How to Troubleshoot Keyboard

22/12/2015 02:44

Here are solutions to some common problems with keyboards.

You can also try running a troubleshooter to diagnose and fix common problems with hardware and devices.

To run a hardware and devices troubleshooter

Method 1

  1. Click this button:

     

    Picture of a Fix it button
    Fix this problem

     

  2. In the File Download dialog box, click Run, and then follow the steps in the wizard.

Method 2

 

My keyboard doesn't work at all.

There are a few things to try:

  • Make sure your keyboard is plugged in to your computer correctly. If your keyboard connects to a USB port, try unplugging the keyboard and plugging it into a different USB port.

    Illustration of a typical USB cable and port
    A typical USB cable and port

  • Many wireless keyboards require special drivers to work properly. Be sure that you have installed any software that came with the keyboard. If you use a wireless Bluetooth enabled device for your keyboard, see Set up a Bluetooth enabled device.

  • Try plugging your keyboard into another computer. If it still doesn't work, it might be broken. Consider replacing it with a new keyboard, or, if the warranty for the keyboard is still valid, exchanging it for a new one with the manufacturer.

Warning

  • Turn off your computer before connecting or disconnecting a keyboard that plugs into a PS/2 port.

 

‍‍Windows doesn't recognize my keyboard, or doesn't recognize some keys.

The driver for your keyboard might be missing or need to be updated. If your keyboard came with a software disc, insert it into your computer to reinstall the driver. Otherwise, follow these steps to update your driver.

  1. Open Keyboard by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Hardware and Sound, and then clicking Keyboard.

  2. Click the Hardware tab, find the keyboard you're using, and then double-click it.

  3. Click the Driver tab, click Update Driver, and then follow the instructions.

  4. If you are prompted to restart your computer, do so.

 

Some keys stick or don't depress properly.

Turn your keyboard upside down and gently shake it. This will help remove any accumulated debris that might be preventing the keys from functioning properly.

You might also want to use compressed air to clean out dust from hard-to-reach areas under the keys.

 

The characters I type don't match the ones that show up on the monitor.

Your keyboard layout might be set for a different language than the one you want to use. See Change your keyboard layoutfor instructions on changing the keyboard layout to match the language that you want to use.

If this doesn't fix the problem, try plugging your keyboard into another computer. If it still doesn't work, it might be broken and need to be replaced.

 

My SHIFT, CTRL, ALT, or Windows Logo key isn't working as expected.

You might have activated the Sticky Keys accessibility feature. To learn how to disable Sticky Keys, see Make the keyboard easier to use.

Method 3:

You can use your keyboard to control the mouse and make it easier to type certain key combinations.

You can adjust these settings on the Make the keyboard easier to use page in the Ease of Access Center.

  1. Open the Make the keyboard easier to use page by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Ease of Access, clicking Ease of Access Center, and then clicking Make the keyboard easier to use.

  2. Select the options that you want to use:

    • Turn on Mouse Keys. This option sets Mouse Keys to run when you log on to Windows. Instead of using the mouse, you can use the arrow keys on your keyboard or the numeric keypad to move the pointer.

    • Turn on Sticky Keys. This option sets Sticky Keys to run when you log on to Windows. Instead of having to press three keys at once (such as when you must press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys together to log on to Windows), you can use one key by turning on Sticky Keys and adjusting the settings. This way, you can press a modifier key and have it remain active until another key is pressed.

    • Turn on Toggle Keys. This option sets Toggle Keys to run when you log on to Windows. Toggle Keys can play an alert each time you press the Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock keys. These alerts can help prevent the frustration of inadvertently pressing a key and not realizing it.

    • Turn on Filter Keys. This option sets Filter Keys to run when you log on to Windows. You can set Windows to ignore keystrokes that occur in rapid succession, or keystrokes that are held down for several seconds unintentionally.

    • Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys. This option makes keyboard access in dialog boxes easier by highlighting access keys for the controls in them. For more information about keyboard shortcuts, see Keyboard shortcuts.

    • Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen. This option prevents windows from automatically resizing and docking along the sides of your screen when you move them there.

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