When the keyboard of your laptop has suddenly become non functional do not panic. It’s more common than you think. You don’t need to buy a new laptop or spend a lot to fix it. If your keys stick, don’t respond, or your laptop keyboard is not working, try these steps to fix the problem. This way, you might not need to buy a new keyboard.
This guide will cover everything you need to know. It includes the basics of diagnosis and when to seek outside help.
1. Restart Your Laptop First
It may be simple, yet a restart may fix the temporary glitches. A software conflict may be the reason that your keyboard is not functioning, or the system is taking too long to respond. The rebooting of the system updated all the drivers and cleared minor bugs.
- If you still have touchpad working, save your job by closing from menu and restart.
- If your entire system is frozen you can try to force it to shut down by holding the power button for about 5-10 seconds then turn it back on.
If your keyboard starts working again after the restart, it was likely a temporary issue.
2. Check for Dust, Debris, or Damage
There are situations when the problem can be mechanical. In case of keys that could only work intermittently, they can be clogged up with dust or crumbs or any other debris.
- Power off the laptop completely.
- Gently shake it upside down to dislodge any loose particles.
- Use compressed air to blow between the keys.
Avoid liquid cleaners, and be careful not to press too hard while cleaning. If keys feel sticky or soft, you may have had a spill, in which case internal cleaning may be needed.
3. Try an External Keyboard
In order to know whether it is a hardware or software problem, simply plug in a USB connection or wireless keyboard to the laptop.
If the external keyboard works fine, your laptop’s keyboard may be damaged or disconnected inside.
- If it doesn’t work either, your operating system or drivers may be the problem.
This quick check can save time and help you isolate the root cause.
4. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
One of the most widespread sources of keyboard issues, in particular, after system update, is the presence of either corrupted or outdated drivers.
To check or reinstall drivers:
- Right-click on Start and then select Device Manager.
- Your Keyboards should be expanded.
- Select your laptop keyboard with the right mouse > select Update driver.
- Another ways through which you can solve this is by uninstalling the driver and restarting your laptop. The right driver will be installed automatically with the help of Windows.
Keeping Windows fully updated can also solve compatibility issues.
5. Disable Sticky or Filter Keys
Accessible settings remind you to check your accessibility settings when your keyboard is acting weird, such as slowing down, failing to record every keystroke, or displaying the wrong character(s).
Go to:
Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard
Turn off options like:
- Sticky Keys
- Filter Keys
- Toggle Keys
These functions are beneficial to certain users but it can disrupt writing when a user has hit these buttons unintentionally.
6. Check in BIOS
Reboot your laptop and there is a chance to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. This is normally accomplished by clicking such keys as F2, F10, ESC or DEL as soon as it comes out.
In the event that the keyboard does not respond during BIOS as well, the problem must be surely related to hardware.
In case it functions properly in BIOS and not in windows, then it is software or driver problem.
7. Boot in Safe Mode
This is because booting your system in Safe Mode loads only basic drivers and can assist you to know whether third party software is causing keyboard issues.
To enter Safe Mode:
- Hold Shift while clicking Restart.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
- Choose to boot into Safe Mode.
When the keyboard functions in Safe Mode, uninstall recent software or updates and you can see whether this was the cause of conflict.
8. Perform System Restore
In case your keyboard just recently ceased to work, restore your system to a point when everything has been all right with the help of Windows System Restore.
- Type System Restore in the search bar.
- Follow the steps to restore to a previous point.
This is not related to the personal files and can delete recent drivers or updates that possibly caused the problem.
9. Internal Cable Disconnection or Hardware Damage
The keyboard is attached to the motherboard inside part of your laptop, through a small ribbon cable. With time, at least when opening and closing it regularly, this cable may become loose.
Unluckily, verifying this necessitates opening the machine, and it is only advisable in case you feel free taking delicate electronic items- or, technically, an expert.
10. When to Call a Professional
Provided that none of these solutions helps, you may have physical or circuit board damage to your keyboard. This is normal when there has been water damage, overheating or impact.
A certified repairman is able to test the keyboard connection, and individual keys, and even replace the keyboard where necessary.
You can find local assistance in Dubai or any other metro area just by searching for specific search phrases such as laptop keyboard repair Dubai, laptop keyboard repair, laptop repair in Dubai, etc.
Final Thoughts
It is annoying when the keyboard on a laptop stops working; however, it is not necessarily a disaster. You now have it all the way to diagnosing a much deeper underlying hardware problem through hardware diagnostics and updates of drivers and simpler restores.
If everything fails, getting professional help can restore your laptop’s usefulness. This way, you avoid wasting money on other methods that may not work. The prompt intervention can solve the existing issue, and avoid more serious problems in the future.
