Keyboard Not Working. Causes, Solutions, Alternatives

Do you want to know why your keyboard not working and how to fix it? If after turning on the computer, the boot selection window appears, the keyboard does not respond to keystrokes and cannot be selected.

 The same thing happens when you need to boot an installation disk when you are asked to press any key or select the drive from which the system will boot; These are general problems that you can have when your keyboard not working. Don't worry, here we will show you the causes, solutions and alternatives to these failures.

Causes of why the keyboard does not work

As we mentioned earlier, there can be multiple causes that can cause your keyboard to not work. To help you remedy these problems, we explain the most common faults and their solutions. Let's see:

Here you can learn about: Top 5 MIDI Keyboard Programs

Reason 1: An additional keyboard is activated and activated with the Fn key when the keyboard is not working

If you are using a laptop. Most likely the reason is that the FN keyTo solve this fault do the following:

• A satisfactory solution: press Fn + Ins (Insert) and try typing. In some cases, Fn + Num Lock should help.

As we said earlier, pressing the Fn key activates additional characters attached to buttons. They are usually signed in a different color and painted on the corner buttons. If you are sure your keyboard does not have an Fn button, read on. Below are some other methods.

Reason 2: Key hold is enabled when the keyboard is not working

En Windows, there is a mechanism of "sticky keys» which is activated when you press one or more buttons repeatedly. Very often, this mode involves cats walking or lying on the keyboard. Let's look at the solutions:

Disabling Sticky Keys is simple:

• Step 1:: you must go to the menu Home
• Step 2:: Search for the element «Configuration«
• Step 3:: Then, go to the «Control panel«
• Step 4:: Choose "Accessibility»Or«Accessibility center«
• Step 5:: Seeks "Set of keyboard shortcuts»Or«Touch keys«
• Step 6:: Check the box next to “Enable special keys» and delete them.

Reason 3: Keyboard crumbs or other debris.

It's simple - visually check the keyboard to see if there are crumbs or other debris between the buttons. Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it until all the crumbs fall under the buttons, then see if that helped. Repeat until all the buttons work.

Reason 4: Keyboard is not working due to regional settings issues.

Problems with the regional settings also cause crashes and the keyboard does not work properly when you type. To fix this problem you should do the following:

Check the menu:

• Step 1:: go to Home
• Step 2:: Then to Personalization. y Control panel
• Step 3:: Then you must go to Regional and language standards
• Step 4:: Here the tab «Languages»And click«More«
• Step 5:: Then, check what keyboards you have, it must be Spanish (Spanish from Spain or Latin American).

Please note that if you are not from another country like Russia there will be no extras next to the word «Russian»: machine, Ukraine, Belarus, etc. If you had an incorrect layout, delete it and click «Add language»Or«Add keyboard layout«. Then choose the correct language.

Keyboard not working what to do? possible solutions

Your keyboard is not working and you don't know what to do. No matter, you don't have to worry. Here we will teach you why the keyboard may not work, we will describe the causes and their solutions. Most likely, you have faced this problem.

Yes, it is a very common occurrence. Therefore, it will be helpful for you to know why keyboards are not working and how to fix this problem. Since a good keyboard can be quite expensive, it is better to try to fix the problem yourself and try to restore the keyboard functionality than to open a new store right away.

Imagine the situation, you turned on the computer, it started up, but the keyboard stopped showing signs of life. The first thing that makes the user restart the computer in most cases. But even after that, the keyboards did not start working. So, the first thing you need to know is through which connector your keyboard is connected. USB or PS/2

Keyboard does not work with PS/2 connection

• Reason 1:The first and simplest reason is that your keyboard has just been damaged.
• Reason 2: The second reason why the PS/2 connector has disappeared in this case is reconnecting and restarting the computer, as the keyboard is determined during the system boot process. If the PS/2 keyboard is removed and reconnected while the computer is on, it will not be detected. While it is hot, this can only be for new motherboards.
• Reason 3: The third reason was the loss of BIOS settings. In this case, you will need to enter the BIOS (in the process of Boot You need to press the DEL button and find the item responsible for the keyboard performance. We will not detail how all the BIOS menus differ. Find the KeyBoard menu. Most often, this situation occurs when the joint burns out. Here, the only solution would be to purchase a PS / 2 to USB adapter.

Keyboard does not work with USB connection

• Reason 1: The first reason is the same as if the PS/2 keyboard does not work because it is damaged.
• Reason 2: The second reason is similar, for some reason the USB cable has gone away. But here everything is much simpler than with the PS / 2, you just need to put the cable in place and that's it. If the keyboard works, it will work again.
• Reason 3: The third reason was the loss of BIOS settings. You can also go there and see if the USB connectors are disconnected, if they are disconnected and turn them on.
• Reason 4: The fourth reason is a damaged or melted link. Simply try connecting the keyboards to a different USB connector.

Some of the buttons work when the keyboard does not work. What to do?

In most cases, this is the fault of all applications. The easiest way to check this in a text document is to check the operation of all buttons - if they do not work, it means that the keyboard is damaged. Also, inexperienced users often complain that the numeric keypad does not work here - just press the button Num Lock.

The keyboard is the main tool when working on a computer, without which work is almost impossible. Of course, you can enter information using the mouse and on-screen keyboard, but this method is inconvenient and you will not be able to finish the work.

In this section of the article, we will tell you what to do if the keyboard does not work and consider all the possible reasons for this failure. The keyboard is a fairly simple device and, as a rule, works fine. However, there are times when the keyboard display is on but nothing is printed.

Why the keyboard is not working: reasons

The reasons why your computer keyboard may not work are of two types:

1. Mechanical (cable breakage, moisture ingress, excessive keyboard contamination, violation of the integrity of the connection port, etc.).
2. Software (software glitches, incorrect BIOS settings, incorrect keyboard drivers, etc.).

Consider all the main reasons why the keyboard is not working and troubleshooting methods.

Faulty keyboard cable or port

• Step 1:: The first step is to evaluate the physical condition of the keyboard.
• Step 2:: look at the button screen Caps LOCK y bloq NUM. Most likely, if they work, physically with the keyboard you should be fine.
• Step 3:: Look at the keyboard cable. It may be pinched or cut. For example, if you have pets, your animals may have chewed through the cable.
• Step 4:: Additionally, you should visually inspect the keyboard connection port for cracks or bends. Keyboard ports come in two types: USB and PS/2.

NOTE: : It often happens that in the PS / 2 port when trying to connect to the computer, people tear off the tip of the core and the keyboard does not connect.

• Step 5:: If the keyboard's USB cable and connection port look fine, try plugging the keyboard into a different USB port on your computer. Perhaps the port on your computer is damaged. If your keyboard works in a different port on your computer, you have a problem with the USB port. There are usually a few on the computer, and you can leave the keyboard plugged into the working port.

NOTE: : For a keyboard with a PS/2 port, check the functionality of the keyboard connection port on another computer, as there is only one such port on the motherboard. To check the performance of the computer's PS/2 port, you need to find another similar keyboard.

Liquid leaked onto the keyboard and dirt

A keyboard filled with water is a headache for every IT professional. Very often, while working on the computer, people accidentally spill liquids such as tea, coffee, beer and other drinks on the keyboard. As a result, the keyboard does not work.

As a rule, it is easy to see and smell that liquid has been spilled on the keyboard. You can do the following:

• A satisfactory solution: Check your keyboard carefully. If you notice traces of liquid or spilled food on your keyboard or under the keys, you have two options.
  • Buy a new keyboard or carefully disassemble the flooded keyboard, clean it, dry it, and reassemble it. The keyboard will likely work.

Check USB settings in BIOS if keyboard not working

In the event of a computer power failure, the BIOS settings may change, enabling or disabling USB keyboard support on the computer.

Also, this way you can basically check the status of the keyboard, as it may not work in Windows and it may work in BIOS. In this case, the cause of the failure is the software or drivers.

To enter the BIOS and check the settings, follow these steps:

• Step 1:: Turn on the computer.
• Step 2:. Keep pressing the DEL key on the keyboard until the BIOS setup window appears.
• Step 3:: In BIOS setup, look for the USB Keyboard Support or Legacy USB menu.
• Step 4:: Make sure the setting is turned on. If it shows Deactivate, change to Activate.

NOTE: : You can enable the status Enable other BIOS settings related to USB at the same time. You may get ports on the front panel of a computer that has stopped working.

The keyboard does not work due to software or driver failure

Software glitches are more common on keyboards with older PS/2 connectors. However, there are still some keyboards of this type that are used by manufacturers, but manufacturers have almost stopped producing them.

To solve the problem with the keyboard not working due to software is as follows:

• Step 1:: You need to turn on the computer and go to the desktop. Since the keyboard has stopped working and does not print and the account can be entered with a password, use the on-screen keyboard and use the mouse to enter the password.

• Step 2:: Now that it is on your computer's desktop, you need to go to the Device administrator.
• Step 3:: In Windows 8 and Windows 10, right-click the button Homeand select Device administrator.

• Step 4:: In Windows 7, left-click the button. Home.
• Step 5:: Then right click on the word Computer and select Computer Administration - Device administrator.

NOTE: : Device Manager displays information about all the devices on your computer. Open the Device Manager branch. Keyboard. If there is an orange question mark next to the keyboard, a device is not installed correctly in the system.

• Step 6:: Right click on the keyboard and select Delete.

• Step 7:: After this, click on AGENDA- Update settings hardware.

The computer polls all devices again and installs the keyboard correctly.

The keyboard does not work due to a factory defect or the useful life has expired

Any electronic device can break down. If your keyboard was purchased relatively recently, it may be that its lifespan has expired. In this case, you can contact the keyboard manufacturer's support service and hope that the device will be replaced.

The fact is that many manufacturers value their reputation and, without engaging in lengthy discussions with the buyer, immediately send a new keyboard by mail.

If your keyboard is relatively new, it will most likely not work at the time of service and you will need to purchase a new one.

Is the same thing happening with the keyboard of a laptop? This is not a typical situation for modern technology, it is a rather rare laptop breakdown.

And if with a PC you can't even understand the cause of the failure by simply replacing one keyboard with another, then with a laptop, things are much more complicated, since its keyboard is an integral part of an integral design.

What could be the reasons for the laptop keyboard failure, what consequences can it probably tell, how to get out of the situation when you urgently need to enter text on a laptop with a dead computer? All these questions will be discussed below.

1. Is there a blacklist of laptop models prone to keyboard failure?

Before moving on to the immediate consideration of the laptop keyboard problem itself, a few words about whether the situation can be prevented.

Is there such a black list of portable: specific models, products from a specific manufacturer that have been shown in practice to be prone to keyboard failure?

No, there are no such computer hardware models on the market that would be implemented in practice by the tendency towards this division. A laptop keyboard from any manufacturer can fail. This applies to both flagship and budget models.

Keyboard not working on laptop – Possible causes

Before you take your laptop to a service center, you can try to find out why the keyboard is not working. And if it is a software glitch or problems with the keyboard cable, the attempts can be successful and you will save on service center services. So let's get started.

Keyboard not working on laptop due to software glitch

The reason for the laptop keyboard failure may be an error in the Windows operating system. As a rule, this occurs in case of driver failures. You can check it in the BIOS as follows:

• Step 1:: To exit the BIOS, restart the laptop and hold down the key Delete.

NOTE: : On some laptop models, the buttons F1 or F2 can be used to exit the BIOS. This point can be clarified in the instructions of the laptop manufacturer. If the keyboard in the BIOS works, you can start Windows in safe mode to further verify that the keyboard works without drivers and with a minimal set of system services.

Windows XP, Vista, 7

You can enter safe mode Windows XP, Vista, 7 using the key F8, which must be held down while the system is booting. The boot mode selection menu will appear, where you must choose to boot in safe mode without drivers.

Windows 8 / 8.1

For Windows 8/8.1, the exit to the system safe mode is slightly different, the initial system setup is needed. Follow this path:

• Step 1:: go to «Control Panel» – «Administration» – «System Configuration».
• Step 2:: In the tab "Download", set the value to «Safe Mode«, Click«Apply","Accept» and restart.
• Step 3:: After reboot, this will take you into safe mode.

NOTE: : You can return to the previous state in the same way by removing the value of «Safe Mode«.

Inside safe mode

So you have entered the Windows Safe ModeNow you just need to check the operation of the laptop keyboard.

• If your laptop keyboard works in safe mode, the problem is with the drivers.
• If the keyboard is in safe mode, Windows is not working, and the BIOS is responding to input, the problem is most likely with the operating system.
• Once Windows returns to normal operation, perform the driver installation or update job.

Here's what you can do when your keyboard doesn't work due to a software glitch:

• Step 1:: Download and install the drip packIt is a special type of software designed to select drivers for specific hardware components of a computing device.
• Step 2:: After scanning the laptop and determining the drivers required for installation, Drivers automatically removes the installers from the database and installs them.

NOTE: : You can find driver packages on the Internet in the DVD image with its existing driver database, but it is much easier to quickly download and install the software tool Driverpack, which, when scanned, only downloads the necessary drivers from the Internet in the latest version.

DriverPack, Slimdrivers solution

Client programs for these drivers on the Internet can be downloaded completely free of charge. These two of the best drivers are popular among users due to the free and regularly updated driver database. Follow these steps:

• Step 1:: Run a laptop scan with drip pack and install (or update) the drivers indicated by the program.

• Step 2:: You can install or update drivers without having to resort to them. Download them manually from the official website of the manufacturer of your laptop model.

If installing or updating laptop drivers did not fix the keyboard not working issue, you can try reinstalling Windows yourself.

• E.g., Windows XP: Today there is an outdated operating system, and perhaps during the installation of Windows 7 or 8 / 8.1 the problem with the disabled keyboard will disappear.

The keyboard does not work due to oxidized or sunken contacts

If you use your laptop for a long time, the problem of a broken keyboard may be hidden in oxidized or pressed contacts on its cable. To check this option and try to fix the problem, you will need to disassemble the laptop.

If this is your first time disassembling a laptop, we recommend that you refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Instructions for many models of devices can be downloaded on the Internet in electronic format, in particular, on the official website of the manufacturer.

You can also watch video tutorials on how to properly disassemble a laptop on YouTube or other resources.

Steps to clean the keyboard:

Now, let's see what the cleaning procedure is if the keyboard does not work due to oxidized or sunken contacts:

• Step 1:: Take the keyboard Flex, disconnect it, remove it from its connector and inspect it carefully.

NOTE: : If you notice obvious damage during inspection, this is the reason why the laptop keyboard is broken. And you can fix it by replacing the train.

• Step 2:: If the keyboard is fine, clean the contacts with an earplug moistened with alcohol or use a common eraser. After cleaning, reinsert the keyboard cable and check.

Keyboard not working due to microcontroller failure or liquid spilled on the laptop

If the cause of damage to the laptop keyboard is a burnt-out microcontroller or spilled liquid, then in this case, you cannot do without the services of a service center.

Determine exactly which hardware components on your laptop are out of order and cannot be re-soldered at home (unless you're an expert, of course).

When spilling liquid on the laptop, if it touches the board, it leads to oxidation of the contacts with ThereAs a result, your keyboard is completely non-functional.

If you accidentally spill liquid on your laptop, unplug it immediately, remove the battery and dry it with a gentle hair dryer. If your dryer model has a cold air button, use cold air only.

NOTE: : It is necessary to prevent, or at least slow down, the oxidation process of contacts, microcircuits and printed circuit boards.

You need to enter text on a laptop when the keyboard is not working, what can you do?

The laptop keyboard is not working and you need to send a message urgently. Or even to download the same driver from the Internet, how can you remedy this situation? Let's see the solutions:

Use the Windows virtual keyboard

Windows has a built-in feature that emulates a physical keyboard: it's a normal on-screen keyboard application. To use it, do the following:

• Step 1:: Click on the button «Home", Choose "Special functions» and here – «On-screen keyboard«.

• Step 2:: Click the desired keys to enter characters. In the Windows on-screen keyboard, the button is implemented Configuration and when you click on it, you can make certain settings to customize the application to your needs.

NOTE: : Windows 8 / 8.1, in addition to the standard on-screen keyboard application, has an alternative in a slightly different format. It is a special touch keyboard for tablets and laptops with a touch screen: it smoothly lowers the window with large buttons for convenient tapping. If Windows 8 / 8.1 is installed on your laptop, open the content menu on the windows taskbar and select «Properties«.

• Step 3:: The " menu will openTaskbar«, go to the « tabToolbars» and check the box next to «Touch keyboard«.

Use a USB keyboard

If we're talking about a quick typing test, you obviously can't do much with the on-screen keyboard. A physical USB keyboard can be connected via the laptop's USB port.

Use a bluetooth keyboard

A Bluetooth keyboard is a physical keyboard that can be connected to a laptop via a Bluetooth module. Almost all modern laptop models are equipped with this module.

Virtual Keyboard Alternatives for PC/Laptop

As we mentioned at the beginning of the article; the keyboard is one of the most important elements of a computer or laptop. Without it, our work with PCs would be difficult. The keyboard is usually used for typing inside word processors, which is very useful for those who use word processing documents. Word, Excel programs, etc.

So, we need to keep the keyboard maintenance. What if the keyboard is not working? Some keys on the keyboard are not working? If this happens, you don't need to worry as you can use the virtual keyboard app.

You can install these virtual keyboard apps on your PC or laptop as alternatives if your physical keyboard suddenly has a problem or is not working. Here are 10 virtual keyboard apps for PC that you can use.

Virtual keyboard app for pc/laptop

You can get a virtual keyboard for free by downloading and then installing it on your Windows. These virtual keyboard apps also offer some cool features like typing without a hardware keyboard, typing and clicking with the mouse.

And some of these apps can allow you to adjust the transparency and size of the keyboard and some of them also have different color schemes, can register the keyboard frame. And here is the explanation of 10 virtual keyboard apps for PC that you can install on a laptop.

1. Touch-It Virtual Keyboard

Touch-It Virtual Keyboard Touch-It Virtual Keyboard is a free virtual keyboard app for PC that you can use if your keyboard is not working. You can only use this virtual keyboard with the mouse. Additionally, the Touch-It Virtual Keyboard app can also be accessed through the login screen.

You can use several Function keys in the menu. You can also use it at any time or if the keyboard is not working properly. Additionally, you can make this virtual keyboard screen float or stay in a fixed position at the bottom of the screen.

You can download it here

2. Virtual Keyboard

This is another virtual keyboard app for PC that is another alternative that you can use if your keyboard is not working. This app offers the keyboard features available on the computer monitor screen. You can also use it with the mouse.

In this application you can use various themes available in this virtual keyboard. Also, this application virtual veyboard It also has a numeric keypad that can be enabled and disabled through the options menu.

You just need to adjust the transparency of the on-screen keyboard and then move the slider to the desired position. This application can also be run on touchscreen laptops and tablets.

You can download it here

3. Portable on-screen keyboard

The On-Screen Keyboard is another way to access the Windows keyboard built into your screen. This virtual keyboard can work on almost all systems. The On-Screen Keyboard can remember your settings, for example, when you select an item followed by a click or mouse.

The position of the portable on-screen keyboard remains at the top for easy use. Since this virtual keyboard is a portable application, you can use it at any time.

4. Free virtual keyboard

Free Virtual Keyboard is a simple application that can share a virtual keyboard on your computer monitor screen. This application is also very useful when your keyboard is not working.

This free virtual keyboard app also has a very small size of just 195 KB. This virtual keyboard comes with an executable and does not require installation. For this reason, this keyboard can be used as a portable application.

You can change the color, size, transparency of the keyboard, etc. by clicking on the icon on the left above the title bar. You can also resize it to your liking by simply dragging.

This app has 7 different color schemes. This app can also save designs and other settings to an .INI file or a configuration file in the same folder as the app.

You can download it here

5. Click N-Type

Click N-Type is an on-screen virtual keyboard application that can be installed on your computer or PC and can be used if your keyboard is not working. Various options can also be configured in this application including login.

This app is also customizable and you can also choose from many available keyboard layouts or design your own keyboard. You can change the size according to your taste. Click N-Type is fully customizable including configuration macros.

With Marco, you can enter phrases, words, or any of the 255 lines of text with just a few mouse clicks. This macro recording can also be done with a Alt + click. Click and type, which has word prediction and completion features.

You can download it here

6. Wax

Wax is a simple and small virtual keyboard app that you can use if your keyboard is not working. This app is usually intended for touch screen users. It can also be used as an alternative to the physical keyboard if the physical keyboard is damaged.

You can use this application with a mouse click. Wax also has all the special keys, function keys, and number keys on the screen. You can hide it by clicking the Hide button on the virtual keyboard. This application does not require installation and can be used as a portable application.

You can download it here

7. Comfort Pro On-Screen Keyboard

This app is a paid virtual keyboard app, but you can still try it with the trial version. This program can run on Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP operating system. This keyboard supports a variety of languages ​​that can display characters to be typed in other languages. Moreover, you can quickly switch between languages ​​with a tap or click.

You can download it here

8. Hot Virtual Keyboard

Hot Virtual Keyboard app already offers several advanced features to make typing faster, more accurate, and easier, and you can use it even if your keyboard is not working. This app is not only convenient to use with your fingers, it is also convenient to use on computers that have a touch screen. Although this app already offers a free version, you also have to pay if you want the full version.

You can download it here

 

9. Safekeys v3 by neo

This application can help you if you are worried that your computer is infected with malware or keylogging. This program can also help you enter your login details without using a durable keyboard. This app also has a screen saver feature that can protect various sensitive information at any time.

You can download it here

 

 

10. Eyesboards

This app is designed to run on devices running Windows OS and you can use it if your keyboard is not working. This app also supports Windows login screen so you can log in to sign in to Windows easily.

This virtual keyboard also supports multiple languages ​​and the key layout will adapt to the current local input. This can also make it easier to switch between different inputs, and with this tool you have a special button that allows you to virtually switch between inputs.

You can download it here

You may also be interested in reading about: Mac Keyboard Not Working. Causes, Solutions, Alternatives

Conclusion

As you can see, these are the most commonly used methods that you can use if your keyboard is not working. Each of these processes can help you solve this problem. But, if none of them worked for you, we recommend that you change your device. Also, you have the alternatives of virtual keyboard applications that you can install. We hope you find this article useful.