Laptop keyboard is a device that helps you to communicate with your system.
 The keyboard is the most underrated part of a Laptop or a Computer. However, with regular maintenance and cleaning, the keyboard can for the last lifetime without any problem. Laptop keyboards are exposed to open air, which makes it prone to dust, smoke, and dirt. The accumulation of these foreign matters remain unnoticed for a long time.
There are types of keyboards. One is an external keyboard that is mostly connected to a computer with the help of a cable. The other one is an internal keyboard which is inbuilt with the laptop. Sometimes, you might be editing an important document or sending a crucial mail and your keyboard suddenly stops working. This kind of issue creates work due and costs your precious time. If your Laptop keyboard is not working, you have to detect whether the problem exists with the hardware or the software. The problem exists with the hardware, cleaning the laptop would be a perfect solution, Don’t worry!. If your laptop keyboard is not working, follow the below instructions one by one to make it work.Â
Identification of the real issue
Instead of trying random fixes, first try to figure out whether it is a hardware issue or a software glitch that stops your keyboard working. Identifying this can save you a lot of time. One of the easiest methods of resolving a keyboard issue is restarting your computer. Once you restart the system, enter the BIOS. Press the function key repeatedly to enter the BIOS. The keys may vary based on the laptop manufacturer and the exact keys to be pressed will be displayed on the bottom of the screen.
If you are able to enter the BIOS, the keyboard failure may be due to the software issue.. If you can’t enter the BIOS, it means you are facing a hardware issue. Now you have found out your Laptop keyboard is not working because of which issue. Now the question is what to do if it is a hardware/ software issue?.
What to do if it is a software issue?
It’s literally a pain when your laptop keyboard stops working all of a sudden and you have no idea how to solve a software issue. Here are the important tasks that you need to follow that work on most of the laptops.
Reinstalling/updating the keyboard driver
- Reinstalling the driver may get you a positive result if your keyboard is not working because of a software related issue. Right click on the start button and open device manager.
- Select Keyboard from the list. Right click on the Standard PS/2 Keyboard select properties.
- Choose to update drivers and wait till the windows find a new driver and install it.
Your Laptop keyboard is still not working?
This time, uninstall the device. Once done reboot windows and wait for the driver to get installed. If your device fails to work even after updating the driver, a roll back driver option is available which will take you back to the previously installed driver.
Running the troubleshooter
If your keyboard is not working even after uninstalling, running the trouble shooter may help. Go to start, settings, update security. Select troubleshoot page on left panel and click run the troubleshooter.
Wrong regional settings is also another reason why particular keys are not working. You can do this clicking Windows+I and select the suitable time, language, and region. Select a suitable language from the dropdown menu and install it.
What to do if it is a hardware issue?
As we stated earlier, cleaning the laptop is the best solution for a hardware issue. If you have no idea how to clean a keyboard, don’t worry. We have listed the instructions to carry out that make your laptop return back to normal condition.
How to clean the keyboard of a laptop
- Clearing the dust out: If you have an external keyboard, Hold it upside down and shake it well. The dust, debris or the snack you had while you were working can stuck under the keys can create a problem. To clean the keyboard of a laptop, try using compressed air. This dry air can force the dust out and dry if there are any spilled liquids inside the board. Using the straw can be helpful to clean the keys specifically.
- Using disinfectant: Bacteria and germs present inside the keys can make your keyboard malfunction. You can also remove the keys and disinfect it. However, you can disinfect without removing the keys too. Clean the debris with a cotton swab or a cloth moistened with alcohol. Wipe over the keys and under it to remove the germs and allow it to dry.
Don’t :
- Never spray any liquid directly into the keyboard of a laptop. The liquid will damage the motherboard and costs you more money.
- Even if it is an external keyboard, never submerge your keyboard into the water. If you do, your keyboard will stop working and you need to buy a new keyboard for sure.
- Pop out the keyboard keys only if necessary. Sometimes during the removal of keys, the keys might break.
If you try all of these methods, and still your Laptop keyboard is not working it is better to consult a laptop service personnel to get the work done. Never ever try to work without prior knowledge. This will cost you heavier than you think.
