What to do if the keyboard on the laptop does not work

Occasionally, the method may not always operate correctly. For instance, for various reasons, a portion of the buttons may not respond or the keyboard on the laptop may not function fully. What can be done in such a scenario? This question is particularly relevant when the laptop serves as an essential tool for work.

Possible causes of failure of the laptop keyboard

Keyboard Troubles

There are numerous reasons why the laptop keys may not be responding, but some of the most common ones include:

1. A virus may have infected the software when a new application was installed. To fix this, run an antivirus scan to clean up any malicious files.
2. Outdated drivers could be the cause. Try updating the drivers or restarting the laptop. If that doesn’t work, uninstalling any problematic utilities may be necessary.
3. A burned chip could be the culprit if the touchpad or ports on the side of the device aren’t functioning. Only a professional technician can handle this issue by replacing the faulty component.
4. It’s possible that the keyboard isn’t working due to a simple oversight. If there is a separate numeric keypad, check to see if it is disconnected.

• Accumulated crumbs and debris in the keyboard crevices can also hinder certain parts of the keyboard from working properly. In certain models, if the battery charge is low, it may result in the malfunction of specific components, including the keyboard.

Testing the keyboard via Bios

Testing through Bios

If there are any uncertainties regarding the satisfactory performance of the laptop, the first step is to check the behavior of the keyboard upon booting up. To do this, you can enter the Bios using either the Delete or F2 buttons and navigate through the menu or other windows. The mere act of accessing the Bios confirms that the keys are functioning properly and you can proceed with your work.

If you are unable to enter the Bios, it suggests that there is a complete or partial malfunction of the keyboard functions, possibly caused by liquid spillage.

Important note: if the keyboard works fine in the Bios but fails to function outside of it, it indicates that there are software-related issues that can be resolved through Windows.

Software failure

Software malfunctions often lead to incorrect operation. To pinpoint and resolve these issues, follow these steps:

• Start your system in "Safe Mode" by accessing the settings menu and pressing the F8 key. Alternatively, try using other function keys (e.g., F9, F10) depending on your device’s configuration. If the desired window doesn’t appear immediately, cycle through the function keys until the appropriate window appears.

Dealing with a program malfunction

• Next, it is crucial to examine the functionality of the keys within a specific program. In this situation, it is necessary to test the responsiveness of all buttons, without any exceptions.

It is worth noting that if the issue lies with the software, certain keys may consistently fail to function whenever the laptop is turned on.

Reinstalling drivers

Wear and tear or a malfunctioning operating system can result in the malfunctioning of all buttons. To rectify this issue, you will need to update the drivers in the following manner:

• Locate the "Control Panel" in the "Start" menu and navigate to "Device Manager".
• Within this window, locate and right-click on the "Keyboard" item.
• Choose "Update drivers" from the menu that appears and initiate the search.
• The appropriate drivers will be automatically located and installed from the network.

It is also important to note that you can install the DriverPack Solution program on your laptop, which can scan all drivers for updates and address any issues.

In addition, it is recommended to utilize specialized utilities to perform a system scan for viruses.

System Restore

If you find that all actions are meaningless, you can revert the program to a previous moment where the device was operating smoothly. To proceed with this action, follow the steps below:

• Go to the "Start" menu and navigate to "All programs" and then "Standard".
• Activate the "Utilities" section and select the "System Restore" option.

If the "System Restore" option is present in the "Start" menu:

• Click on it and then click "Next" in the window that appears.
• Select the appropriate date and time from the list, corresponding to the point when everything was functioning well.
• Press "Next" to initiate the system rollback and confirm by clicking "Done".

Important! It is also possible to reboot the system in "Safe Mode" when the keyboard fails to function properly, but the effectiveness of these actions may be limited.

Pinched or oxidized keyboard stub contacts

Loop problems

If the touchpad and ports on the device are functioning properly, the main issue might be with the connector. There are a few possible reasons for its malfunction:

• The connector may have come loose while carrying the equipment or due to a tight connection;
• It may have been incorrectly reconnected after disconnecting the keyboard or removing it independently;
• A poorly designed device may have resulted in a cable fracture.

In some models, removing the keyboard can be quite challenging. The cable used is very thin and can easily break if handled incorrectly.

Important! If you don’t have experience with laptop disassembly and keyboard removal, it is recommended to seek assistance from a service center.

Moisture can cause oxidation of the contacts, but specialists at the service center will be able to restore their functionality.

Failure of the microcontroller or spilled liquid on the laptop

If the keyboard gets flooded with sweet or salty liquid, it can start corroding. This corrosion can cause the entire row of buttons or a part of it to stop working, and it can also have a negative impact on the motherboard.

If you find yourself in such a situation where the keys have stopped working, it is important to take the following steps:

• Immediately disconnect the notebook from the power supply and remove the battery, as well as disconnect any other power sources.
• Turn the device over and drain any liquid that might have gotten inside.
• Do not use the device until it is completely dry, which typically takes 1-2 days.

Additionally, it is recommended to contact a service center. Specialists there will be able to completely remove any sugar residues and treat the contacts to prevent corrosion from developing.

Sometimes, a few keys might not work due to dust and dirt particles getting into the laptop. To avoid such issues, it is important to:

• Take proper care of the device in a systematic manner;
• Dust off the device regularly;
• Avoid bringing any appliances into the kitchen;
• Avoid eating while working.

If it is necessary to use a laptop for important and urgent tasks, it is recommended to use a portable keyboard connected to USB ports or an on-screen keyboard. The latter option is especially useful if some keys are not functioning properly.

How to activate the on-screen keyboard? Follow these steps:

• Go to the "Start" menu and search for "Control Panel", then click on it;
• Click on "Customize computer settings" to open the menu;
• Scroll down and find "Special Features Center";
• Open the item and click on "Enable on-screen keyboard".

A virtual keyboard will appear on the screen, which can be used just like a regular keyboard.