Random keys not working after latest update

robin w 5 Reputation points
2026-08-14T16:52:37.44+00:00

Several seemingly random keys on the top row of my keyboard quit working immediately following restarting after the most recent update (w, r, u, and i). I have uninstalled and rebooted both the ASUS and Standard keyboard, which has not worked. External keyboards and the on-screen keyboard still function correctly. What are the next steps for troubleshooting? Did the update possibly cause a hardware issue?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

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  1. EmilyS726 267.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-14T17:29:26.5833333+00:00

    If it works for external and onscreen keyboard, this is hardware issue. The timing is just a coincident in this case. If it is driver issue, it should also affect external keyboard. Driver issue also affects the entire keyboard, not just a few random keys. Or it affects the function keys, not regular letter keys.

    Underneath the keyboard, there is a circuit board with numerous signal tracks. Cracks in the tracks, dust or debris buildup, or corrosion can disrupt the signal flow. Microcrack's symptoms can slowly show up over time.

    Your next step is to contact computer manufacturer support, or bring the computer to local repair shops.

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  2. Thoura Sopheak Nanta 580 Reputation points
    2026-08-14T16:59:38.95+00:00

    Hi @robin w

    The update is unlikely going to cause a hardware issue, but it might be causing some issues with the keyboard driver.

    Go to Win + X, Select Device Manager, Expand Human Interface Devices, find your keyboard driver, once found, try updating that driver by Windows Update or manually by your Manufacturer's website, If it's up to date, Double click the driver, go to Driver tab, Is the Rollback Driver option available? If it's not available Uninstall the driver, then click on File click on action using your Mouse then click on Scan for Hardware changes. This should reinstall the driver.

    Hope this fixes your issue!

    Best regards,

    Nanta

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  3. AI answer

    2026-08-14T16:52:57.33+00:00

    Because the external keyboard and On-Screen Keyboard still work, the issue is more likely isolated to the built-in keyboard path rather than Windows text input in general. An update can contribute by affecting driver state, but that does not by itself confirm physical hardware damage.

    Recommended next steps:

    1. Check for additional Windows updates again
      • Open Check for updates from the taskbar search.
      • In Windows Update, select Check for updates.
      • This is important because after a major update, Windows can miss or fail to migrate some device drivers, and running Windows Update again can reinstall missing drivers.
    2. Do the basic hardware reconnection checks
      • If possible for the device, unplug and reconnect the keyboard connection path.
      • If using any USB-connected keyboard hardware, try a different USB port.
      • If a hub or dock is involved, remove it and connect directly.
      • Check for dirt or debris blocking the affected keys.
      • If the keyboard is battery-powered, make sure it is charged.
    3. Update the keyboard driver manually in Device Manager
      • Search for device manager and open Device Manager.
      • Expand the keyboard device category.
      • Open the affected keyboard device.
      • Select the Driver tab.
      • Choose Update Driver and follow the prompts.
    4. Test whether the built-in keyboard works outside the current hardware path
      • If the keyboard appears not to work correctly at all for those keys, test the device behavior as much as possible in another scenario or with alternate input already available.
      • Since the external keyboard works, that helps narrow the problem to the laptop keyboard hardware or its driver path.
    5. If the problem started immediately after the update, treat the update as a possible trigger, not proof of hardware failure
      • Microsoft documents cases where device drivers updated shortly before or during a major Windows update do not migrate correctly.
      • In that case, rerunning Windows Update is the documented workaround.

    What this likely means:

    • Not likely a general Windows input problem: the On-Screen Keyboard and external keyboard working correctly points away from a system-wide typing issue.
    • Could be driver-related: especially since the problem began right after restart from an update.
    • Could still be hardware-related: random built-in keys failing while other input methods work can also indicate a keyboard hardware fault or connection issue. The update may have coincided with the failure rather than physically causing damage.

    If Windows Update finds and installs additional driver updates and the built-in keys still fail afterward, the remaining evidence points more strongly to the laptop keyboard hardware or its internal connection rather than the update having directly caused physical damage.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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