The keyboard on the computer does not work: what to do, reasons. Why doesn't the keyboard work on my computer?

If you turn on the computer and the keyboard does not work, does not respond to key presses and the indicators do not light up, then there can be only two errors: a hardware malfunction or a software failure.

What to do if the keyboard does not work due to a hardware failure

There are very few hardware problems that can lead to a keyboard failure. Usually this is a lack of contact in the connector (the plug is not fully inserted into the connector), a malfunction of the input device itself, and a malfunction of the motherboard port.

First of all, you need to make sure that the keyboard is connected correctly, especially for keyboards with a PS/2 connector. The keyboard has a purple plug and it must be connected to a connector of the same color in the system unit. The plug may not be fully inserted into the connector, resulting in loss of contact. You should check this point, or better yet, disconnect and reconnect the keyboard. After all the manipulations, try restarting your computer. It often happens that some kind of software glitch occurs during device initialization. A reboot usually solves such problems.

To ensure that the keyboard is working properly, as well as the port to connect it to, you will need to find another working keyboard. If a known-good keyboard on your computer works fine, then the problem is with the input device itself. In this case, you will have to go to the store for a new keyboard. If an initially working keyboard does not work on your computer, but yours, on the contrary, functions normally on another computer, then there is probably a defect in the motherboard. Correcting this malfunction without computer diagnostics is problematic, so it is better to contact specialists. Also, do not forget that you may still have a software error, which we will discuss below.

What to do if the keyboard does not work due to software

A software malfunction, as a rule, consists of incorrect operation of the driver. It is possible to eliminate this problem provided that the mouse is “in service”.

Go to the Start menu and then Control Panel. Here, open the “System” section and launch “Device Manager”. If there is a problem with the drivers, then next to the keyboard in the list there will be a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark.

Right-click on this line and open “Properties”. Now go to the Driver tab and click the Uninstall button. Confirm your actions and the keyboard driver will be removed from the system.

Now you should update the hardware configuration and search for connected devices. To do this, go to the “Action” menu of Device Manager and click “Update hardware configuration”.

The system will detect a new device (keyboard) and reinstall drivers for it. If you are using a multimedia keyboard, you may need to install drivers from the disk for it to work properly. This disc is usually included in the kit. You must first install it in the optical drive and, when prompted by the Add New Hardware Wizard, specify the path to the disk for installing drivers. If the installation is successful, the LED indicators on the keyboard will light up. When the Found New Hardware Wizard finishes, you will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

The keyboard is the main tool when working on a computer, without which work is almost impossible. Of course, you can enter information using a mouse and on-screen keyboard, but this method is inconvenient and will not work properly.

In this article we will tell you what to do if the keyboard on your computer does not work and consider all the possible causes of this malfunction.

The keyboard is a fairly simple device and usually works flawlessly. However, there are times when the keyboard indicator lights up, but nothing is printed.

Why the keyboard doesn't work: reasons

There are two types of reasons why a computer keyboard may not work:

1. Mechanical (cable break, moisture ingress, excessive contamination of the keyboard, violation of the integrity of the connection ports, and so on).
2. Software (software failures, incorrect BIOS settings, incorrect keyboard drivers, and so on).

Let's look at all the main reasons why the keyboard does not work and troubleshooting methods.

Problem with the cable or keyboard port

The first step is to assess the physical condition of the keyboard.

Look at the indication of the Caps Lock and Num Lock buttons. Most likely, if they work, then physically everything should be fine with the keyboard.

Visually inspect the keyboard cable. It may be pinched or cut. For example, many pet owners have pets that chew cables.

Also, visually check the keyboard connection port to see if there are any fractures or bends in it. There are two types of keyboard connection ports - USB and PS/2.

It often happens that when people try to connect to a computer in a PS/2 port, they break off the tip of the wire and the keyboard does not connect.

If the keyboard's USB cable and connection port look good, then try plugging the keyboard into another USB port on the computer. The port on the computer itself may be damaged. If the keyboard works in another port of the computer, then you have a problem with the USB port. Usually there are several of them on the computer and you can simply leave the keyboard connected to the port that works.

In the case of a keyboard with a PS/2 port, you should check the functionality of the keyboard connection port on another computer, since there is only one such port on the motherboard. To test the functionality of your computer's PS/2 port, you will have to find another such keyboard.

Spilled liquid and dirt on the keyboard

A flooded keyboard is a headache for all IT specialists and a goldmine for all laptop repair service centers. Very often, when working on a computer, people pour tea, coffee, beer and other liquids onto the keyboard. As a result, the keyboard may fail.

As a rule, it is easy to determine visually and by smell that liquid has been spilled on the keyboard. Carefully inspect the keyboard. Remove a couple of keys. If you see that there are traces of spilled liquid or food on the keyboard or under the keys, then you have two options. Either buy a new keyboard, or meticulously disassemble the flooded keyboard, clean it, dry it and put it back together. With a high degree of probability, the keyboard will work.

Previously, we have already talked in detail about how to clean a computer keyboard at home.

Checking USB settings in BIOS

If the computer's power supply fails, the BIOS settings may change, which contains an item about enabling or disabling support for USB keyboards on the computer.

Additionally, in this way you can check the serviceability of the keyboard in principle, since it may not work in Windows, but work in the BIOS. In this case, the failure is caused by software or drivers.

To enter the BIOS and check the settings, do the following:

1. Turn on your computer.
2. Press the DEL button on your keyboard until the BIOS settings window appears.
3. In the BIOS settings, find the USB Keyboard Support or Legacy USB menu.
4. Make sure the setting is in the Enable state. If it says Disable, then switch to Enable.

You can also set the remaining BIOS settings related to USB to Enable. You may be able to get ports on the front panel of your computer case that once stopped working.

Software or driver failure

Keyboards with older PS/2 connectors are more susceptible to software glitches. However, there are still quite a lot of such keyboards in use, although manufacturers have almost stopped producing them.

To resolve the problem of your keyboard not working due to software, you need to turn on your computer and log into your desktop. Since the keyboard has stopped working and does not print, and a password may be set on the account, you will need to use the on-screen keyboard and type the password with the mouse.

Now that you are on the desktop of your computer, you need to get to Device Manager.

In Windows 8 and Windows 10, to do this, right-click on the button Start and select device Manager.

In Windows 7, left-click on the button Start. Next, right-click on the word Computer and select Computer management — device Manager.

Device Manager displays information about all devices on your computer. Expand the Keyboards branch. If there is an orange question mark next to your keyboard, it means the device is not installed correctly on the system.

Right click on your keyboard and select Delete.

After that click Action — Update hardware configuration.

The computer will rescan all devices and install the keyboard correctly.

Factory defect or keyboard has reached the end of its service life

Any technology tends to break down and fail. If the keyboard was purchased relatively recently, then you may have encountered a manufacturing defect. In this case, you can contact the keyboard manufacturer's support service and expect a replacement device.

The fact is that many manufacturers value their reputation and, without entering into long debates with the buyer, immediately send a brand new keyboard by mail.

If you have had the keyboard for more than a year, then most likely it has failed due to service life and you should buy a new one.

Do you press some letters on the keyboard of your laptop or computer, but completely different ones appear on the screen? Don't worry, it's easy to fix. If The keyboard is printing the wrong letters and symbols, there may be several reasons. I will tell you about each of them and options for solving the problem below.

Reason #1: An additional keyboard is included, which is activated by the Fn key.

If you are using a laptop. Most likely the reason is the FN key pressed, press Fn+Ins(Insert) and try typing. In some cases, Fn+Num Lock should help.

As I said above, pressing the Fn key activates additional symbols bound to the buttons. They are usually labeled in a different color and painted on the buttons in the corner.

If you are sure that your keyboard does not have an Fn button, just read on. There are a few more ways below.

Reason #2: Sticky keys are enabled.

Windows has a “Sticky Keys” mechanism, which is activated if you press one button or several buttons many times in a row. Very often cats turn on this mode for us by walking on the keyboard or lying on it.

Disabling Sticky Keys is simple:

1. Go to the Start menu
2. Find "Settings"
3. Here is the "Control Panel"
4. Next, “Accessibility” or “Ease of Access Center”
5. Look for "Typing keyboard shortcuts one at a time" or "Sticky keys"
6. Find the “Enable Sticky Keys” checkbox and uncheck it.

Reason #3: Crumbs in the keyboard or other debris.

Everything is simple here, look visually at the keyboard if crumbs or other debris are visible between the buttons. Turn the keyboard over and gently shake until all or most of the crumbs fall out from under the buttons, then check if it helps. Repeat until all buttons are operational.

Reason #4: Problems with regional settings.

Check in the menu:

1. 1. Start
   2. Settings
   3. Control Panel
   4. language and regional standards
   5. Here the “Languages” tab and click “More details”
   6. Then check what keyboards you have, they should be Russian and English (USA).

Please note that next to the word Russian there are no additions: Mashinny, Ukraine, Belarus, etc. If you had the wrong layout, then delete it and click on the “Add language” or “Add keyboard layout” button. Then choose the correct Russian, without postscripts.

Choosing the correct Russian layout

If both keyboards were correct, try pressing each letter in the English layout and see if the letters and symbols are pressed correctly and match what you press. If yes, please check your computer for viruses and once again, just in case, make sure that the correct Russian layout is added. It would be a good idea to remove it and add it again just in case. If on the English layout there are still discrepancies between what you press and what appears on the screen, then you have a problem with the keyboard itself and it needs to be replaced. This often happens due to liquid getting on the keyboard.

If this article helped you, please write about it in the comments. Also, if you have problems and something didn’t work out, write also, I’ll try to help.

Don't panic if the keyboard on your laptop doesn't work. What to do in such a case? In many situations, getting rid of this problem can be quite simple. In this case, the brand of the device used does not matter. The reason that caused this breakdown can be completely different: the most basic or quite serious.

Reason 1: the microcircuit burned out

The main reason, which is difficult to foresee in advance, is when the microcircuit burns out. First of all, you should check the touchpad, as well as the ports that are located around the perimeter of the device. It is important to pay special attention to the USB and RJ-45 connector (for cable). When they are not working, you will need to contact a service center. If the warranty period has not yet expired, you must request a replacement. Only a person who has relevant experience in this field can get rid of such a problem.

If the ports are in working condition, we can hope for a positive outcome. The most common cause may also be the cable that connects the motherboard to the keyboard. In such a situation, in order to open access to the socket, it will be necessary to disassemble the laptop. The keyboard is secured using latches, which should be slightly pryed using a plastic card, and then the required module should be removed.

Appearance:

In disassembled position:

• connector for connection;
• plume.

The fasteners that secure the cable may loosen or oxidize after some time. This is possible when there is a humid environment in the work area. To restore working condition, the fasteners should be cleaned and then returned to their original place. In many situations, such actions are quite effective.

Reason 2: inattention

This item will be useful for owners of a separate digital block.

His appearance:

When the numbers on the keyboard are not working, the reason is the inattention of the users of this device. Some of them, due to their carelessness, often press the Num Lock button, which ensures the operation of this block - turns it on and off.

When numbers do not appear on the screen, but the cursor simply moves, you should press this key again. In this case, the indicator should light up, which confirms the working status of the function. It should be taken into account that in certain laptop models, for this purpose, a combination of keys is provided, such as: Fn + Num Lock.

Reason 3: viruses and driver failure

When the breakdown is not related to the hardware, then you should look for it in the software area. Some viruses act in such a way that they can “destroy” the keyboard driver. To check whether this assumption is correct, you should scan your system for the possibility of spyware. After the reboot process, you need to put the drivers in place. In many situations, these actions bring positive results.

What to do when the driver does not want to install or return to working condition? Sometimes it is not possible to remove it in the usual way. In order to get the result, you can try to turn on the keyboard on the device using safe mode.

For these purposes, it is necessary to reboot by periodically pressing F8. Using it, you can call up a menu for selecting additional boot methods. In it you need to select the usual “safe mode”. When the OS starts, you should follow the steps described below.

You need to try to remove the problematic utility or click on “Roll Back”. The last action can bring results in a situation where a driver update was previously carried out, which affected the performance of this device. After this, the previously valid software version must be restored.

Steps to remove:

Open “My Computer” and then click on “Properties”.

We go to the “Dispatcher” and select a special section with a keyboard.

It looks like this in the screenshot:

Right-click on the keyboard and open the “properties” item.

If the driver update is incorrect, click on “Roll Back”. In a situation where the system does not see the keyboard, click on “Delete”. For the latter option, you must have the original drivers on hand, which are provided by the manufacturer of this equipment.

Reason 4: features of some models + prevention

When releasing devices, some manufacturers try to ensure the ideal quality of their work. As a result, when the battery charge is low, certain parts, including the keyboard, may stop working. To restore its full functionality, you need to connect the laptop to the network.

Users who prefer to eat while working should be sure to clean the keyboard from crumbs. To do this, you can use a can with compressed air inside. Thanks to the high pressure, small particles of food that get into the cracks and grooves will be quickly removed. It should be remembered that under no circumstances should you use a damp cloth or screwdriver to get rid of them.

In order to get rid of the problem with a non-working keyboard, you need to carefully read the instructions described above. Initially, you can try to find a way out by checking the software system for viruses, etc. Quite often, spyware is hidden behind system files and disrupts the full operation of the device.

In addition, a combination of keys such as Fn + NumLock, which brings the number pad into operation, can also help. The installation of additional drivers taken from unknown sources can also be considered as a cause of failure. You should be careful when installing software utilities such as MKey, which provide button reassignment. In some situations, the system may perceive them as a threat and exit the working state.

In any case, if these problems arise, you should not despair and immediately buy a new laptop. If necessary, you can find a way out of this situation by connecting a stationary keyboard via the USB connector.

The keyboard is the main tool for entering information, without which working on a computer is impossible. Most often, for this device to work flawlessly, you just need to connect it to your computer, and it will install all the necessary drivers automatically. This happens in most cases, but not always. There are situations when, when you connect a keyboard to a USB or PS/2 connector, it is not detected on the computer and does not show any signs of operation - the indicators do not light up and the buttons do not work. In this article, we offer instructions on what to do if the keyboard on your computer does not work.

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Connecting the keyboard to the computer is as simple as possible - just insert its wire into the corresponding connector on the motherboard, and after that the device will start working. There are wireless keyboards, the radio receiver of which is inserted into a USB connector, after which the device works if the distance between the transmitter and the device is maintained.

Due to the simplicity of the process of connecting a computer, we can conclude that there are only 2 reasons why the keyboard does not work on the computer:

• Mechanical. There may be problems with the keyboard itself or the wire that connects it to the motherboard. The cause of the malfunction may also be a broken connector on the motherboard.
• Software. Keyboard drivers are installed automatically, but failures can occur during the installation of any software, and this situation is no exception. In addition, problems may occur not at the operating system level, but in the BIOS, where the appropriate settings for the keyboard are disabled.

Depending on which connector the keyboard is connected to the computer, we offer different options for solving problems that arise.

What to do if the keyboard does not work on the computer via USB protocol

The most common interface for connecting a keyboard to a computer is USB. The speed of information transfer from a peripheral device to the computer is sufficient, both via the USB 2.0 protocol and via USB 3.0, so there is no difference in which connector the keyboard is connected to.

If the USB keyboard does not work when you turn on the computer, you need to do the following:

It's worth noting that users with a keyboard connected to the motherboard via USB may have trouble getting into the BIOS on the computer's boot screen if they are using an older version of the underlying software. In this case, you need to find a keyboard with a PS/2 connector or use the appropriate adapter.

What to do if the keyboard does not work on your computer using the PS/2 protocol

Keyboard manufacturers are trying to move away from the PS/2 connector, abandoning it in favor of USB. It is very difficult to find a keyboard with a PS/2 connector on sale, but if you come across such peripherals and it does not work when loading Windows, most likely the problem is related to the drivers. To make the keyboard work, you need to do the following:

It is worth noting that a similar problem with keyboards connected via the PS/2 protocol most often occurs due to an error when installing the i8042prt.sys or kbdclass.sys driver.