Share this article
This article is translated in
Improve this guide
FIX: Some Keys on Laptop Keyboard not Working
Keep your keyboard drivers up to date to avoid any errors
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 28, 2024
updated onOctober 28, 2024
Share this article
This article is translated in
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Many people reported that some keys are not working in Windows 11, particularly on laptops. If you are among them, don’t worry. The issue is pretty trivial and easy to fix.
Outdated orcorrupt drivers, faulty device settings as well as dusty hardware could lead to this. Just follow the steps below to see how you can make all of your keys work again.
What to do if some keys on the keyboard are not working in Windows 11?
Before you delve into the fixes, check these three elements:
1. Run the Keyboard troubleshooter
If Windows 11 arrow keys are not working, or even the other keys, you should run the built-in troubleshooter. Microsoft offers several of these to help automatically identify and fix issues preventing the system and connected devices from working effectively.
1.PressWindows+Ito launch theSettingsapp.
-
Navigate to theSystemtab.
-
Scroll down to theTroubleshootsection.
4.Click onOther troubleshooters.
5.Now, locate theKeyboardtroubleshooter, and click on theRunbutton next to it.
-
Follow the on-screen instructions and choose the appropriate response when prompted to complete the process.
-
Check if the keyboard is working properly now.
2. Reinstall the keyboard driver
If the currently installed driver for the keyboard is corrupt, you may find that some keys are not working. In this case, you should reinstall the driver. To identify a corrupt driver, look for a warning sign near the corner of the device icon.
3. Update the keyboard driver
Keeping the keyboard driver updated can also help you prevent similar issues like theSpace bar, Enter, and Backspace keys not working on Windows 11.
Alternatively, you can use athird-party toolsuch asPC Helpsoft Driver Updater. This will automatically install the latest driver updates and keep them all in check.
4. Run a scan for malware
5. Modify keyboard settings
TheSticky keysfeature keeps modifier keys, namelyCtrl,Shift, amongst others, to remain active even after you release them. On the other hand, when theFilter keysfeature is enabled, the keyboard will ignore when keys are repeatedly hit to help users with hand tremors type.
But, these two may make it appear as if Windows 11 shortcut keys are not working. Thus disabling them could fix the problem.
In case you have a problem with theCtrlkey, we have a great guide on what to do ifCtrl key is not working, so we encourage you to check it out.
6. Check if a certain set of keys is disabled
The function or F-keys perform a dual role, allowing you to use them both in their designated role and the one configured on your system. It could be either multimedia or increasing and decreasing the brightness and volume.
If the F-keys are unlocked, they will generally perform the other role, as highlighted on the F-key itself, and it will seem like Windows 11 function keys are not working.
On the contrary, if the F-keys perform the role to change the volume, it would appear as if Windows 11 volume keys are not working, with the function key locked.
Here, all you have to do islock or unlock the function key, as the case may be, to eliminate the issue.
Many keyboards have a separate set of number keys to the right, often referred to as Numpad or the number pad. This imitation of a regular calculator allows users to input numbers quickly. But many find the number pad to be not working in Windows 11.
This is generally because the number pad is locked. And to unlock it, you will have to hit theNum Lockkey on your keyboard. Also, a small light on the keyboard could indicate when the number pad is locked and when it’s working.
Besides, when the number pad is locked, the keys here will function as the arrow keys, which indicates that the set is locked.
These are all the fixes you can try if your Windows 11 keyboard is not working, and one of these should help eliminate the issue. Remember never to discard a malfunctioning keyboard right away.
Also, learn what to do ifWindows 11 is not detecting the keyboardor if theBackspace key is not workingproperly.
Tell us which fix worked and your experience of Windows 11 thus far in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Keyboard issues,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
User forum
1 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
