Few things are more frustrating than having one or more keys stop working on your laptop keyboard while you’re in the middle of typing. Thankfully, there are a few simple fixes that you can try at home that might easily solve the problem.
Try Rebooting Your PC
A reboot can solve many computer issues, including laptop keyboard keys not working and is always worth a try. Hold the power button down for several seconds to shut it down and then restart it. Check to see if this has resolved the problem.
Dirt or Food Crumbs
If you happen to snack or eat lunch while you’re working on your laptop, chances are a few crumbs may have found their way underneath the keys, which can cause laptop keyboard keys not working.
To check for this problem, simply turn the laptop upside down and give it a gentle shaking. Many times this is enough to shake loose any food debris that has become stuck underneath the keys.
It is also helpful to clean the keyboard periodically with a keyboard vacuum or by using a can of compressed air. Spray the keyboard well between all of the little spaces to ensure a thorough cleaning.
Spilled Liquid
If you think a spilled liquid might be causing your laptop keyboard keys not working, apply some rubbing alcohol to a rag or a cotton swab and attempt to clean the surface.
If it is one or more particular keys that are affected, try removing the key cap and cleaning the spill from underneath. Unless you’re very savvy with computer repair, don’t attempt to take apart the actual key switch.
In extreme cases where a large amount of liquid has damaged the keyboard, the keyboard assembly may require replacement. However, in many cases, this is one of the many computer problems you could fix yourself easily at home.
[Read also: Computer Repair 101 – Safety Tips for Working With Computers]
It Could Be A Driver Issue
Sometimes keyboard keys not working issues are the result of having installed a third-party software program on your laptop.
This problem can also occur when the shut down feature is not used to turn off the laptop.
Go to the Device Manager and see whether there is a yellow exclamation mark where the keyboard is listed. In case you see the exclamation mark, or the keyboard icon is missing totally, you may need to update and install the latest drivers for your keyboard.
You might not be able to use your laptop keyboard in its current state to perform this function, so temporarily hook up a USB keyboard to get the task completed.
Read also: How to Disable Your Laptop Keyboard (Temporary or Permanent)
Poor Connections Might Be The Culprit
Occasionally, malfunctioning laptop keyboard keys are the results of bad connections between the keyboard and the motherboard.
Usually in these instances, the keyboard does not work at all, or else only works here and there.
Websites such as ifixit.com or the manufacturer’s service manual, generally available on the manufacturer website, may be able to give you instructions and diagrams that will help you disassemble the laptop to reconnect the ribbon cable to solve the problem.
However, if your machine is still under warranty, or if you’re not handy with computer repair of this nature, it may be wise to take it to a service professional.
Keyboard May Have A Defect
Once in awhile the laptop keyboard keys malfunction simply because it was defective.
If you suspect this is the case, and after simple attempts to fix the problems were unsuccessful, contact the technical support line of the manufacturer. They will be able to tell you if you are still covered under a warranty or extended warranty, and whether or not your machine has been known to have a defective keyboard.
In these cases, you can usually get it repaired free of charge. Just remember to back up the data on your computer before taking it into the repair shop or sending it to the manufacturer.
If All Else Fails, Try A USB Keyboard
If you find yourself in an immediate jam and urgently need your computer to be in working order, hook up a USB keyboard to get you through until you can resolve the problem. This will work in a pinch until you can fix the keyboard yourself or have it repaired.
Final Thoughts
When you clean your keyboard properly on a regular basis, this can help to prevent issues with sticking or non-working laptop keyboard keys. Try these simple fixes first before taking your laptop in to have it serviced.
I have seen very less instances where are problems are related to drivers in case of laptops keyboards. I mostly tell my customers to use a small painting brush to wipe off dust because the nylon strands can go in the tiniest of places. I personally won’t recommend using cotton because if not used properly cotton strands get stuck between the keys. Actually the best option to protect keyboard from dust and small particles is just using the protective as shown in this article’s featured image would be fine…
Dust aggregation in the chip is inevitable, so it is a good habit to clean the internals periodically. As for protection against external damage, a keyboard pad is indeed one of the best tools.
It struck me hard when a simple system update corrupted my keyboard drivers, and I had to use a USB keyboard to tie me over. Fortunately, my PC automatically created a restore point just before the update, so I managed to recover fast.
Backing up your documents is a must before any major operation. You were indeed very fortunate to have had a restore point unknowingly created for you!
I really recommend using the keyboard protection layer as shown in the image above. It protects from dirt and comes really handy. Using it on my MacBook Air
This is a good advice. I’ve never thought of updating the my keyboard’s drivers in order to keep it in working condition. I’ll keep this in mind for the future.
Oh.. This is great; I actually get annoyed when my keyboard doesn’t work. Especially when I am in a middle of an important work. Thanks for sharing this.
My laptop keyboard had to be replaced once when it stopped working. Vodka and coke aren’t very good for keyboards.
It cost me £10 and I fitted it myself, which is a massive achievement for my skills.