Keyboard stopped working? Here are some simple fixes

There’s nothing more annoying than a dysfunctional keyboard. Even a faulty key can disrupt your workflow and hamper your productivity. For PC gamers, an unresponsive key can completely prevent them from playing a game. You can try using an onscreen keyboard for any small tasks, but you will need to fix your keyboard at some point. In this article, we bring you some simple fixes for when your keyboard stops working.

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Reboot your computer

Restarting your computer can fix minor background issues or software glitches that may be keeping it from carrying out the basic functions. Rebooting your computer should be the first step in diagnosing any problem. Click on the Windows icon at the bottom left corner of the screen and select ‘Restart’ from the power options. Check if your keyboard is working properly after the reboot. If the issue still persists, scroll down for other fixes. 

Check the power switch on your keyboard

If you use a wireless keyboard, it is very likely that it comes with a power switch. This switch disabled your keyboard when it is not in use. It comes in handy when your computer is turned on but you are not using your keyboard. Turning off the keyboard can help save you a significant amount of battery. It is very likely that you turned the power switch off on your keyboard and forgot to turn it on. Check if the switch is turned on before trying out other fixes on this list.

Try using a different USB port

It is possible that your keyboard stopped working due to a faulty USB port on your computer. Try connecting the keyboard to a different USB port to see if it works. If the keyboard still doesn’t work, it is either a hardware issue related to your issue or a software issue on the PC’s end.

Enter the BIOS mode on your computer

Entering the BIOS mode is a quick way to figure out whether the issue is hardware or software related. To enter BIOS, simply press the F2 or Delete key repeatedly while your PC is rebooting. The key may vary for different PCs, so it is advised to do a quick Google search for which key works on your computer. If you are unable to enter BIOS, the issue is hardware related. 

Clean your keyboard

You’d be surprised how often keyboards stop working because they accumulate too much dirt. It is very common for dust particles and other kinds of dirt to settle beneath the keys on your keyboard. If you want to thoroughly clean your keyboard, check out our full guide here. For easy cleanup, simply reach for the dirt below the keys using a small brush and gently tap your keyboard on the table to push the dirt out. Clean your keyboard with a microfiber cloth and see if it is working again.

Update or reinstall  keyboard drivers

Step 1: Type in ‘Device Manager’ in the search bar at the bottom left corner of your screen and select it.

Step 2: Click on ‘Keyboard’ to expand the section.

Step 3: Right-click on the keyboard listed on the list and select ‘Update driver’. Follow the onscreen instructions and the driver will be updated.

If your keyboard still doesn’t work, try uninstalling the driver by clicking on ‘Uninstall device’ instead of ‘Update driver.’ Restart your computer. The operating system will automatically download the necessary driver for your keyboard. 

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Conclusion

There are some simple fixes for when your keyboard stops working. If you’ve tried all the fixes mentioned above and your keyboard still doesn’t work, you may need to take it to a repair centre to get it fixed or buy a new one. If you found these fixes to be useful, let us know in the comments!