When a laptop keyboard stops working, the cause is usually a setting, not broken hardware. Filter Keys, a locked Fn key or a driver glitch can all make the keyboard seem dead. Here’s how to find the cause, and how to type in the meantime.
Quick fixes to try first
- Restart the laptop (use the touchpad: Start → Power → Restart).
- Turn off Filter Keys: Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.
- Plug in a USB keyboard. If that works, the laptop’s keyboard or its driver is the issue.
In this article
Need to type right now? Use the on-screen keyboard
On the Windows sign-in screen, click the accessibility icon (bottom right) → On-screen keyboard. Once signed in, press Win + Ctrl + O or search Start for “On-Screen Keyboard”.
“My keyboard is locked”: the usual culprits
Filter Keys
Holding the right Shift key for 8 seconds turns on Filter Keys, which ignores brief keypresses. To most people the keyboard just looks broken. Turn it off: Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard → Filter keys → Off.
Fn Lock
If the top-row keys do the wrong thing (volume instead of F5, or vice versa), Fn Lock is toggled. Press Fn + Esc (Lenovo, Dell, HP and many others, as the Esc key often shows a padlock icon) to toggle it.
Num Lock on small laptops
On some older or compact laptops without a number pad, Num Lock turns letter keys (U, I, O, J, K, L) into numbers. Press Num Lock or Fn + Num Lock to turn it off.
Keyboard backlight not working?
That’s a separate key, usually F5, F9 or the spacebar with Fn (look for a keyboard-with-light icon). See your model’s manual if unsure.
Fix the driver
- Right-click Start → Device Manager → expand Keyboards.
- Right-click your keyboard (often “Standard PS/2 Keyboard” or “HID Keyboard Device”) → Uninstall device.
- Restart. Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.
- If it started after a Windows update, install your laptop maker’s latest chipset and keyboard/serial IO drivers, or uninstall the recent update (Settings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates).
Test whether it’s hardware
- Restart into the BIOS (F2, F1, F10 or Del at startup). If the arrow keys don’t work there either, it’s hardware, because Windows isn’t involved.
- Only some keys fail: often crumbs or a sticky spill. See how to clean a laptop keyboard.
- After a spill: shut down immediately, turn it upside down, and let it dry for 48 hours. Sugary drinks need professional cleaning.
- Keyboard types random characters or repeats keys: liquid damage or a failing keyboard. Swollen batteries pressing up from below can also cause this. Check for a lifting trackpad.
Lock the keyboard on purpose (for cleaning or with an external keyboard)
Windows has no built-in keyboard lock. The safe options are to shut down while cleaning, or use Microsoft’s free PowerToys tools. To stop typing on the laptop keyboard while using an external one, most people simply close the lid with an external monitor connected. See clamshell mode.
Mac keyboard not working
- Check System Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard for Slow Keys and Mouse Keys, and turn them off.
- Restart, and install macOS updates.
- Apple’s keyboard diagnostics run via Apple Diagnostics: shut down, then hold the power button until startup options appear, and press Cmd + D.
FAQ
Why does my laptop keyboard not work but the touchpad does?
Usually Filter Keys, a driver glitch after an update, or a disconnected keyboard ribbon cable. Work through the steps above. If an external keyboard works and the BIOS test fails, it’s hardware.
Is it worth replacing a laptop keyboard?
On many laptops the keyboard is part of the top case, so repairs can be expensive. Business laptops like ThinkPads have cheap, easily replaced keyboards. A USB or Bluetooth keyboard is a good stop-gap.
