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Likely fix

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.

Quick answer

Restart the laptop, check whether an external USB keyboard works, then check keyboard layout, accessibility settings, and recent updates.

Important warning

If liquid was spilled on the laptop, stop using it and power it off. Continuing to test keys can cause more damage.

Try this

  1. 1 Restart the laptop.
  2. 2 Try typing in more than one app.
  3. 3 Connect a USB keyboard if available.
  4. 4 Check whether the external keyboard works.
  5. 5 Check keyboard language and layout settings.
  6. 6 Turn off Filter Keys, Sticky Keys, or similar accessibility settings if enabled.
  7. 7 Install pending system updates.
  8. 8 If the keyboard stopped after a spill, turn the laptop off and get it checked.

Common causes

System is frozen.

Keyboard accessibility setting is enabled.

Wrong keyboard layout.

Driver or update problem.

Liquid damage.

Internal keyboard cable or hardware fault.

What to check next

  • Check whether the trackpad also works.
  • Check whether an external keyboard works.
  • Check whether the keyboard works before login.
  • Check whether Filter Keys or Sticky Keys are enabled.
  • Check whether the problem started after a spill or update.

FAQ

Why is my laptop keyboard not working?

It may be a frozen system, accessibility setting, wrong layout, driver problem, spill damage, or hardware fault.

Should I test with an external keyboard?

Yes. If an external keyboard works, the laptop is running and the issue is likely with the built-in keyboard or its settings.

What should I do after spilling liquid on a laptop keyboard?

Turn the laptop off, unplug it, do not keep testing keys, and get it checked as soon as possible.

Related fixes

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: 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: 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: 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: 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.