try the following to resolve the problem.
- Often the keyboard layout can be changed with a keyboard shortcut, such as Alt + Shift or Ctrl + Shift on Windows computers. Being aware of these shortcuts can help you avoid unintended changes in the future. Using this key combination again can restore the original keyboard settings.
- Sometimes third party software can affect the keyboard settings. Check if any new software has been recently installed that could be causing this problem and adjust the settings.
- In the next article you can read how to use the add or change keyboard layout.
Keyboard types wrong letters or characters
If you notice that your keystrokes do not match what appears on your screen, it may be because the keyboard settings have been accidentally changed, for example from a QWERTY to an AZERTY layout, or because your system's language settings have been adjusted. This can lead to confusion and typos, especially if you are used to a specific keyboard layout.
You can try the following to resolve the problem.
- To switch keyboard layouts, press the Windows + Spacebar key combination on your keyboard. Check whether the correct keyboard layout is now active.
- Also switch between another language windows by changing the language.
- It is possible that software or keyboard shortcuts have changed the keyboard or language settings without your knowledge. Be aware of such keyboard shortcuts and software behavior to avoid accidental changes in the future.
Keyboard doesn't work at all
If you notice that your keyboard is not recognized at all by Windows 11 or 10, this may indicate a problem with the USB connection, the wireless keyboard connection, the keyboard drivers, or possibly a defective keyboard.
You can try the following to resolve the problem.
- Make sure the keyboard is properly connected to your computer. Try plugging the keyboard into a different USB port to see if that solves the problem. If you are using a USB hub, try connecting the keyboard directly to the computer to rule out any issues with the hub.
- If you have a wireless keyboard, check whether the USB receiver in the computer is connected correctly, or try a different USB port for this wireless receiver. This checks whether the wireless keyboard still has enough power, for example, is the battery empty?
- Visit Device management in Windows and look for the keyboard in the list of devices. If there is a yellow exclamation mark next to it, it may indicate a problem with the drivers. Right-click on the keyboard and click “Update Driver” to see if any new updates are available.
- If updating the drivers does not solve the problem, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the keyboard drivers. You can do this from the Device Manager by right-clicking on the keyboard, selecting “Remove device” and then restarting the computer. Windows will then automatically try to reinstall the drivers.
- Sometimes a simple restart of the computer can fix the problem, especially if the problem is caused by a temporary software glitch.
- To determine if the problem is with the keyboard or with your computer, you can connect the keyboard to another computer. If the keyboard doesn't work there either, it's probably defective.
- If you suspect the keyboard is defective, check for visible damage or try contacting the manufacturer for further support or warranty replacement.
Stuck keys
If you notice that your keyboard is exhibiting strange behavior, such as keys that seem to get stuck or perform unintended actions, there are two possible causes. First, the Sticky Keys feature, an accessibility option designed to simplify keyboard use by allowing users to activate modifier keys such as Shift, Ctrl, Alt, or the Windows key with one button press instead of pressing them simultaneously pressed and held down may have been accidentally turned on. Second, physical problems such as dirt or wear and tear can cause keys to stick.
You can try the following to resolve the problem.
- Press the Shift key five times in quick succession to open a dialog box where you can can disable sticky keys.
- Disconnect the keyboard and use compressed air to clean the keys. Aim the nozzle close to the edges of the stuck keys and blow to loosen dirt, dust, and crumbs stuck under the keys. Some keyboards allow you to gently remove the keys to clean underneath. Consult your keyboard manual to see if this is possible and how to do it safely.
Keyboard delay
If you notice a noticeable delay between the time you press a key and the action being displayed on your screen, this could indicate software or hardware performance issues. This phenomenon, often referred to as input lag, can significantly impact your user experience, especially when performing tasks that require quick responses, such as typing or gaming.
You can try the following to resolve the problem.
- Make sure your keyboard is connected correctly. If you are using a wired keyboard, try a different USB port. For wireless keyboards, check the battery status and wireless connection.
- Also test the keyboard on another computer to rule out hardware problems.
- Restart your computer.
Related: Keyboard not working when logging in in Windows 11 or 10
Keyboard backlight does not work
If you have a laptop or an external keyboard used with backlight and you notice that the lights are going out, this problem can often be attributed to software settings or hardware problems. The backlight is crucial for typing in dimly lit environments, and its failure can significantly affect your work or gaming experience.
You can try the following to resolve the problem.
- Many laptops and some external keyboards let you adjust or disable the backlight using a function key – often Fn + a specific key such as F5 or F6. Make sure you haven't accidentally turned off the keyboard backlight.
- Some operating systems and laptops have power saving settings that can turn off the backlight to save energy. Check the power management settings of your system and adjust it to prevent the lights from turning off automatically.
- Outdated or corrupt keyboard drivers can cause backlight problems. Visit your laptop or keyboard manufacturer's website to download and install the latest drivers.
- Sometimes conflicting applications or settings can affect the backlight performance. Consider uninstalling or disabling recently installed software to see if this resolves the problem.
- Also restart your laptop or computer.
These were the most common keyboard problems in Windows. I hope to have informed you with this. Thank you for reading!
Read more: Troubleshooters in Windows 11.