Most of us take our computer keyboard for granted until it begins to malfunction or keyboard stops working entirely. If your keyboard isn’t operating properly, your productivity may suffer. If it’s a company computer, this can be not just inconvenient, but also dangerous. Fortunately, there are certain keyboard troubleshooting steps you can take to figure out what’s causing the problem – and what you can do about it. The following is a list of steps to take to reactivate the keyboard:
Restart the computer
Reboot if you’re in doubt. Many computer problems, including some frequent keyboard issues, can be solved with a single computer reboot. It only takes a minute, and after the computer is up and running, you might find that your keyboard is operating properly again. Allow it to serve as a reminder to shut down your computer on a regular basis if it works. (Rather than allowing it to go into the more vulnerable “Sleep” mode.)
Snacking and Typing? Test for Crumbs
Another likely cause of many keyboard problems is crumbs and other tiny debris being caught beneath the keys. This is more likely to be a problem with older devices than with modern keyboards. It’s a problem that many people have when they munch while typing or perusing the web. Turning the keyboard or laptop upside down and gently shaking it is the simplest remedy. Anything beneath the keys or inside the keyboard will usually shake out of the device, allowing the keys to function properly once more.
Blow the Dust Away
A keyboard collects dust and dirt particles over time, which coat the sides and undersides of the keys, obstructing and reducing their functionality. Even those who never eat while using their computer may experience problems as a result of this garbage. Pick up a can of compressed air from your local office supply store and use it on a regular basis to blow the debris out from under the keys. It’s possible that you’ll be startled by what’s accumulated.
Read More: Are Mechanical Keyboards Better for Gaming?
Spills of liquid?
If you’ve recently spilled or sprayed a beverage over your keyboard, it’s possible that you’ll have a keyboard outage. This is especially true of sticky drinks like soda and fruit juices. Clean between the keys using a thin, clean cloth and a little warm water or a few drops of rubbing alcohol to solve the problem. A cotton swab can be used to clean between the keys of a sticky or dirty keyboard. Larger spills, on the other hand, may cause damage that goes beyond basic cleanup. They may necessitate the replacement of a few keys or the entire keyboard.
Having Problems with a Driver
It’s also possible that the keyboard’s driver is to blame for broken keys. This is frequently the case while utilising third-party software or when a user fails to power off a computer properly. (Use the “Shut Down” command at all times.) If the driver is damaged, you may be able to resolve the problem by downloading a replacement driver. If downloading a new driver is not an option, a professional repair service may be required.
Problems with the Motherboard
The motherboard of a computer controls a variety of operations, including the keyboard. The link between the two can be lost at times, resulting in a keyboard that functions infrequently or not at all in some circumstances. Those who are familiar with IT and electronics can run tests and examine the computer’s inner workings; however, beginners should avoid doing so. An IT specialist can quickly evaluate if a motherboard problem exists and take the necessary procedures to resolve it. The motherboard may need to be replaced in some circumstances.
Your keyboard is broken
If none of these troubleshooting tests or repairs work, the keyboard could be faulty. If your equipment is still under warranty, you may be entitled for a free replacement; but, before having it serviced, make a backup of your hard drive.
Are you in need of a quick fix? Make use of USB.
If none of these troubleshooting options have worked for you, you might want to try plugging in a temporary USB-powered keyboard. This can assist you in finishing any outstanding assignments before addressing the laptop’s true problems. Simply purchase or borrow a USB keyboard and connect it to the USB port on your laptop. Although it is not a long-term solution, it can assist you in completing outstanding assignments. You can then figure out what’s wrong with your keyboard at a later time.
A broken keyboard can be aggravating; in the case of a laptop, a broken keyboard may necessitate the owner replacing the entire system. In either case, a broken keyboard isn’t always hopeless. Try the solutions on our keyboard troubleshooting list before screaming, “Why is my keyboard not working?!!”