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How to Fix Laptop Keyboard Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If your laptop keyboard suddenly stops working on Windows 11, it can be very frustrating. This problem can happen for various reasons, from simple software glitches to hardware issues. Fortunately, there are several straightforward steps you can take to fix it.

This guide will walk you through easy and detailed solutions to get your keyboard working again. Each step is explained clearly so anyone can follow along, even without technical experience.

Before diving into complex fixes, it’s best to start with simple checks. Sometimes the solution is quick and doesn’t require much effort.

Read through the steps carefully and try them one by one until your keyboard starts responding again.

Quick Note: Basic Checks Before You Start

  • Make sure your keyboard is clean: Dust or debris can block keys from working properly.
  • Restart your laptop: This can fix temporary glitches affecting the keyboard.
  • Check for external keyboards: If you have a USB or Bluetooth keyboard connected, disconnect it to avoid conflicts.
  • Confirm the keyboard is enabled: Sometimes, keyboards get disabled accidentally in settings or Device Manager.

Step 1: Restart Your Laptop

Restarting your laptop is the simplest fix and often resolves minor software issues. When Windows 11 restarts, it refreshes system files and drivers, which may fix the keyboard problem.

How to restart:

  1. Click the Start button (Windows icon) in the bottom-left corner.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Click Restart.

Wait for your laptop to reboot, then test if the keyboard is working.

Step 2: Check Keyboard Settings

Windows 11 has settings that can disable or change how your keyboard works. Checking these can ensure your keyboard is enabled and configured correctly.

How to check:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to Time & language > Typing.
  3. Make sure settings like Touch keyboard are configured properly.
  4. Also, check Ease of Access settings by going to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
  5. Ensure that options like Filter Keys or Sticky Keys are turned off, as they can interfere with normal typing.

Step 3: Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Keyboard drivers are software that help Windows communicate with your keyboard hardware. If these drivers are outdated or corrupted, your keyboard may stop working.

How to update drivers:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Keyboards section.
  3. Right-click your keyboard device and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.

If updating doesn’t help, you can try reinstalling the driver:

  1. In Device Manager, right-click the keyboard device and select Uninstall device.
  2. Confirm the uninstallation.
  3. Restart your laptop. Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard driver.

Step 4: Run the Windows Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common keyboard problems automatically.

How to run the troubleshooter:

  1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Keyboard and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any fixes suggested.

Step 5: Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, keyboard issues are caused by bugs in Windows that get fixed in updates. Keeping your system up to date can resolve these problems.

How to check for updates:

  1. Open Settings (press Windows + I).
  2. Go to Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. Download and install any available updates, then restart your laptop.

Step 6: Test the Keyboard in Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows 11 with only essential drivers and services. Testing your keyboard here can help determine if third-party software is causing the issue.

How to boot into Safe Mode:

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
  3. Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select Minimal.
  4. Click OK and restart your laptop.

Once in Safe Mode, check if your keyboard works. If it does, a recently installed app or driver might be interfering.

To exit Safe Mode, repeat the steps above but uncheck Safe boot and restart.

Step 7: Perform a System Restore

If your keyboard stopped working after a recent change, such as an update or software install, you can revert your system to an earlier point in time.

How to perform system restore:

  1. Type Create a restore point in the Windows search bar and open it.
  2. Click System Restore.
  3. Choose a restore point dated before the keyboard issue began.
  4. Follow the prompts to complete the restore process.

Note: System Restore won’t affect your personal files but may remove recently installed apps or drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my laptop keyboard not working after a Windows update?

Sometimes updates can cause driver conflicts or bugs affecting the keyboard. Updating drivers or rolling back updates may fix this.

Can a liquid spill cause the keyboard to stop working?

Yes, liquid damage can cause hardware failure. In such cases, professional repair may be necessary.

How do I know if it’s a hardware problem?

If none of the software fixes work and the keyboard is unresponsive even in BIOS or Safe Mode, it’s likely a hardware issue.

Can I use an external keyboard temporarily?

Yes, connecting a USB or Bluetooth keyboard can be a good temporary workaround while you troubleshoot.

How do I disable the touch keyboard?

Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and turn off the Touch keyboard option.

When Nothing Works

If your keyboard still does not work after trying all the above steps, it might be a hardware failure. Here are your options:

  • Contact your laptop manufacturer’s support: They can provide official diagnostics and repair services.
  • Visit a certified technician: A professional can test and replace your keyboard if needed.
  • Use an external keyboard: As a temporary or permanent solution if internal repair is costly.
  • Check official Microsoft support: Visit Microsoft Support for additional troubleshooting guides.

Conclusion

A laptop keyboard not working on Windows 11 can be caused by simple software glitches or more serious hardware problems. Starting with easy steps like restarting, checking settings, and updating drivers can often resolve the issue quickly.

Using the built-in Windows troubleshooter and system restore options are helpful next steps. If these do not work, testing in Safe Mode or consulting professionals might be necessary.

Remember to keep your system updated and maintain your keyboard clean to prevent future problems. With patience and the right approach, you can usually get your keyboard working again without hassle.

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