laptop keyboard not working

Katherine Bresnahan 0 Reputation points
2026-10-10T17:45:42.5766667+00:00

laptop keyboard not working. just screen keyboard.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures
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  1. Dio Xavier 297.1K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-10T18:04:09.17+00:00

    Hello,

    Welcome to the Microsoft Windows Community.

    Good afternoon, @Katherine Bresnahan . To provide more accurate assistance, please let us know the make and model of your computer and follow the steps below to run some tests:

    1. First, check if there is a keyboard lock key combination; usually, this involves pressing the Fn key plus a function key (look for a key with a keyboard icon).

    2. If that doesn't work, open the On-Screen Keyboard and try typing. If it works properly, the issue might be a hardware defect in the physical keyboard; in that case, you will need to take the computer to a service center for an in-person inspection.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-10T17:45:59.3233333+00:00

    Try these checks in order:

    1. Check basic hardware first
      • If it is a USB keyboard, unplug it, wait a moment, and plug it back in.
      • Try a different USB port.
      • If a USB hub is being used, remove it and connect the keyboard directly.
      • Check for cable damage, low battery, or dirt blocking keys.
      • If possible, test the keyboard on another PC. If it does not work there either, the keyboard may need replacement.
    2. Check Windows keyboard settings
      • In Windows 10: go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
      • Make sure Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and similar keyboard options are turned off if they were enabled unintentionally.
    3. Check language/input settings
      • Go to Start > Settings > Time & language > Region & language.
      • Make sure the keyboard input language matches the display language being used.
    4. Reinstall the keyboard driver
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Keyboards.
      • If a keyboard device shows a warning sign, uninstall it.
      • If the device is disabled, enable it.
      • If needed, uninstall the keyboard devices and restart Windows so the drivers reinstall automatically.
    5. If using a Surface Pro Keyboard or Type Cover
      • Re-attach the keyboard so all magnets touch the bottom edge of the Surface.
      • Press Caps and Fn a few times and check whether the LED lights turn on and off.
      • If the LEDs do not turn on, that points to a hardware issue and a service order is recommended.
    6. Test outside Windows on Surface devices
      • Turn off the Surface and wait 10 seconds.
      • Press and hold Volume Up, then press and release Power.
      • Keep holding Volume Up until the UEFI screen appears.
      • Try the arrow keys there.
      • If the keyboard works in UEFI but not in Windows, the issue is likely software.
    7. If the keyboard works in UEFI but not in Windows on Surface
      • Use Reset this PC > Keep my files > Cloud download to reinstall Windows while keeping personal files.
      • This removes settings changes and apps/drivers that were installed later.
    8. If only some keys fail or repeat
      • Remove dust or debris with compressed air or gently vacuum the top of the keyboard using a dusting brush.

    If this is a built-in laptop keyboard and it still does not work after driver reinstall and settings checks, the next likely causes are a hardware fault or a device-specific driver problem from the laptop manufacturer.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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