Laptop keyboard not working? Restart the laptop first, then turn off Filter keys in Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard, since it can make Windows ignore quick or repeated key presses.
Next, check for Windows updates and update or reinstall the keyboard driver in Device Manager. If a USB keyboard works but the built-in one doesn’t, even after a restart, it’s likely a hardware fault for the manufacturer to repair.
A laptop keyboard can stop working all at once, lose a few keys, or type the wrong characters. Each points to a different cause. Before you start, run our free keyboard tester to see exactly which keys register. That tells you whether you’re dealing with a settings issue or a physical one.
Need to type right now? Use the on-screen keyboard
While you troubleshoot, you can type with the mouse or touchpad. Press Win + Ctrl + O, or go to Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard and turn on On-screen keyboard. If no keys work at all, use the mouse to reach Settings.
Why is my laptop keyboard not working?
- A software glitch that a restart clears.
- Accessibility settings such as Filter keys, which can make keys seem slow or dead.
- The wrong keyboard layout, which makes keys type the wrong symbols.
- A driver problem, often after an update.
- Dirt, crumbs or liquid under the keys.
- A hardware fault, such as a loose internal cable.
1. Restart the laptop
Use Start → Power → Restart, not sleep. A full restart reloads the keyboard driver. If the keyboard works on the sign-in screen but not after you sign in, the problem is likely software, not hardware.
2. Turn off Filter keys and Sticky keys
Microsoft says Filter keys sets the keyboard to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes. That’s useful for some people, but it can make a keyboard seem broken if it was turned on by accident. Sticky keys changes how shortcuts like Ctrl + S work.
- Open Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard. You can also press Win + U to open Accessibility.
- Turn off Filter keys unless you use it on purpose.
- Turn off Sticky keys if shortcuts behave oddly.
- Test typing again.
3. Check the keyboard layout and language
If keys work but type the wrong characters, such as @ and " swapped, the layout is wrong. Open Settings → Time & language → Language & region, select the … menu next to your language and choose Language options. Under Keyboards, you’ll see every layout installed. Remove any you don’t use from the … menu next to it, and add the right one with Add a keyboard. Microsoft notes that holding the Win key and pressing Space switches layouts. The keyboard shortcut Win + Space switches between layouts, so pressing it by accident can change how keys behave. If you only keep one layout, that can’t happen.
4. Check Num Lock and the Fn key
On some laptops, Num Lock turns a block of letter keys into a number pad. If letters type numbers, press Num Lock (sometimes Fn + another key) to turn it off. Many laptops also have an Fn lock that swaps the top row between F1–F12 and media keys. Labels and shortcuts differ by laptop maker, so check the key icons or the maker’s manual.
5. Clean the keyboard
Microsoft suggests making sure no dirt is blocking keys. Shut down the laptop, tip it gently, and clear crumbs from around the stuck keys. If you spilled a drink, turn the laptop off and unplug it right away and don’t turn it back on until it’s checked. Liquid damage usually needs a repair.
6. Install Windows updates
- Select Start and type check for updates.
- Select Check for updates from the results.
- Under Windows Update, select Check for updates and install what’s offered, including optional driver updates.
- Restart the laptop.
7. Update the keyboard driver
- Select Start, type device manager and open Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards and double-click your keyboard.
- Select the Driver tab, then Update Driver, and follow the instructions.
8. Reinstall the keyboard driver
If updating didn’t help, right-click the keyboard in Device Manager → Keyboards, select Uninstall device, and restart the laptop. Windows normally reinstalls a standard keyboard driver when it starts. Keep the on-screen keyboard handy in case you need it.
9. Test with an external keyboard
Plug in a USB keyboard. If it works, Windows is fine and the laptop’s built-in keyboard has a problem. If the external one fails too, the cause is software, so go back to the driver and settings steps. For wireless keyboards, Microsoft suggests checking batteries, unplugging the USB receiver for about 10 seconds and plugging it back in, and looking for a reset button.
10. Get a hardware repair
If keys still don’t respond after a restart, driver reinstall and cleaning, the keyboard or its connector may be faulty. Contact the laptop maker, especially if it’s under warranty. Back up your files first with our guide to backing up a Windows PC.
If it still doesn’t work
- Only some keys fail: run the keyboard tester and note which ones. A whole row failing together often means a hardware fault.
- Keys repeat or type twice: check Filter keys and clean under the key.
- Keyboard stops after sleep: install Windows and driver updates, then check the laptop maker’s support site for a newer driver.
When you contact support, say which keys fail, whether an external keyboard works, and what you’ve already tried. It saves time and helps them decide between a remote fix and a repair. More fixes are in our Windows section.
Related guide: How to Screenshot on Windows 11: 6 Easy Ways.
FAQ
Why did my laptop keyboard suddenly stop working?
Common causes are a software glitch, Filter keys turned on by accident, or a driver problem after an update. Restart first, then check Filter keys and the driver.
How do I type if my laptop keyboard isn’t working?
Turn on the on-screen keyboard with Win + Ctrl + O, or in Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard. You can also plug in a USB keyboard.
Why does my keyboard type the wrong characters?
The keyboard layout is probably wrong, or Num Lock is turning letter keys into numbers. Check your layouts in Language & region and press Num Lock.
Is a dead laptop keyboard worth repairing?
Often, yes. Check whether the laptop is under warranty, and ask the manufacturer or a repair shop for a quote.
