Some of the keys on my reckoner keyboard aren't working

Updated: 08/16/2021 by Calculator Hope

Computer keyboard

When the keys on a keyboard don't work, it'south usually due to mechanical failure. If this is the instance, the keyboard needs to exist replaced. However, sometimes non-operation keys can exist fixed. The following sections contain mutual issues and their causes, with methods to try and repair those bug.

Notation

The steps on this page are for those whose keyboards still have some keys that work. For case, merely a few of the letters, numbers, or other characters not working. Nosotros have a separate folio for troubleshooting keyboards that have no working keys. See: Why don't whatsoever keys on my keyboard work?

One or more than keys practice not work

Grit, clay, hair, and other droppings tin can autumn into the keyboard over fourth dimension and obstruct a fundamental'southward move or interfere with its circuitry. Endeavour removing the central that isn't working, and clean the area under and around it.

  • How exercise I remove the keys on a keyboard?
  • Computer keyboard cleaning.

Tip

You can too try blowing away any debris in the spaces betwixt the keys using a can of compressed air or an air compressor.

If cleaning nether and effectually the central does not fix its functionality, the circuit board in the keyboard is likely defective or damaged. A bad circuit board can cause one or more keys to no longer part properly or at all. If the circuit lath is at fault, the keyboard needs to be replaced to set the problem.

Function keys are not working

F-Lock key and indicator light on a Microsoft keyboard

If the part keys are non working, the problem may be you have a role lock or F-Lock cardinal that needs to be toggled. The F-Lock key is used to turn on or off the F keys (F1 through F12) or secondary functions of the F keys.

Tip

Some keyboards may label the F-Lock primal as the Fn key.

Keys on the number pad are non working

If the keys on the number pad don't work or are behaving oddly (eastward.g., moving your cursor), printing the Num Lock key. Num Lock is used to switch between the primary role (numbers) and secondary functions (arrow keys, Domicile, Delete, etc.) of the numeric keypad.

If your keyboard has an LED indicator for the Num Lock key, the light should be turned on when the numbers can be typed.

Some keys aren't used in sure programs

Some keys, such equally the part keys (F1 through F12), do non work with every application. Examination the fundamental that isn't working in more than one program, such as Notepad, a word processor, and your preferred Internet browser. If the key works in other programs, then that key does not have any functionality in that specific programme.

Program or driver interference

Endeavour rebooting your computer. It'south not uncommon for a program or operating system to crusade problems with a keyboard that prevents some of the keys from working.

  • How to restart Microsoft Windows.

If rebooting didn't assist and you lot're using Windows, try starting the computer in Safety Mode to make sure no background programs are running. If your keyboard works in Safe Mode, it'due south likely that one of the installed programs or device drivers is causing the problem.

  • How to open Safe Manner.

You can effort disabling or removing background programs, or TSRs, to encounter which one may be causing some keys non to work.

  • How to remove TSRs and startup programs.

We also recommend checking if at that place are any updated device drivers for your computer. Installing updated drivers may fix issues related to driver conflicts causing some keys non to work.

  • How to install and update a computer driver.

Primal non doing expected action in a game

If yous're having problems with a key working in a game, make certain the central is properly mapped. Each primal tin can be mapped to a different action through the game keyboard settings.

Keyboard still does not work

If you lot've tried all the suggestions to a higher place and one or more than keys are still not working, the keyboard is lacking and needs to be replaced.