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Fix a laptop keyboard that will not type

We'll rule out Filter Keys, driver issues, and physical damage, then isolate the cause—accessibility settings, driver fault, or hardware failure—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–25 min
What you'll need
  • External USB keyboard (to test whether the internal keyboard is the issue)
  • Compressed air (optional, for cleaning under keys)
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Steps

Goal: Rule out accessibility settings and driver, then isolate hardware failure.

  • Check whether an external USB keyboard works. If it does, the internal keyboard or its driver is the issue.
  • Good: External works—proceed to Turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys.
  • Bad: External also fails—check Filter Keys, restart, or try another USB port.

Check external keyboard

Goal: Isolate whether the problem is the internal keyboard or system-wide.

  • Connect a USB keyboard. Try typing in Notepad or a text field.
  • If the external keyboard types correctly, the internal keyboard or its driver is the problem.
  • Good: External works. Proceed to Filter Keys and Reinstall driver.
  • Bad: External also fails. Check Filter Keys and restart.

Turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys

Goal: Rule out accessibility settings that block or delay keystrokes.

  • Open Settings, Accessibility, Keyboard. Turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys.
  • If either was on, key presses may be ignored or delayed. Restart the laptop and test again.
  • Good: Keyboard works after disabling. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still not working. Proceed to Reinstall driver.

Reinstall keyboard driver

Goal: Fix a corrupted keyboard driver.

  • Open Device Manager. Expand Keyboards. Right-click the laptop keyboard, Uninstall device (do not delete the driver).
  • Restart—Windows will reinstall the driver. If the driver was corrupted, this can fix it.
  • Good: Keyboard works after restart. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still not working. Check for physical damage or see When to get help.

Check physical damage

Goal: Rule out stuck keys, debris, or visible damage.

  • Inspect the keyboard for stuck keys, visible damage, or debris under keys. Use compressed air to blow under keys.
  • If a key is stuck down, others may not register. When keys are free, test again.
  • Good: No stuck keys; keyboard works. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Physical damage, liquid spill, or keys register wrong characters. See When to get help.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • An external keyboard works but the internal one does not after driver reinstall and settings changes.
  • Physical damage or liquid spill.
  • Keys register wrong characters (hardware fault).

Keyboard replacement may be needed. Do not open the laptop unless you are experienced.

Verification

  • Keys register correctly when you type in Notepad or a text field.
  • Filter Keys and Sticky Keys are off unless you need them.
  • No stuck keys or debris blocking contact.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. External keyboard test Connect USB keyboard; if it works, internal keyboard or driver is the issue.
  2. Accessibility settings Turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys.
  3. Restart and driver Restart; reinstall keyboard driver in Device Manager.
  4. Physical check Inspect for stuck keys, debris; blow compressed air under keys.
  5. Call a pro External works but internal does not; physical damage or liquid spill.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Laptop model and keyboard type
  • Whether an external keyboard works
  • Filter Keys and Sticky Keys status
  • Steps already tried

Does an external USB keyboard work?

If an external keyboard types correctly, the internal keyboard or its driver is the issue.

Connect a USB keyboard. Try typing in Notepad or a text field. Good: external keyboard works—internal keyboard or driver is the problem. Bad: external also fails—check Filter Keys, restart, or try another USB port.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys, then reinstall driver

Accessibility settings and driver are common causes for internal keyboard failure.

Open Settings, Accessibility, Keyboard. Turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys. Restart. If still not working, open Device Manager, expand Keyboards, right-click the laptop keyboard, Uninstall device, restart. Good: keyboard works. Bad: still not working—check physical damage or call a technician.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Are Filter Keys or Sticky Keys enabled?

These accessibility features can block or delay keystrokes.

Open Settings, Accessibility, Keyboard. Turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys. Restart the laptop. Good: keyboard works after disabling. Bad: still not working—reinstall keyboard driver or try external keyboard.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Reinstall keyboard driver

Corrupted driver can prevent keyboard input.

Open Device Manager, expand Keyboards. Right-click the laptop keyboard, Uninstall device (do not delete driver). Restart. Windows will reinstall. Good: keyboard works. Bad: still not working—check physical damage, liquid spill, or call a technician.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Keyboard is working

Keys register correctly. Keep Filter Keys and Sticky Keys off unless you need them. If the issue returns, reinstall the driver again or check for Windows updates.

Done

Call a technician

Call a technician if: external keyboard works but internal does not after driver reinstall; physical damage or liquid spill; keys register wrong characters. Keyboard replacement may be needed. Do not open the laptop unless you are experienced.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a laptop keyboard not type?
Filter Keys or Sticky Keys enabled, faulty keyboard driver, physical damage, liquid spill, or hardware failure. Check accessibility settings and driver first.
Can I fix a laptop keyboard that will not type myself?
Yes. Turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys, restart, reinstall the keyboard driver. If an external keyboard works, the internal keyboard or its driver is the problem. Physical damage or liquid spill may need a technician.
When should I call a technician for a keyboard?
If an external keyboard works but the internal one does not, and driver reinstall and settings changes do not help. Physical damage, liquid spill, or keys that register wrong characters often need repair or replacement.

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