• Why doesn't my working keyboard work? If the keyboard on your laptop does not work

    Why the keyboard doesn't work: main reasons, symptoms, solutions.

    Signs of a keyboard malfunction

    To fix the problem, you need to establish its cause, which means figure out why the keyboard on the laptop does not work: due to mechanical impact or spilled liquid, after visiting dubious sites or installing new software. Or maybe malfunctions began to appear suddenly, without any reason .

    Also should be checked Individual buttons on the keyboard do not work or it is completely out of order, and if so, has it stopped working in the operating system or in the BIOS too.

    Symptoms of a broken keyboard:

    Spilled liquid

    The keyboard has been exposed to water, tea, coffee, soup, alcohol

    If you spill any liquid on the keyboard, turn off immediately laptop: holding down the power button for a few seconds or simply removing the battery. At the same time, try to hold it so that the liquid does not leak under the keyboard, into the computer. This may lead to malfunction of the motherboard and other components.

    After turning off, blot the keyboard with a dry cloth and disconnect it from the laptop. This is done quite simply: just press something thin onto the latches located on top or sides of it Their location varies depending on the manufacturer and laptop model..

    Be careful: the keyboard is connected to the computer by a thin cable, try not to damage it with an awkward movement. Now you need to wipe the keyboard with an alcohol wipe and leave it to dry. You can speed up this process with a hairdryer, but only with cold air.

    When the keyboard and laptop are completely dry, put it back and try turning it on. There is a possibility that now everything will be the same as before, but if any malfunctions appear, there is only one way out: replacing it with a new one. If the laptop stops turning on at all or is unstable, feel free to take it to the workshop. An ordinary user cannot cope with such breakdowns on his own.

    Some buttons on the keyboard do not work

    The keys do not respond to pressing or print the wrong characters

    If for no apparent reason any buttons on the keyboard do not work, while others continue to work, then you should check, firstly, whether you have Num Lock turned off. If this is the problem, then the numbers are on the right
    on the keyboard will not act, instead the computer will see arrows . Find the “Num Lock” button to the left of them (in the upper right part of the keyboard) and press it. On some laptop models, you need to press one of the hot keys (F3, F11, etc.) together with the function (fn) key.

    If other buttons stopped working, check to see if there is any dust underneath them that is preventing them from being pressed. In this case, you should either thoroughly blow out the keyboard with a special spray can, which you can buy in a store, or remove the keys, carefully pry them off with something thin (for example, a screwdriver) and wipe the keyboard manually.

    The whole keyboard doesn't work

    Not a single key on the keyboard responds to presses.

    If for no apparent reason the keyboard on your laptop does not work at all, try rebooting it and entering the BIOS. If the keyboard works before Windows boots, then the problem is in the system, and you won’t have to spend money on a replacement.

    Most likely, a virus has appeared on your computer, which has removed or the corresponding driver has become corrupted, which is the reason why the keyboard does not work. Carry out a full scan using your antivirus, and after finishing the treatment, update the keyboard driver manually by installing it from the disk that came with the laptop, or automatically: by allowing the system to download it from the Internet.

    In the first case, you just need to insert the disc into the drive and follow the installer's instructions. In the second - right-click on the “Computer” shortcut, select “Properties”, in the window that opens in the upper left corner, click on “device manager”. In the manager, find the “Keyboard” line, open it and see the corresponding device. Double-click on it with the left mouse button, or right-click and select the “Properties” option. In a new window, open the “Driver” tab and click “Update”.

    If this does not help (no virus was detected or the system has not found a more suitable driver and the keyboard still does not work), you should try restoring or reinstalling Windows.

    Even if Keyboard doesn't work in BIOS on a laptop, the easiest way is to take it to a workshop, especially if you have never repaired computers yourself and have no idea how to do it. Not only because by acting at random, you can damage your laptop even more, but also because not every store will be able to find exactly the keyboard that your laptop needs. In our workshop, we will select the necessary device ourselves and install it correctly.

    However, if along with the keyboard you have touchpad doesn't work and USB inputs, then be prepared for the worst: this is a clear sign of a faulty motherboard. Its repair or replacement requires much more time and money, and this certainly cannot be done without the help of professionals.

    Keyboard malfunction issues computer It’s easier to decide - there’s always an opportunity check the keyboard you are using on another computer or vice versa - connect it to your PC exactly working properly. Then act according to the circumstances.

    WITH laptop Another situation is that the keyboard is built-in, that is, an integral part.

    In any case, try first reboot device and go to BIOS(usually the key F2 at the time of initialization for laptops, Del or F10 for desktop PCs). It didn’t work out - there’s a high probability device malfunction, most likely you will have to contact a service center. Before that we recommend check the contacts - they may be oxidized or squeezed out(relevant for PS/2) or check cable integrity- perhaps he received damage(for example, it was pinched).

    If you succeeded, then the keyboard OK, we are dealing with a software glitch.

    In this case, boot the system, it would be better to do this in safe mode without starting drivers ( F8 when loading). The device is functioning, which means the problem is in the drivers. Start the OS in normal mode, right-click on the icon Computer – Properties.

    Find a section Keyboards and delete everything that is in the subkey.

    Then reboot computer and check if the keyboard works. In normal condition, the driver should install automatically. Here in Dispatcher you can update or reinstall driver - this option is suitable if there is an indication of unidentified devices with yellow exclamation point.

    The next option is system rollback to the restore point to the date when the keyboard was exactly working.

    To do this we go Start/ Control Panel

    Run the program here Recovery.

    Launch system recovery– choose point, to which you should rollback.

    A more radical way would be complete reinstallation operating system.

    You can enter characters when the keyboard is not working using on-screen application.

    Start/ Accessibility.

    By clicking the cursor on the image of the virtual keys, information will be entered.

    This is a temporary measure will simplify finding and solving the problem. For a laptop, another temporary solution would be connection a regular USB keyboard to any free port.

    For more advanced users, of course you can disassemble And check connection cable. We will not dwell on this in detail in this article.

    The numbers on the right don't work

    If only the numbers on the right do not work, first check if the Num Lock, some users may forget to turn it on.

    Above is usually Num Lock mode enabled illuminated green LED turned on (in rare cases it may not be present).

    If the numbers still do not print, check to see if the Num Lock button actually does this. Sometimes this mode includes a combination Num Lock + SHIFT or another.

    Also check if you have the option enabled mouse control from keyboard.

    Start\ Control Panel\ Accessibility\ Mouse

    There should be no check mark on the “ Keyboard control«.

    The f1-f12 keys do not work

    If we are talking about laptop owners, the key is responsible for turning on the function keys Fn.

    Some types of PC office devices have a " Office", you need to check its operation. In other cases it should help reinstallation drivers.

    If your computer keyboard is not working, then you have come to the right place. Here you will find step-by-step instructions to solve such problems. There can be many reasons for such a problem, and the solution to them is also quite large. First you need to understand exactly when this problem occurs and what it is connected with. Typically, the keyboard may kick up when the operating system is loading, when entering a password, or during operation when entering text. The first malfunction depends on the type of keyboard, and the second on the mechanical effects on it.

    Why your keyboard needs to be cleaned periodically

    I want to say right away that if you do not part with the keyboard even during meals, then choose a time, turn it off, and give it a good look.

    Sticky keys and incomprehensible keyboard operation most often occur among those people who like to chew something while working at the computer, or, even better, drink beer or sparkling water.

    If your keyboard is not wrapped in protective film, then all the crumbs and liquid from the bubbling drink will be inside it. You don't have to spill drinks on your keyboard. It is enough to place a glass with a bubbling drink next to it, and all these bubbles will settle on the keyboard, and even get inside it.

    And if you like to chew seeds or nuts, then your keyboard probably has enough crumbs to feed a hamster a good lunch. Don't believe me?! Then take the keyboard in your hands, turn it over, and shake it over the table.

    What to do if it doesn't workUSB-keyboard

    Check the keyboard connection. If it is wired, then the wiring inside the cord could have broken, either at the base or at the USB connector.

    If the keyboard is wireless, check the batteries inside the keyboard and the USB transmitter connected to the computer or laptop.

    It happens that it is the transmitter or the USB connector where it is connected that is faulty. If the problem is in the USB connector, then connect the transmitter to another connector.

    Let's check the keyboard connection settings inBIOS:

    1. Enter the BIOS settings (read how to do this in the article);
    2. We look for the USB Keyboard Support or Legacy USB item there (this depends on the BIOS version) and switch Disabled to Enable.

    You may not be able to enter the BIOS settings with a USB keyboard. Then you need to find a keyboard with an old PS/2 connector or find an adapter for the old connector.

    What to do if the keyboard does not work according to the protocolPS/2

    Finding a keyboard with a PS/2 connector in a store is not so easy, but some still use it and sometimes it can also fail.

    In order for the keyboard to work again, you need to reinstall its driver:

    1. Right-click on the Start menu button and select “Device Manager” from the drop-down list.
    2. Find the keyboard in the list of devices and expand the list. Usually, if there is some problem with a device, there will be a yellow circle with an exclamation or question mark next to that device. Right-click on “Keyboard HD” and select “Uninstall”. Confirm your action and close Device Manager.

    A computer keyboard is one of the main information input devices. At the same time, if problems arise in its operation, users immediately wonder why the keyboard on the computer does not work. As a rule, in order for the keyboard to start working, it is enough to connect it to the system unit into a special PS/2 connector or into a USB port. But it often happens that after connection, the keyboard buttons do not respond to pressing and the lights do not light up. Therefore, let's figure out what to do if the keyboard stops working and how to solve the problem yourself.

    We all know that in order to connect a keyboard to a computer, you just need to plug the plug into a special connector. In this case, the device will automatically be detected in the system and the appropriate drivers will be installed. The user only needs to wait a little. But there are times when, after turning on the computer, the keyboard shows no signs of life. There may be two reasons why the keyboard on a computer does not work.

    1. Mechanical damage to the device.
    • Cable damage. Check the integrity of the keyboard cable, it may be damaged;
    • PS/2 plug is broken. Very often in my practice I encountered situations where the pins in the keyboard plug were bent or broken off. To check this, pull out the purple plug and inspect its inside. If you see bent contacts, try to carefully straighten them and connect them back to the system unit;
    • Problem with PS/2 connector on . It is also quite common for the connector used to connect the keyboard and mouse to fail. The solution is to install a keyboard with a USB interface;

    Important! Be sure to perform all steps for connecting a keyboard with a PS/2 interface when the computer is turned off. This will allow you to avoid damage to the keyboard or port on the motherboard.

    • The keyboard board or microcontroller is faulty. In this case, replacing the keyboard with a new one will help, since repairs will not be practical.
    1. Software problem. Software failures when installing and connecting a keyboard are quite rare and are not always associated with operating system problems. Perhaps a failure occurred in the BIOS and the keyboard was disabled by software.

    These are the main reasons why the keyboard on a computer does not work. Let's now take a closer look at how to solve problems with different types of keyboards.

    Why doesn't my PS/2 keyboard work?

    As I already described above, there are many reasons why the keyboard on a computer connected via the PS/2 interface does not work. If no mechanical damage is observed, then it is possible that the problem is software. Let's follow these steps to get your keyboard working again.


    As a rule, in the event of a software failure, the ps/2 keyboard refuses to work if the i8042prt.sys and kbdclass.sys drivers are installed incorrectly.

    Why doesn't the USB keyboard work on my computer?

    Keyboards with a USB interface have long begun to replace keyboards with a PS/2 interface. USB keyboards are not so capricious and can work with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports. Therefore, it makes no difference which port you connect the keyboard to. It often happens that USB keyboard support is disabled in the BIOS. We definitely check this by following these steps:


    After restarting the computer, the problem of why the keyboard on the computer does not work should be resolved. Some users have problems accessing the BIOS on a USB keyboard. If this problem also occurs to you, then you should find a keyboard with a PS/2 connector, go into the BIOS from it and make the settings. After that, restart the computer and connect the USB keyboard.

    Brief summary.

    As you can see, today we figured out the reasons why the keyboard on the computer does not work, and also found ways to troubleshoot the problem. I always advise you to check the most basic things yourself. Since it often happens that the problem, for example, is that the user accidentally pulled out the keyboard plug with his foot, the wire was damaged, or the connector was broken. In such cases, you yourself will be able to diagnose the problems and easily find solutions. If the described methods did not help you bring your keyboard back to life, then I recommend replacing it with a new one. Fortunately, their prices are affordable and will be affordable for any user.

    The problem of a desktop PC keyboard failing is easy to solve. It is enough to replace the device with a new one or, after disassembling it, try to clean it. In the latter case, you need to unscrew several screws securing the bottom panel and remove it. Next, carefully remove the dust that is caught between the films with contacts in the form of tracks applied to them, or moisture. Even pet hair or fur may end up inside. This type of DIY repair can be done by almost any user. But what to do if your laptop keyboard breaks?

    The complexity of this situation lies in the following: the keyboard of a portable device is an integral part of the design. In order to bring it into working condition, you need to disassemble the laptop. If the user does not understand this well, the only option left is a visit to a specialized center, where specialists will solve the problem. But there is no need to rush into making hasty decisions. It's worth attempting a DIY repair.

    Sometimes you can hear statements about the existence of a certain “black” list of manufacturers producing laptops in which keyboard failures are a common occurrence. No. Such a list does not exist, and to believe in such fairy tales is to deceive yourself. Any device can break down, whether it is a budget model or one that costs a lot of money. Laptop keyboard failures that you can try to fix yourself include:

    • Software glitch;
    • Oxidized or pressed contacts of the cable;
    • Liquid spilled on the computer.

    Incorrect operation of the software

    One of the possible reasons for the failure of the keyboard of a portable device is a driver failure, leading to errors in the functioning of the Windows OS. A possible way out of the situation is to use the BIOS. The sequence of actions here is as follows:

    1. Reboot the computer;
    2. When loading, hold down the Del key;
    3. We are trying to navigate through the menu items in the BIOS.

    If the device is functioning (you can navigate through the menu items), you should try to boot the computer in safe mode in order to test the system to see if the keyboard works with a minimum set of services and without drivers.

    If the OS is Windows XP, 7 or Vista, you can boot the computer in safe mode as follows:

    1. Press F8 and hold while loading;
    2. In the menu that appears on the display, select “Safe Mode without starting drivers.”

    If your laptop is running Windows 8 or 8.1, you will need to make some preliminary settings to be able to launch it. To do this we go:

    If the information input device is functioning, then the problem is that the drivers are not working correctly.

    If the keyboard does not work in safe mode, the BIOS responds to input, the problem lies in the OS itself.

    Important: depending on the model and configuration of the portable device, other keys (F2, F1, Esc, F10) or combinations thereof may be used to enter the BIOS. To clarify this detail, please refer to the instructions or other available sources of information.

    How to enter characters when the device is not working, install or update drivers

    Having determined that the problem can be fixed by updating or installing drivers, we proceed to carry out this operation. You need to start the computer in normal mode, and then proceed to further actions: searching and downloading software, installing it. But here the question arises: how to enter characters in the search bar if you need to find the necessary software components on the network? The answer is simple: we use a mouse and an on-screen keyboard.

    What is an on-screen keyboard and how to use it

    Click on the “Start” button, select “Special Features”, then click “On-Screen Keyboard”, thus launching a standard application that emulates a physical keyboard.

    In any area of ​​the open window of the running program where you can enter characters, or in the search line, place the cursor, click on the on-screen keyboard, entering information using this method. If necessary, the application can be customized in order to increase the degree of comfort in work.

    The functionality of Windows 8 and 8.1 is somewhat broader in this regard. In addition to the standard application, you can also use an alternative option - a touch keyboard for laptops and tablets. This is a smoothly sliding window with large buttons. If the operating system you are using is “eight” or 8.1, click on the taskbar with the (right) button of the manipulator, calling up the context menu, select “Properties”. Next:

    After the manipulations have been carried out, a shortcut will appear in the system tray, clicking on which launches the application.

    Using a USB Keyboard and Bluetooth Device

    To enter information, you can connect a USB keyboard to the USB port of your computer. There is another alternative option - connecting the device via Bluetooth, if possible.

    Download drivers

    The process of searching and selecting the necessary drivers can be done manually, but there is an option to make your life easier. You just need to install a special application on your laptop - “driver pack”. What does this give? The program automatically scans the system, determines the drivers needed in a particular case, removes them from its database, and performs installation. The most popular applications of this plan include:

    • Slim Drivers;
    • Driver Pack Solution.

    The software can be found on the Internet and downloaded absolutely free of charge in a DVD image with a driver database, but it is preferable to use a software client. In the latter case, the downloaded and installed software itself will find on the network and install on the computer only the necessary drivers of the latest versions.

    If after all the manipulations the keyboard does not work, you should reinstall Windows or update it to a later version.

    Problems with cable contacts

    During the operation of the laptop, the contacts of the cable may oxidize or become wrung out. This is one of the possible causes of equipment failures. To eliminate such malfunctions, the device will have to be disassembled. If you are not confident in your abilities, refer to the instructions for the laptop. Guides can also be found on the Internet. These are books, educational videos.

    Having disassembled the computer and reached the keyboard cable, you should pull it out of the connector and carefully inspect it. The presence of obvious damage implies replacement of this component.

    If there are no defects, the contacts should be wiped with an ear stick previously moistened with alcohol. Another option is a regular eraser. Upon completion of cleaning, the cable is installed back and the laptop is tested.

    Spilled liquid or burnt microcontroller

    In fact, the cause of the breakdown may be actions that occurred some time ago - coffee or tea spilled on the keyboard. Over time, this led to oxidation of the contacts and failure of the keyboard. If liquid happens to spill on your laptop, you should immediately do the following:

    1. Turn off devices;
    2. We take out the battery;
    3. We dry the laptop with a hairdryer, setting the hair drying mode to gentle.

    If your hair dryer model has a cold air function, you need to use this particular mode. Such actions can slow down the oxidation process of boards, microcircuits, and contacts. But if the computer stops working precisely for this reason or the microcontroller fails, a visit to a specialized center cannot be avoided. Conclusion: liquid and technology are incompatible. Save money and nerves, do not drink coffee over your laptop.

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