A malfunctioning keyboard can be incredibly frustrating. Luckily, there are several relatively simple solutions you can try to get your keyboard back up and running. From checking connections and restarting your computer to cleaning and updating drivers, this guide will walk you through the most common fixes for a keyboard that won’t type.
A person typing on a keyboard, connected to a Pixel Tablet.
Verify Your Typing Location
Before diving into troubleshooting, ensure you’re trying to type in the correct area. Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the keyboard itself, but rather with the application or field you’re trying to use. Double-click the desired text field to ensure it’s selected. If that doesn’t work, try typing in a different application, like a notepad document, to rule out a problem with the specific program you’re using.
Inspect Keyboard Connection
A loose or faulty connection is a common culprit for keyboard issues. For wired keyboards, check the USB cable. Try unplugging and firmly replugging it into a different USB port if necessary. For wireless keyboards, ensure they’re properly connected to your computer. Try toggling the wireless connection off and on.
A USB cable connected to the Corsair K70 LUX RGB keyboard.
For Bluetooth keyboards, try unpairing and re-pairing the device. The process is similar to connecting Bluetooth headphones. Also, don’t forget to check the battery level of your wireless keyboard. If it has backlighting, ensure it’s functioning, as this indicates power. Enabling the Caps Lock key and observing the indicator light can also help confirm if the keyboard is receiving input.
Reboot Your System
Rebooting your computer is a classic troubleshooting step that often resolves unexpected issues. Restarting your PC can sometimes fix software glitches that may be interfering with your keyboard’s functionality.
Keyboard Cleaning
Dust, debris, or spilled liquids can impede keyboard performance. While usually affecting individual keys, excessive dirt can render the entire keyboard unresponsive. Use compressed air to remove debris from under the keycaps. Keyboard brushes and vacuum cleaners (used cautiously) can also be helpful.
Someone cleaning a keyboard with a cotton swab.
For a deeper clean, remove the keycaps (taking a picture beforehand to remember their placement) and clean the contacts with isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel.
Driver Update
Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can also cause problems. Visit your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website to download the latest chipset drivers. For standalone keyboards, download the drivers from the manufacturer’s official website. For generic or laptop keyboards, use Windows Device Manager to update the drivers automatically.
Operating System Update
Keeping your operating system up-to-date is always recommended. While not directly related to keyboard drivers, system updates often include bug fixes that could resolve unforeseen issues affecting keyboard functionality.
Malware Scan
Malware can sometimes cause unusual computer behavior, including keyboard malfunctions. Ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date and run a full system scan. Reboot your computer after the scan to see if the keyboard issue is resolved.
Conclusion
A non-responsive keyboard can disrupt your workflow, but the solutions are often straightforward. By systematically checking connections, cleaning your keyboard, updating drivers and software, and performing a malware scan, you can likely pinpoint and fix the problem. If none of these solutions work, the issue might be a hardware fault requiring professional repair or replacement.
