Keyboard not working: fixes to try

Make sure the computer is awake and the text field has focus. Click into a simple text editor rather than relying on a browser page that may be intercepting keys. Try the Caps Lock or Num Lock indicator if your keyboard has one; a light that changes shows that at least some communication is reaching the computer.

If only some keys fail, note which ones. A row of failures often points to a damaged membrane or a connector inside the keyboard. A single dead key may be dirt, a worn switch, or a broken trace. A key that repeats by itself suggests a stuck switch or a software repeat setting.

Try a different app. If the keyboard works in a text editor but not in a game or a remote desktop window, the keyboard itself may be fine. Check whether the app has a keyboard capture mode, a different input method, or a shortcut conflict.

For a wired keyboard, unplug it and inspect the cable for cuts or bent connectors. Try another USB port, preferably one directly on the computer rather than a hub. If the keyboard uses USB-C, try flipping the connector or using a different cable that supports data as well as power.

A USB hub can be the problem even when other devices work through it. Move the keyboard to a direct port and test again. If the keyboard has a detachable cable, replace the cable temporarily. A cable that charges a phone may not carry data reliably.

For a wireless keyboard, charge it or replace the batteries. Check the receiver in another port; for Bluetooth, remove the pairing and pair it again. Keep the receiver away from USB 3 devices and metal surfaces that can cause interference.

Confirm that the correct keyboard layout is selected. A layout mismatch does not usually make every key fail, but it can make punctuation and letters appear wrong. Check the input language in the system settings and remove layouts you do not use.

Look at the accessibility settings. Sticky Keys can latch a modifier after a single press. Filter Keys can ignore brief or repeated presses. Toggle Keys can add sounds. If any of these were enabled by accident, turn them off and test the keyboard again.

On a laptop, check whether a function key or keyboard lock has disabled part of the built-in keyboard. Consult the laptop manual rather than guessing.

A driver problem can appear after a system update or a hardware change. On Windows, open Device Manager, find the keyboard, and choose to uninstall the device. Restart the computer so the driver can reinstall. On macOS, check for system updates and test the keyboard in another user account.

If the keyboard has configuration software, check whether a profile or macro is remapping keys. Reset it to the default profile and test again.

Turn off and unplug the keyboard before cleaning. Remove loose dust with compressed air and a soft brush. For a mechanical keyboard, remove the keycap over a faulty key and check for debris. Do not spray liquid cleaner into the keyboard.

If a key is stuck down, press it repeatedly to see whether it releases. A sticky residue from a drink can hold a key down. If the key feels different from its neighbours, the switch may be worn or damaged. A mechanical switch can sometimes be replaced; a membrane keyboard usually cannot be repaired economically.

Use a keyboard tester to see which keys the browser receives. It will not diagnose a hardware fault by itself, but it can confirm a dead key or a stuck key before you take the keyboard apart.

If the keyboard fails on another computer, after a cable or battery change, and after cleaning, assume the hardware is faulty. Check the warranty before opening the case. A mechanical keyboard may be worth repairing if the problem is one switch or a detachable cable. A membrane keyboard with several failed keys is usually a replacement.

When you replace it, test the new keyboard in the same ports. If the new keyboard also fails, the problem was likely the computer, the cable or the setup.

If you only need to check typing speed, use the typing test.