Interactive fix flowchart
Keyboard not working
Fix a keyboard that is not typing, wireless keyboard problems, Bluetooth keyboard pairing, laptop keyboard issues, wrong characters, stuck keys, and keyboard shortcuts not working.
All fixes in this guide
Fix: USB keyboard not working
A USB keyboard usually stops working because of a loose cable, bad USB port, stuck driver, disabled device, or the keyboard itself failing.
Fix: Wireless keyboard not working
A wireless keyboard with a USB receiver usually fails because of low batteries, a loose receiver, USB port problems, interference, or the keyboard losing its connection.
Fix: Bluetooth keyboard not working
A Bluetooth keyboard usually will not work because of low battery, pairing mode problems, a corrupted saved pairing, wrong device slot, or Bluetooth being stuck.
Fix: Laptop keyboard not working
A laptop keyboard can stop working because of a frozen system, keyboard lock setting, driver issue, spilled liquid, loose internal cable, or hardware failure.
Fix: Keyboard typing wrong characters
A keyboard usually types the wrong characters when the keyboard layout, language, Num Lock, Fn Lock, or input method has changed.
Fix: Some keyboard keys not working
Some keys usually stop working because of dirt, liquid damage, worn switches, keyboard layout settings, software remapping, or laptop keyboard hardware failure.
Fix: Keyboard works only sometimes
An intermittent keyboard usually points to low battery, wireless interference, a loose cable, USB receiver problems, liquid damage, or a failing keyboard.
Fix: Keyboard shortcuts not working
Keyboard shortcuts usually stop working because the wrong app is focused, Fn Lock changed behavior, modifier keys are stuck, keyboard layout changed, or another app is capturing shortcuts.
FAQ
Why is my keyboard not working?
The most common causes are low battery, loose USB receiver, Bluetooth pairing problems, disabled keyboard settings, wrong keyboard layout, stuck keys, driver issues, or a laptop keyboard hardware fault.
What should I try first when my keyboard stops working?
Restart the device, check the keyboard power or cable, replace or charge batteries, reconnect the USB receiver, and try the keyboard in another USB port or on another device.
Why is my keyboard typing the wrong characters?
Wrong characters usually mean the keyboard layout, language, Num Lock, Fn Lock, or input method has changed.
Can a wireless keyboard stop working because of low battery?
Yes. Low batteries can make a wireless keyboard lag, disconnect, miss keys, or stop typing completely.