Experiencing keyboard problems on Windows 11 can affect your productivity significantly. If your physical or virtual keyboard is not working, follow this detailed troubleshooting guide. These detailed steps will guide you through various solutions to resolve the issue.
Step 1 – Preliminary Checks
Before diving deep, perform these quick checks first:
✔️ Check Connection (External Keyboard)
-
For Wired Keyboard:
- Disconnect and reconnect to a different USB port.
- Ensure no physical damage or tangled wire.
- For Wireless Keyboard:
- Replace or recharge batteries.
- Ensure you’re within operating range.
- Re-pair your Bluetooth keyboard, if applicable.
✔️ Try Another Keyboard or Connect to Another Device
- Connect your current keyboard to another PC or laptop and test if it works there.
- Test a different keyboard on your PC experiencing issues.
- Identify if the problem is PC-related or keyboard-related.
Step 2 – Restart Your PC
- Click on the Start Menu → Power → Restart.
- Restarting often resolves minor glitches and software issues.
Step 3 – Run Keyboard Troubleshooter (Built-in Tool)
Windows 11 has built-in troubleshooters for hardware components.
- Right-click on Start Menu button → Select Settings.
- Navigate to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
- Scroll down and locate the Keyboard troubleshooter.
- Click Run and follow on-screen instructions.
- Restart your PC once troubleshooting finishes.
Step 4 – Update or Reinstall Keyboard Driver
Corrupted or outdated keyboard drivers often cause keyboard issues.
A) Update Driver
- Right-click on the Start Menu button → Select Device Manager.
- Expand the Keyboards category.
- Right-click on your keyboard device → Click Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
- Wait for Windows to search for and install driver updates if available, then restart your PC.
B) Reinstall Keyboard Driver
- Go back into Device Manager → Keyboards.
- Right-click on your keyboard → Select Uninstall device.
- Confirm the action if prompted, then reboot your PC.
- Windows will automatically reinstall the required keyboard driver after boot.
Step 5 – Check for Windows Updates
An out-of-date version may cause compatibility issues with hardware.
- Open Settings → Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install all available updates, then reboot.
Step 6 – Turn Off Filter Keys & Other Keyboard Settings
Disable Filter Keys:
- Open Settings.
- Select Accessibility → Keyboard.
- Turn Filter Keys OFF.
Check other relevant settings:
- Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and related features (Accessibility settings → Keyboard section) should usually be set to OFF unless explicitly required.
Step 7 – Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup can occasionally create issues with hardware devices.
- Press Win + R, type
control, and hit Enter to open the Control Panel. - Set the view to Large Icons → click Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power button does from the left pane.
- Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) → Click Save changes.
- Restart your PC.
Step 8 – Scan for Malware
Malware infections can disable keyboard functionality.
- Open Windows Security: (Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security).
- Open Virus & threat protection.
- Perform a Full scan, then follow instructions if malware is found.
- Restart your PC.
Step 9 – Check BIOS/UEFI Settings (Advanced users)
If none of the solutions above worked, investigate the BIOS settings:
- Restart PC and enter BIOS mode (typically
F2,F10,F12,Del, orEscdepending on your motherboard manufacturer). - Go to BIOS settings → make sure USB ports are enabled.
- Reset BIOS to default settings if unsure, saving and exiting afterward.
Step 10 – System Restore or Reset PC (Advanced solutions)
System Restore – Good choice if your keyboard suddenly stopped working due to recent software change.
- Search for Create a Restore Point from Start.
- Click System Restore, then follow instructions to restore the system to an earlier date.
Resetting Windows – Last resort when other solutions fail.
- Open Settings → System → Recovery → Reset PC.
- Follow instructions to reinstall Windows safely, keeping or erasing your files depending on your preference. This is typically the most effective method when other solutions have failed.
Step 11 – Contact Microsoft Support or Manufacturer
If nothing above has helped, you might have a hardware fault:
- Contact keyboard or computer manufacturer or visit authorized service/repair center.
✅ Preventive Maintenance
- Regularly update Windows and Drivers.
- Avoid spilling liquids over your keyboard by keeping beverages away.
- Ensure security software is updated to prevent malware issues.
- Perform regular full-system shutdown to clear possible glitches.
Conclusion 🖥️
By carefully following each step above, you should be able to diagnose and repair keyboard issues on Windows 11. Most keyboard-related issues link directly to outdated or corrupted drivers, incorrect configuration settings, incompatible recent software installations, or faulty hardware.
Ensure to follow each step sequentially and test keyboard operation after each step to pinpoint the exact issue for easier problem-solving.
If you still experience problems after completing this guide, reach out to your keyboard manufacturer, your PC support service, or Microsoft Windows support for further assistance.
