- Identify and solve common keyboard problems, both software and hardware. hardware.
- Learn how to reset your language and keyboard layout to default.
- Explore alternatives like the virtual keyboard and advanced settings to resolve any issues.
At some point, we've all experienced the frustration of typing on our computer and finding that the keyboard doesn't respond as it should. Whether it's due to a inadvertent language change, altered settings, keys that stop working or even the accumulation of dirt, keyboard problems in Windows They're more common than they seem. The positive side is that most of these problems can be solved, and often, it's simpler than you might imagine.
If you have found that the keys do not correspond to what you expected or you simply want to know How to reset the default keyboard settings in WindowsYou've come to the right place. Here you'll find the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide, covering both software and hardware issues, including all the methods for restoring default settings and resolving any potential keyboard-related issues, whether physical, wireless, touchscreen, or virtual.
Why does my keyboard stop working properly or become unconfigured?
Your computer's keyboard may stop working properly for a number of reasons.. Sometimes the problem comes from the language settings, other times it is a conflict with drivers, unintentional distribution changes or a temporary hardware failure. In the portable, furthermore, it is quite common that a simple accidental key shortcut changes the language or layout, and you go from writing in Spanish to writing in English, with all that this entails at the level of Symbols and signs.
Among the most frequent problems are:
- Changing language or keyboard layout after accidentally pressing a shortcut like Alt + Shift.
- Keyboard driver errors, especially after a Windows update or installing new programs.
- Accumulated dirt or physical damage to some keys that causes them to stop working properly.
- Unsynchronizing wireless keyboards, Bluetooth connection failures or conflicts with the radio frequency dongle.
- Presence of malware or viruses which may alter the behavior of the keyboard.
Fortunately, Most of these errors can be resolved without major complications.Below we review the most effective solutions, including detailed steps for performing a complete factory reset of your keyboard.
Quick fixes for keyboard software problems
The vast majority of keyboard problems in Windows can be solved. adjusting language, layout, or advanced settingsBefore you get complicated, try the simpler options:
- Use the shortcut Alt + ShiftPress both keys at the same time to quickly switch between the different languages on your configured keyboard. If you accidentally change the language, this method usually returns it to Spanish immediately.
- Change the language from the taskbar. Locate the language icon (usually something like "ESP" next to the clock), click it, and select the correct language for your keyboard. Often, simply selecting another language and resetting your own can fix unusual issues.
- From Windows settings:
Click Start > Settings > Time & Language > Language. Here you'll see all the languages you have installed and which one is active. The one at the top is the one Windows uses by default for the keyboard and menus. You can move the languages up or down in order of preference, or add a new one if needed. - Check the keyboard layoutIf your keyboard is in Spanish but responds as if it were English, German, etc., make sure the layout you've chosen is correct (for example, Spanish QWERTY). To do this, select the language and tap Options. Under "Keyboards," add or select the appropriate layout.
How to reset keyboard settings to default values
If the steps above didn't work, you may have changed several settings and want to return the keyboard to its original state. Reset the default keyboard settings in Windows, follow the next step-by-step method:
- Open Control Panel from the search bar next to the start menu.
- Go to “Region and Language.”
- Go to the Languages section. The configured languages will appear.
- Select the language you want to set as default (for example, Spanish).
- Use the arrows to move that language to the first position if it isn't already.
- This will reset your keyboard and system settings to match that language.
- If in doubt, you can delete languages you don't use to avoid confusion.
This process is valid for all recent versions of Windows (Windows 10, Windows 11 and future versions). If you have more than one language or layout installed, you can add or remove keyboards as you wish. After adjusting these settings, reinstall drivers It may also be advisable to troubleshoot more persistent issues. To do this, check out our guide on how to Reinstall the keyboard drivers in Windows.
Additional solutions from Windows advanced settings
If you still experience issues after changing the language and layout, Windows offers more advanced keyboard options:
- Go to Settings > Devices > TypingHere you can adjust spelling, text suggestions, or turn autocorrect on or off.
- Under "More keyboard options," select "Advanced keyboard settings." You can choose a default input method, turn the desktop language bar on or off, and, most importantly, modify hotkeys that change between languages and distributions.
- From "Make the keyboard easier to use" in the Ease of Access Center, you can disable special features (such as Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, Filter Keys, etc.), which sometimes cause unexpected behavior if enabled by mistake.
- If you're using a wireless or Bluetooth keyboard, remove the device from Settings > Devices and re-pair it from scratch to resolve sync issues.
Setting and restoring default keyboard shortcuts
Extensive use of shortcuts (key combinations that perform quick functions) can cause you to accidentally change settings or enable/disable system functions. If this happens to you, you can restore the keyboard shortcuts to its original state:
- Many shortcuts come preconfigured in Windows. If you installed a third-party program that changed their behavior, check its options to restore them.
- Go to Settings > Devices > Input > Advanced keyboard settings and reset input methods.
- In specific applications, such as word processors or editing software, look for the "Restore default shortcuts" or "Reset keyboard shortcuts" option within their settings menu.
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