PC keyboards are not inexpensive. If you splurged extra money on a premium mechanical keyboard, you want it to last for a good number of years. Hardware issues on a premium keyboard are uncommon, but there are other things that can go wrong, leading to functional issues. If you’re facing something similar, you have landed on the right page. Today, we bring you the top 7 ways to fix a keyboard if it is not working.

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Why is my keyboard not working?

If your keyboard stopped working all of a sudden, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

• Connection cables are damaged.
• The battery is discharged.
• Accumulation of dust and grime under the keys.
• The drivers are out of date or improperly installed.
• Your PC is frozen due to a software issue.
• The app you’re typing in is malfunctioning.

Restart your PC

Before you move on to more advanced fixes, give your PC a quick reboot. This will resolve any background software glitches that may be causing the keyboard to malfunction. Restarting your PC should be the first step you take in fixing any issue. Move on to other methods if this doesn’t fix the keyboard.

Check if the keyboard is connected to the PC

Locate the power switch on your wireless keyboard and make sure it is turned on. If your keyboard supports multiple connections, make sure it is not connected to any other device. If you’re having trouble with a wired PC, check its cable for any damage. Use your keyboard with another PC to make sure whether the fault lies with the keyboard or the PC.

Open a different text field or app

If you’re facing keyboard troubles in a particular program (for example Google Docs or Microsoft Word), open another app (like Notepad) with a text field and check if the keyboard works on it. If it doesn’t it means the fault lies with your keyboard and not the app.

Clean the keyboard

Over a period of time, dust and grime can collect under the keys, leading to the switches or the membrane not functioning correctly. In this case, you need to clean your keyboard thoroughly. If the keys on your keyboards come out, use a tool to dislodge them and wipe the area under them with a clean cloth. You can even use a brush to unsettle the dirt and then gently tap the keyboard against a solid surface to get rid of it. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the frame of the device.

Turn off Filter Keys

Step 1: Open Control Panel and select Ease of Access.

Step 2: Click on Make the keyboard easier to use.

Step 3: De-select Turn on Filter keys.

Step 4: Click on Apply and then save your changes by clicking on Ok.

Update or reinstall keyboard drivers

If your keyboard drivers are out of date, you will need to update them to fix the device. If your keyboard started malfunctioning after updating the drivers, they may have been installed incorrectly. Uninstall and reinstall them if that’s the case.

Step 1: Type in Device Manager in the search bar at the bottom left corner of your screen and select it.

Step 2: Click on Keyboard to expand the section.

Step 3: Right-click on the keyboard listed on the list and select Update driver. Follow the onscreen instructions and the driver will be updated.

Disable fast startup

Step 1: Launch the Control Panel and select Hardware and Sound.

Step 2: Click on Power Options.

Step 3: Select Choose what power buttons do from the side menu.

Step 4: Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.

Step 5: De-select Turn on fast startup and save changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I fix my keyboard if it isn’t working?

Clean your keyboard, make sure its drivers are updated, and check its connection with the PC if it stops typing.

How do I turn off the keyboard lock on my laptop?

Press the function key and hit the F key with the keyboard icon on it.

How do I disable Filter Keys on my PC?

Go to Control Panel>Ease of Access>Change how keyboard works, deselect ‘Turn on filter keys’ and apply the settings.

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Conclusion

These are the top 7 ways to fix your keyboard if it is not working. If the issue is related to the hardware, you will need to take your keyboard to an authorised repair centre. Looking to buy a new gaming keyboard? Here are your best options under Rs 15,000.

The post PC Keyboard not working? Try these 7 fixes (2024) appeared first on Gadget Bridge by Utkarsh Joshi.