Spilled drinks, dust buildup, and overall wear and tear typically cause dead keys on a keyboard. Some common signs of keyboard problems range from keys that are stuck, loose, uneven, producing the wrong character, or giving no response at all.
If some keys aren't functioning well, the issue could be related to dirt, liquid spills, or malfunctioning key switches. You may also have a problem with the keyboard's driver software, or the connection between the keyboard and motherboard might be loose. Try restarting your laptop or reinstalling the keyboard driver.
Start by cleaning the keyboard with compressed air or a soft brush. Try rebooting your computer or updating the keyboard driver. If the issue persists, check the key switch for physical damage. If the keyboard is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer for a possible replacement.
You can reset many keyboards using the ESC key. Unplug or turn off your keyboard, then press ESC while you reconnect it to your computer. Keep holding the ESC key until the keyboard begins to flash, then disconnect the keyboard and reconnect it again.
Incorrect Keyboard Layout: The keyboard may be set to the wrong language or layout, causing the keys to input characters that do not match the key caps. Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: Outdated, incompatible, or corrupted keyboard drivers can cause the keys to input incorrect characters.
Keys with an Fn key or F Lock provide two sets of commands for many keys. This includes the top row of standard function keys (F1–F12). Standard commands are labeled on the front of the keys (such as F3). Alternate commands are labeled on top of the keys (such as Redo).
The first key to try is the 'FN' key, which is typically located at the bottom left of the keyboard. While pressing down this key, try pressing 'Scroll Lock', 'Num Lock', or any other key on your keyboard - this should reset the lock allowing you to use your device again.
Detect and fix device errors
Next, you can run a troubleshoot with Device Manager built-in Windows to check if your keyboard device is problematic. To make it easier, you can download a Driver Booster to detect error codes and more importantly repair them by using one of the effective tools “Fix Device Error”.
Reasons for a locked Microsoft keyboard include accidental key presses or software problems. Knowing what caused it is important to solve the issue. It's possible that the Num Lock or Scroll Lock keys were switched on – or even the Caps Lock key. To unlock the keyboard, find out which lock key is activated.
Sticky Keys are a feature on many computers that allow you to press multiple keys simultaneously in order to execute a command.
Cleaning your keyboard may help. But as the primary cause of ghosting is limitations in the design or functionality of the keyboard, the best way to sort out the problem is to use a keyboard with a more advanced design or by using specialized software to work around the limitations.
Press fn and the left shift key at the same time to enable fn (function) mode. When the fn key light is on, you must press the fn key and a function key to activate the default action.
When you press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard and then press another key, you trigger a specific command or function associated with that key combination. The Alt key acts as a modifier, altering the behavior of the subsequent key you press.
In case there is a Windows key lock, try pressing Esc + Windows Key or Fn + Windows Key or try pressing the Windows key twice to unlock that key.
Whether you have a wireless keyboard or one with a cable connection, the first thing you should try is resetting it. Start by switching off or unplugging it. Then, wait a few seconds before holding down the Esc key and turning it back on or plugging it back in — still while holding down Esc.
Make sure nothing is stuck in the keyboard keys. If some keys on your laptop keyboard are not working, restart your device. If you have a keyboard manager app running on your device, shut it down or, if possible, delete it temporarily. If your keyboard keys have dust on them, wipe them off with a dry cloth.
On a notebook computer keyboard, while holding down the FN key, press either the NUM LOCK or SCROLL LOCK to enable the function. Press the same key combination again to disable the function. On a desktop computer keyboard, press NUM LOCK or SCROLL LOCK to enable the function, and press it again to disable the function.
Some of the reasons a keyboard might be unresponsive include: The computer is frozen: If the computer or an app is locked up, you won't be able to type. The keyboard is disconnected: The keyboard may have been unplugged, ran out of batteries, or the wireless connection disrupted.
Click the Start menu, then click Control Panel, Easy Access Center, click the keyboard icon below, then click "Set Filter Keys", check whether there is a check mark in front of "Enable Filter Keys", if there is, then remove the check mark, and finally click "OK". If so, remove the check, and then tap "OK" to exit.
Go to Start / Settings / Control Panel / Accessibility Options /Keyboard Options. b. Turn off CTRL lock if it's on.