Laptop Keyboard Not Typing Letters? Try These 5 Solutions

Jul. 23, 2023 / Updated by Eloise to Windows 10

Whether at home or at work, the importance of the keyboard is unlikely to be ignored, and any keyboard error may cause a great deal of inconvenience. For example, we have previously introduced some common issues, involving keyboard not responding, typing randomly, typing lagtyping wrong characterssome keys not working and etc. Today's post will focus on how to fix a laptop keyboard that won't type. In such case, you can use the shortcuts but you are unable to type letters.

1. Why my laptop keyboard won’t type?

  • Physical damage. For example, if a key is stuck in the pressed position, it may prevent other keys from being pressed.

  • Num Lock or Function Lock is on: Sometimes the keyboard may seem like it’s not typing letters, but it’s because the Num Lock or Function Lock is enabled. These are special modes that change the function of some keys, such as turning the letter keys into number keys or activating shortcuts.

  • Wrong regional settings: If your keyboard is typing symbols or characters that don’t match the ones on the keys, it may be because your regional settings are incorrect. This can happen if you have changed your language or keyboard layout settings, or if your system has been infected by malware.

  • Dirt and dust: Dust and dirt can accumulate under the keys and block the contact between the key and the circuit board. You can try cleaning your keyboard with a soft brush, compressed air, or a damp cloth.

  • The computer is frozen: If the computer or an app is frozen or locked up, you won’t be able to type.

  • Software or driver problems: Your keyboard driver or some other software issue may be preventing the keyboard from working.

2. How to troubleshoot malfunctioning keyboard?

Fix 1: Disable the Sticky and Filter keys

If your keyboard seems to work but is behaving unexpectedly and doesn’t type the keys you are pressing, you may be able to fix it by disabling sticky, filter, and toggle keys. These are accessibility features that can help users who have difficulty using the keyboard. However, they can also interfere with normal typing if they are turned on accidentally. To disable these features, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Windows Settings and select Ease of accessKeyboard. Then disable Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys.

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Step 2: Restart your computer and check if your keyboard works normally.

Fix 2: Update keyboard driver

If your laptop keyboard is not working due to a software or driver issue, you may need to update your keyboard driver. The simplest way to update your keyboard driver is to use a tool like Driver Talent. This is a professional driver updater that can scan your computer for any driver issues and update them automatically. No matter you have outdated or corrupted drivers, it can fix them without hassle. Technical skills are not important if you download Driver Talent to enjoy auto upgrade or repair drivers with one-click and monitor driver status at any time. To use Driver Talent, follow these steps:

Download Driver Talent

Step 1: Launch Driver Talent and click on Scan to detect any driver problems on your computer.

launch-driver-talent-and-click-scan.jpg

Step 2: Click on Update next to your keyboard driver to download and install the latest version.

driver-talent-helps-update-drivers.png

Step 3: Restart your computer and check if your keyboard works properly.

Fix 3: Run keyboard troubleshooter

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Select Keyboard, click on Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

run-keyboard-troubleshooter.jpg

Step 3: Restart your computer and check if your keyboard works correctly.

Fix 4: Check your keyboard connection

If you’re using an extra USB or wireless keyboard, you may need to check your keyboard connection to make sure it is not loose or faulty. Sometimes, a simple reconnection can fix the problem of laptop keyboard not typing letters.

If you’re using a USB keyboard, try unplugging it and plugging it back in. If that doesn’t work, try plugging it into a different USB port or into a different computer to see if that works. You can also check to see if a different USB cable works if your keyboard uses a detachable USB cable.

If you’re using a wireless keyboard, make sure it has enough battery power or is fully charged. You can also try replacing the batteries or using a different set of batteries if possible. Additionally, make sure the wireless receiver is plugged in securely and is not blocked by any objects or interference.

Don’t forget to restart your computer and check if your keyboard works normally.

Fix 5: Reset the keyboard language 

Step 1: Go to Settings > Devices > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings.

reset-keyboard-language.jpg

Step 2: Select your preferred language and remove the langua you do not use.


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