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How to Fix Backspace Key When It’s Not Working + Alternatives

Run the Keyboard troubleshooter to solve this problem

4 min. read

Updated onSeptember 27, 2024

updated onSeptember 27, 2024

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Resolve multiple Windows PC issues and speed up your PC effortlessly with specialized software.

If your backspace key is not working, it could be due to physical damage, incorrect keyboard settings, or even out-of-date drivers.

In some other cases, software conflicts or system glitches may contribute too. That said, in this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get it working again.

How do I fix my backspace key if it’s not working?

Before we start, make sure your keyboard is clean. Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove dirt. Also, check your keyboard cable/batteries and make sure your OS is up to date.

If the above preliminary checks can’t fix the backspace key not working, go ahead with the solutions below:

1. Disable Sticky keys and Filter key options

2. Run the keyboard troubleshooter

Running the keyboard troubleshooter will find and fix the problems causing the backspace key to malfunction on your laptop.

We also have a guide onSpacebar not workingthat you might be interested in.

3. Update your keyboard drivers

Updating the keyboard driver will fix bugs affecting the device and install the latest features to improve its performance. Also, it resolves compatibility issues causing the problem:

You can read our guide for other steps forupdating drivers on Windows PCsif you have any issues. Also, you can choose to update any drivers on your PC automatically with a tailored solution.

Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Reinstall the keyboard device

Reinstalling the keyboard device will resolve corrupt device files, settings issues, and other keyboard-felted issues preventing the backspace key from working.

Backspace alternatives

The Delete Key can be an alternative to Backspace in some contexts. To delete characters to the left of the cursor using the Delete key, you can follow these steps:

You can also usekeyboard mapping softwareto assign any other key to work as Backspace, but that is just a software workaround.

In conclusion, following the steps above should help backspace not working. It might also fix related issues likekeyboard typing the wrong letterson your computer.

Also, you may be interested in our article about how to fix thekeyboard not allowing double letterswhen typing on Windows 11.

This isn’t the only problem you can encounter, some users reported thatkeyboard is not working on Windows 11at all.

Should you have any questions or suggestions regarding this guide, kindly drop them in the comments section.

How to Fix Backspace Key When It’s Not Working + Alternatives#

How do I fix my backspace key if it’s not working?#

1. Disable Sticky keys and Filter key options#

2. Run the keyboard troubleshooter#

3. Update your keyboard drivers#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

4. Reinstall the keyboard device#

Backspace alternatives#