Keyboard Not Working on Laptop Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Is your laptop keyboard not working after upgrading to Windows 11? This can be a frustrating issue, but it’s often resolvable with a systematic approach. This guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to get your keyboard back up and running.

1. Preliminary Checks

Before diving into more complex solutions, perform these quick checks:

  • Restart your laptop: This simple step often resolves temporary software glitches.
  • Check the keyboard language settings: Ensure the correct language is selected in the Windows settings. An incorrect language can lead to unexpected key outputs or a non-responsive keyboard.
  • Ensure the keyboard is clean: Debris, dust, or crumbs can sometimes interfere with key functionality. Use compressed air to clean around and under the keys.
  • Check for physical damage: Inspect the keyboard for any visible damage, such as loose keys or spills.

2. Basic Troubleshooting Steps

If the initial checks don’t resolve the issue, try these solutions:

2.1. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix keyboard problems:

  1. Open Settings. (Windows key + I)
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click on Troubleshoot.
  4. Click on Other troubleshooters.
  5. Find Keyboard and click Run.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

2.2. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can cause malfunctions. Here’s how to update or reinstall them:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Keyboards.
  3. Right-click on your keyboard device.
  4. Select Update driver. Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” If an update is found, install it.
  5. If updating doesn’t work, right-click on your keyboard device again and select Uninstall device. Restart your laptop. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

2.3. Check Filter Keys

Filter Keys is an accessibility feature that can sometimes interfere with keyboard functionality. To disable it:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accessibility.
  3. Click on Keyboard.
  4. Make sure the Filter Keys option is turned Off.

2.4. Check Sticky Keys

Sticky Keys, another accessibility feature, can also cause unexpected behavior. Disable it using these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accessibility.
  3. Click on Keyboard.
  4. Ensure the Sticky Keys option is turned Off.

3. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the basic steps haven’t worked, these more advanced solutions might help:

3.1. System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted system files can cause various problems, including keyboard issues. The SFC scan can repair these files:

  1. Type cmd in the Windows search bar.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  4. Wait for the scan to complete. This process may take some time.
  5. Restart your laptop after the scan is finished.

3.2. DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) Tool

The DISM tool can repair the Windows image. This is particularly useful if the SFC scan doesn’t resolve the issue:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (as described in the SFC scan instructions).
  2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the process to complete. This may take some time.
  4. Restart your laptop.

3.3. Roll Back Windows Updates

If the keyboard issue started after a recent Windows update, the update might be the cause. Rolling back the update could resolve the problem:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Windows Update.
  3. Click on Advanced options.
  4. Under “Additional options”, click on Recovery.
  5. Click Go back. (This option is only available for a limited time after an update.)
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

3.4. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

In rare cases, keyboard settings in the BIOS/UEFI can cause issues. Consult your laptop manufacturer’s documentation for instructions on accessing and modifying BIOS/UEFI settings. Caution: Incorrectly modifying BIOS/UEFI settings can cause serious problems. Only make changes if you are comfortable doing so.

4. Hardware Issues

If none of the above solutions work, the problem might be hardware-related. In this case, consider the following:

  • External Keyboard: Connect an external USB keyboard to see if it works. If it does, this confirms that the internal keyboard has a hardware problem.
  • Professional Repair: Contact a qualified laptop repair technician for assistance.

Conclusion

A non-functional laptop keyboard can be a significant inconvenience. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and resolve the issue. Remember to start with the simplest solutions and work your way up to the more advanced ones. If all else fails, hardware repair or replacement might be necessary.