Some of the keys on my computer keyboard aren't working

Updated: 08/16/2021 by Computer Promise

Computer keyboard

When the keys on a keyboard don't piece of work, it'south usually due to mechanical failure. If this is the case, the keyboard needs to exist replaced. Notwithstanding, sometimes non-functioning keys can exist stock-still. The following sections contain common issues and their causes, with methods to endeavor and repair those issues.

Annotation

The steps on this folio are for those whose keyboards still have some keys that piece of work. For instance, just a few of the letters, numbers, or other characters not working. We have a separate page for troubleshooting keyboards that have no working keys. Encounter: Why don't any keys on my keyboard work?

One or more keys do not work

Dust, dirt, pilus, and other debris can autumn into the keyboard over time and obstruct a cardinal'due south movement or interfere with its circuitry. Endeavor removing the fundamental that isn't working, and clean the area under and effectually it.

  • How do I remove the keys on a keyboard?
  • Computer keyboard cleaning.

Tip

You tin too endeavor blowing away whatsoever debris in the spaces between the keys using a tin of compressed air or an air compressor.

If cleaning under and effectually the key does not set up its functionality, the circuit board in the keyboard is likely lacking or damaged. A bad circuit lath tin cause one or more keys to no longer function properly or at all. If the excursion lath is at mistake, the keyboard needs to exist replaced to prepare the problem.

Function keys are not working

F-Lock key and indicator light on a Microsoft keyboard

If the function keys are not working, the problem may be you lot have a office lock or F-Lock key that needs to be toggled. The F-Lock fundamental is used to turn on or off the F keys (F1 through F12) or secondary functions of the F keys.

Tip

Some keyboards may label the F-Lock key as the Fn key.

Keys on the number pad are not working

If the keys on the number pad don't work or are behaving oddly (due east.one thousand., moving your cursor), press the Num Lock key. Num Lock is used to switch betwixt the primary part (numbers) and secondary functions (arrow keys, Home, Delete, etc.) of the numeric keypad.

If your keyboard has an LED indicator for the Num Lock key, the light should be turned on when the numbers tin be typed.

Some keys aren't used in certain programs

Some keys, such as the function keys (F1 through F12), do not piece of work with every application. Test the key that isn't working in more than ane program, such as Notepad, a word processor, and your preferred Internet browser. If the key works in other programs, so that key does not accept whatsoever functionality in that specific program.

Plan or driver interference

Attempt rebooting your estimator. It's non uncommon for a program or operating system to cause problems with a keyboard that prevents some of the keys from working.

  • How to restart Microsoft Windows.

If rebooting didn't help and you're using Windows, try starting the figurer in Safe Mode to brand sure no background programs are running. If your keyboard works in Rubber Fashion, it's likely that one of the installed programs or device drivers is causing the problem.

  • How to open Safe Fashion.

You tin can endeavor disabling or removing background programs, or TSRs, to run across which ane may be causing some keys not to work.

  • How to remove TSRs and startup programs.

Nosotros also recommend checking if in that location are any updated device drivers for your calculator. Installing updated drivers may fix issues related to driver conflicts causing some keys not to work.

  • How to install and update a estimator driver.

Key not doing expected action in a game

If you're having bug with a key working in a game, make sure the key is properly mapped. Each key tin exist mapped to a different action through the game keyboard settings.

Keyboard still does not work

If you've tried all the suggestions higher up and ane or more keys are all the same not working, the keyboard is defective and needs to be replaced.