How To Fix Unresponsive Keyboard Keys
There are many potential causes of unresponsive keyboard keys like system errors, dirty keyboard, hardware issues, motherboard problems, sensitivity errors, and more. Sometimes, the problem is apparent while on the other hand, it can be hidden, and you need to find it out. As an experienced user, I’ll talk about how to fix unresponsive keyboard keys below, so stay tuned.
A bad connection between the keyboard and the computer system is one of the basic reasons why a keyboard is not working, but if one or a few keys are not responding while others are functional, the problem is not the connection. Don’t worry! Here are the straightforward ways that will help you to fix unresponsive keyboard keys by yourself.
How To Fix Unresponsive Keyboard Keys
1. Restart The System
Whenever my keyboard keys are not responding correctly, the first thought that comes to my mind is to restart the computer system. Nevertheless, if you have a PC, laptop, or Macbook, restarting the system is like a general rule of thumb to solve any technical issue including unresponsive keyboard keys.
For this, you need to simply turn off the computer and wait for a minute or two, and then turn it back on. You can also restart the computer from power options to save your effort. Restarting the computer basically flushes the temporary memory of the system, restarts the utilities and programs from the beginning, and allows your system to operate the functions fresh.
2. Clean The Keyboard
A dirty keyboard can be a reason why the keyboard keys are not responding. If this is the case, you need to clean the keyboard to fix the unresponsive keyboard keys. Well, there are plenty of methods to clean the keyboard like using a vacuum cleaner, compressed air, cleaning gel, or more. You can also clean the keyboard mechanically using a damp cloth piece.
If you have not cleaned the keyboard for a long time, you need to deep clean it to fix the issue. For this, unscrew the keyboard and separately wash all the keys. After drying completely, install the keys on the board and you’re done. Well, deep cleaning is not an approach for laptops or Macbooks.
3. Try Different Cable
In PCs, the keyboard is connected to the computer system via a wire connection. It is possible that the cable is not working properly, which is why the keys are not responding to your actions. If that’s the case, you need to change the cable and get a new one to solve the issue.
I have a Bluetooth keyboard too which works on wireless connectivity. When my Bluetooth keyboard keys are not responding, I switch the connectivity to wired mode to solve the issue and it helps. Replacing the batteries also helps to solve the same problem in wireless keyboards.
4. Check The Hardware
After cleaning and other apparent fixes, if the problem is still there it means there is some technical fault. Don’t worry! Every problem has a solution, right? There can be a high possibility that the hardware of the keyboard has some issues. To determine this, you need to address whether the problem starts before you start the Window or after it. To fix the hardware, follow the following steps:
Click on the start button on your computer and go to the computer settings. In the search bar, type “RECOVERY” and click on the advanced startup option. Restart the computer so that it gets rebooted.
A screen will pop up showing the troubleshooting option, please clean on that. In the end, click on the command prompt from the advanced startup settings and test your keyboard keys to make sure it is working or not.
5. Check The Motherboard
Even if the hardware settings didn’t work, you need to fix the motherboard. For your information, the motherboard is the chipset that works like the backbone of the computer system. It is responsible for connectivity, processing, data storage, and whatnot.
The keyboard connects to the computer or laptop via a motherboard, so there is a possibility that the motherboard is broken. I pray that the motherboard of your computer is not the reason behind unresponsive keys, because if that is so, you need to change or repair the motherboard, which is an expensive approach.
6. Sensitivity Settings
The keyboard basically works on physical touches, right? When you press the key, the action appears on the screen.
All of this is manipulated by the sensitivity of the computer system. There is a possibility that sensitivity settings are not up to mark and have been changed wrongly. In this case, you need to change the sensitivity settings to default.
7. Check Driver Settings
Another way to fix the unresponsive keyboard is to check the driver settings. The answer to how to check keyboard driver settings is different for Windows users than that of Mac users.
If you’re using a Windows computer, follow the following steps: click on the start button and type “device manager” in the search bar. Click on the appeared results and expand the screen. Reboot your computer and after that install the latest keyboard driver available.
If you’re an Apple user, click on the Apple logo on the home screen and go to the system preferences. Choose the accessibility option and scroll down to find the keyboard settings. Click on the keyboard and uncheck the enable slow keys option from there.
8. Change Keyboard Layout
Another way to fix the unresponsive keys on the keyboard is to change the layout of your keyboard. It might be accidentally changing, so you need to change it back to the right settings.
If you’re a Windows user, click on the start button and visit settings. From the sidebar, select time and language and click on the language option. It will show the existing language; select options, add a keyboard, and choose a keyboard layout to fix the issue.
If you’re an Apple user, click on the Apple logo and go to the system preferences. Now select the keyboard option and open the input sources. From the menu bar, please choose the show input menu option and click on the + symbol. Choose the language you want to add, and you’re done.
FAQs
Does cleaning a keyboard help in fixing unresponsive keys?
Yes, a dirty keyboard can cause unresponsive keys on the keyboard. This is because clogging of dirt can jam the keys. You can clean the keyboard using cleaning gel, vacuum, or more.
Why are my keyboard keys not typing?
There can be many reasons why keyboard keys are not typing like the cable is not working, systematic fault, dust, debris clogged in between keys, or technical issues. It is important to find the root cause to solve the issue rightly. In this article, I have explained how to fix unresponsive keys in detail; don’t forget to read.
The Bottom Line
Fixing unresponsive keyboard keys is not a tedious job to do, but you can only perform it right when you know the root cause of the problem. In this article, I have shared multiple ways to fix unresponsive keys in short and simple terms.
