Why is my keyboard not working properly?

Isn’t it frustrating when, all of a sudden, your keyboard just stops working? Well, don't you worry; it does happen to the best of us, and mostly the fix is easier than you think. Whether your keyboard is wired, wireless, or laptop-built-in, here are a few common reasons why it may give you trouble.

Maybe something as simple as a loose connection or a dead battery in your wireless keyboard is all that's required to be fixed. Perhaps your computer just needs to be restarted to get rid of some temporary glitch. On the other hand, your system drivers might need updating or some speck of dirt might have lodged under your keys, making them act up.

Before you freak out and run to the store to buy another, let's try to do some simple troubleshooting to get your keyboard up and working again. We have got you covered, from the quickest of checks to some more involved repairs.

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Low Battery or Dead Charge (Wireless Keyboards):

Number one for wireless keyboards: a dead battery. We've been there, too. Before jumping into the more technical fixes, keep in mind that all your keyboard needs might be a little juice or a new set of batteries. If your mouse is working wirelessly but your keyboard isn't, that's a pretty good sign that it's a problem with the battery. Give it a recharge and see if it springs back to life.

Loose Connections or Wrong Port:

If you are using a wired keyboard, don't look past the obvious: a loose connection or wrong USB port. Try unplugging it and plugging it into another port. Sometimes all that's needed is just a change. You can even test it with another computer to rule out whether it is the port or the keyboard itself.

Accidental damage or dirt build up:

These include things like crumbs falling between the keys or a glass of spilt coffee during those late night work sessions. If your keyboard is not functioning properly or some of the keys do not respond, dirt or liquid may be at fault. Sometimes a quick shake to dislodge crumbs or carefully wiping around the keys with a cloth may fix the problem. Should the grime be more substantial, one positive way is using compressed air to clean out debris.

Software Glitches or Updates:

Sometimes, the latest system update for your computer can cause your peripherals-yes, that's keyboards, too-to malfunction. If the issue had come out of nowhere after an update, you might want to roll back that update or check for a new one. Sometimes, the settings or drivers go haywire, and reinstalling or updating the drivers or settings may just do the trick.

Power-Saving Mode:

If you're using a laptop and have hooked up to an external keyboard, it may be disconnected due to power-saving settings. Most laptops will automatically turn off any device that is not used after so many minutes in order to save the battery. Easy fixes like just simply turning off the battery-saving mode, or plugging your laptop into a power source can re-activate your keyboard.

Motherboard Issues:

In worst cases, the reason behind a dead keyboard could be your motherboard. Since the motherboard handles your computer's hardware connections, when it malfunctions, it will take along a few other devices with it, such as your keyboard. If you suspect this is the problem, it’s best to consult a professional for diagnostics.

So what’s the fix?

When your keyboard isn't typing, that is not something to fuss over-it is usually something you can fix with a few simple steps. The first temporary solution is using the on-screen or virtual keyboard of your device to tide you over as you work through the problem. After setting that up, follow these steps to enable your physical keyboard once again.

1. Set up on-screen keyboard

For Windows:

• Go to Settings.

• Select Ease of Access.

• In the left-hand menu, choose Keyboard.

• Under Use the On-Screen Keyboard, toggle the switch to On.

For Mac:

• Open System Preferences.

• Select Accessibility.

• Click on Keyboard in the left panel.

• Check the box for Enable Accessibility Keyboard.

2. Turn off power saving mode:

For Windows:

Go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep > Additional power settings > Choose High Performance or adjust the sleep settings under your current plan.

For Mac:

Go to System Preferences > Battery (or Energy Saver) > Uncheck Put hard disks to sleep and adjust the Turn display off slider. Under Power Adapter, check Prevent computer from sleeping.

3. Restart Your Keyboard

Unplug your keyboard from your computer or turn it off. After a few seconds, begin to repeatedly press the Esc key while turning it back on or reconnecting it.

Press the Esc key and keep it that way for about five seconds. Release it; in case of a successful reset, you should see a blink in the keyboard indication light. Now try using your keyboard and see if the problem continues to occur.

4. Disable Sticky and Filter/Slow Keys

To turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys quickly in Windows:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.

• Click Ease of Access, and then click Keyboard.

• Turn both Filter Keys and Sticky Keys off.

You can also turn off Sticky Keys by pressing Shift five times, or turn off Filter Keys by holding Shift for 8 seconds.

5. Clean your keyboard

You can follow these steps to clean your keyboard:

• Turn off/unplug the keyboard.

• Shake it upside down to remove debris.

• Use compressed air to blow out dirt.

• Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

• Use a cotton swab to clean between keys.

• (Optional) Remove keys to clean underneath.

• Let dry before use.

6. Update the keyboard drivers:

For Windows:

• Open Device Manager: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

• Expand Keyboards: Click on the Keyboards section.

• Update Driver: Right-click your keyboard, select Update driver, then choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

• Restart: Restart your computer if an update is installed.

For Mac:

• Open System Settings: Click the Apple logo and select System Settings.

• Select Software Update: Click General, then select Software Update.

• Check for Updates: If an update is available, click Update Now.

• Restart if Needed: Restart your Mac if prompted.

Resolve Keyboard Issues with ComputerFixDallas:

If all of these options are not working, well, no need to worry because we can solve it here! Dealing with keyboard-related problems is really frustrating and tedious. No need to handle that alone; instead, ComputerFixDallas experts will give you options ranging from dead keys to driver updates.

The faulty keyboard should not slow you down. Let ComputerFixDallas find expert solutions for you today and get your device back in perfect working condition!

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5 FAQs about keyboard issues with answers:

1. Why is my wireless keyboard not working?

Ans: Perhaps your wireless keyboard uses a dead battery, or the problem is in its connection. Try changing the batteries or letting it recharge and check whether its receiver is plugged into your computer.

2. How do I fix unresponsive keys on my keyboard?

Ans: Non-responding keys are often the result of accumulated dirt or debris. Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake out particles; you can also use compressed air to clean between the keys.

3. Why does my keyboard stop working after a system update?

Ans: A recent system update might have caused a software glitch. Check for new updates, or reinstall your keyboard driver to resolve the issue.

4. Can power-saving mode affect my keyboard?

Ans: Yes, on laptops, this power-saving mode can even shut down external devices like keyboards. You can turn off the power-saving settings or reconnect your laptop to a power source to re-activate your keyboard again.

5. What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps fix my keyboard?

Ans: If the above fixes are not working, then the problem may be with the hardware. It's best to get professional service, like ComputerFixDallas, for further diagnostics or repairs.