Free1. Check the connection
- Wired: plug it straight into the computer, not a hub, and try another USB port.
- Wireless: replace or charge the batteries, check the power switch, and move the USB receiver to a port closer to the keyboard.
- Bluetooth: remove the keyboard under Settings › Bluetooth & devices and pair it again.
2. Turn off Filter Keys
Filter Keys ignores short or repeated key presses, so typing seems slow or keys don't register. It can switch on by accident when you hold the right Shift key for eight seconds.
Open Settings › Accessibility › Keyboard and turn off Filter keys, Sticky keys and Toggle keys unless you use them on purpose.
3. Wrong characters? Fix the layout
If keys type the wrong letters or symbols (for example @ and " swapped), Windows is using a different keyboard layout.
- Press Windows + Space to switch between installed layouts, and watch the language code next to the clock.
- To remove extra layouts, open Settings › Time & language › Language & region, select your language's Language options, and remove layouts you don't need.
4. Check Num Lock and Fn Lock
- Number pad not working: press Num Lock. On some laptops, letter keys type numbers when Num Lock is on.
- F keys change volume instead: press Fn + Esc (or the key with a padlock and "Fn"), which swaps the top row between functions and media keys on many laptops.
- Windows key does nothing: gaming keyboards often have a "game mode" key or switch that disables it.
5. Update or reinstall the driver
- Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard and choose Update driver.
- If that doesn't help, choose Uninstall device and restart the computer; Windows reinstalls it.
- For gaming keyboards, update or reinstall the maker's software too.
6. Clean the keyboard
Turn it off or unplug it, turn it upside down and tap it gently, then use compressed air between the keys. Sticky keys after a spill need cleaning, or replacing if the spill was sugary.
Still not working?
Try the keyboard on another computer. If the same keys fail there, the keyboard is faulty. If a built-in laptop keyboard fails but an external one works, the laptop keyboard or its connector may need repair.
Frequently asked questions
The keyboard doesn't work on the login screen.
Try another USB port, and for wireless keyboards, a wired one. If an external keyboard works, update the built-in keyboard driver as in step 5.
Keys repeat or type twice.
Check the repeat delay in Control Panel › Keyboard, and clean around the key. If one key keeps doubling, its switch may be worn.