13 Solutions to Fix Keyboard Not Working on Windows 10/11

ByJim Miller

Is your keyboard not working on your Windows 10 or 11 PC? Don't worry, there are several troubleshooting methods you can try before considering costly repairs or replacing your keyboard. In this article, we will provide you with 13 solutions to fix the keyboard not working issue on your Windows computer.

1. Perform Initial Inspections

Before diving into technical solutions, there are a few simple things you can try first:

  • Restart your computer. This often resolves many issues, including keyboard problems.
  • Ensure that your keyboard is clean and free from dust and debris.
  • Check for physical damage, such as broken or damaged keys or cables.
  • Test your keyboard on another computer to determine if the issue is with your PC.
  • If you're using a wireless or Bluetooth keyboard, check the battery health.
  • Reconnect your Bluetooth or wireless keyboard to your PC.

2. Use On-Screen Keyboard

If you're unable to use your keyboard on the Windows login screen, you can temporarily use the on-screen keyboard to sign in to your Windows device. Here's how:

  • Click on the Accessibility icon (human icon) in the bottom right corner of the login screen.
  • Enable the On-screen keyboard toggle.

3. Update or Reinstall the Keyboard Driver

If you recently updated your Windows, the issue might lie with the keyboard driver. Try updating or downgrading the driver to resolve compatibility issues with the new system update. Here's how:

  • Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
  • Expand the Keyboards section and right-click on the keyboard device.
  • Select the Update driver option to check for updates.
  • If no updates are found, choose the Uninstall device option and restart your PC. The keyboard driver will be reinstalled upon restart.

4. Disable Fast Startup

The Fast Startup feature in Windows can sometimes cause the keyboard to stop working during the boot process. Try disabling Fast Startup to see if it resolves the issue. Here's how:

  • Open the Control Panel on your computer.
  • Click on Hardware and Sound settings.
  • Under Power Options, select the Change what the power buttons do option.
  • Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  • Uncheck the box next to Turn on fast startup and save changes.

5. Disconnect Other Interfering Peripherals

If you have multiple wireless devices, such as Bluetooth speakers or cordless phones, they might interfere with your wireless keyboard. Try turning off these devices one by one to identify the culprit.

6. Disable Filter Keys

Filter Keys is a Windows accessibility feature that can cause your keyboard to behave strangely. Disable Filter Keys by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and toggle off the button next to Filter keys.

7. Make Changes to Your Registry File

Making changes to the PS/2 (i8042prt) registry file can resolve keyboard issues on your Windows PC. Here's how:

  • Enable the On-screen keyboard from Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
  • Press Windows Key + R to launch the Run dialog, then type “regedit” and click OK.
  • Navigate to ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesi8042prt.
  • Open the registry key named Start (inside the i8042prt folder).
  • Change the Value data to 1 and click OK. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

8. Check the Power Management Setting

Ensure that the option to turn off your keyboard to save power is unchecked. Right-click on the Start button, select Device Manager, go to the Keyboards section, right-click on the keyboard device, and choose Properties. Make sure the box next to “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” is unchecked.

9. Run Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in keyboard troubleshooting feature that can resolve common keyboard problems. Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooter and select the Keyboard option. Run the troubleshooter to detect and fix any keyboard issues.

10. Scan for Malware

Malware can disrupt both software and hardware, including your keyboard. Scan your PC for malware using reliable anti-malware software or Windows' built-in antivirus.

11. Run SFC Scan

If there are missing or corrupted files affecting your keyboard functionality, you can try running an SFC (System File Checker) scan. Open the Command Prompt (Admin), enter the command “sfc /scannow,” and hit Enter. The scan will detect and repair any errors.

12. Update or Roll Back Windows Updates

Updating or rolling back Windows updates can resolve keyboard issues caused by corrupted or missing system files. Go to Settings > System > Recovery and click the Go back button to roll back to the previous build if necessary.

13. Reinstall Windows

If none of the above solutions work and your keyboard functions properly on other computers, reinstalling Windows may be necessary. Refer to a guide on how to reinstall Windows for further assistance.

Bringing Keyboard Back From Vacation

We hope these solutions have provided some relief and fixed the keyboard not working issue on your Windows PC. In the meantime, you can temporarily use your phone as a keyboard for basic tasks on your computer. Remember to also check out our guide on fixing the keyboard not working after sleep mode on Windows.