Why isn't my laptop keyboard working

Natalie Melia 0 Reputation points
2026-09-09T12:15:05.16+00:00

Why isn't my laptop keyboard working the mouse is working but none of the

keys

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Input and language
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-09T12:15:22.8733333+00:00

    Try these checks in order:

    1. Check the basics
      • If it is a USB keyboard, unplug it, wait a moment, and plug it back in.
      • Try a different USB port.
      • If a USB hub is being used, connect the keyboard directly to the PC instead.
      • Check that the cable is not damaged.
      • If the keyboard is battery-powered, make sure it has fresh or fully charged batteries.
      • Make sure dirt is not blocking the keys.
    2. Test whether the keyboard itself works
      • Connect the keyboard to another PC.
      • If it does not work there either, the keyboard may need to be replaced.
      • Some keyboards need the correct driver installed on the other PC for testing.
    3. If it is a wireless or Bluetooth keyboard
      • Look for a Reset button on the bottom of the keyboard or on its USB receiver.
      • For a USB wireless receiver, unplug it for about 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
      • If it uses Bluetooth, make sure it is paired correctly:
        1. Press and hold the pairing button for 5–7 seconds until the light blinks.
        2. On the PC, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
        3. Turn on Bluetooth, select Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth, then choose the keyboard.
      • If the pairing light flashes three times and turns off, the keyboard is already paired to another PC nearby. Remove it from that PC, then pair it again.
    4. If the keyboard is built into the laptop
      • Check whether the typed characters do not match what appears on screen. If so, go to Start > Settings > Time & language > Region & language and make sure the keyboard input language matches the display language.
      • If special keys are not working, install the latest Windows updates from Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    5. If the mouse works but keyboard input is still slow or unresponsive
      • Close open apps.
      • Restart the PC.
      • If using Bluetooth, check battery level in Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.

    If the keyboard does not work at all, but the mouse does, the most useful next check is testing the keyboard on another PC or, for a built-in laptop keyboard, making sure Windows is fully updated.

    References:

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

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  2. David-M 125K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-09T12:55:08.74+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    This may be a software or hardware related issue.

    I suggest doing the following:

    Run the Keyboard troubleshooter:

    1. Right-click on an empty space in the taskbar and select "Task Manager";
    2. Select "Run new task";
    3. In the "Open" field, paste this msdt.exe -id KeyboardDiagnostic, and click Ok;
    4. The Keyboard Troubleshooter window will open. Follow the on-screen instructions.

    If it persists, reinstall the keyboard driver:

    1. Open "Device Manager" (Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager);
    2. Expand "Keyboards";
    3. Right-click on the keyboard and select "Uninstall Device";

    (If it doesn't have the keyboard name, it will probably be "HID Keyboard Device")

    1. Restart (not shutdown) your PC and see if the issue is resolved.

    If it persists, I suggest you test with an external USB keyboard and see if the same behavior occurs.

    If you don't have an external keyboard, test with the On-Screen Keyboard.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-the-on-screen-keyboard-osk-to-type-ecbb5e08-5b4e-d8c8-f794-81dbf896267a#ID0EBBD=Windows_11

    See if the same behavior occurs when pressing the keys on the On-Screen Keyboard (not on your keyboard).

    After performing this test, let me know the result.

    Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

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