how to fix a laptop keyboard that doesn't work

Generally, to repair a keyboard that doesn't work, we must first know the cause, such as being splashed with water, exposed to dust, or something else. But unfortunately, sometimes the laptop keyboard crashes suddenly without knowing the exact cause.

If that's the case, we should automatically try emergency repair steps while predicting the cause of the Keyboard Not Working.

Here are some ways to fix a malfunctioning Laptop Keyboard that we can do at home before deciding to bring it to the place of service.

1. restart the Laptop

Restarting the laptop is the first thing you should try before taking other actions. Restarting the laptop can fix the problem with the operating system right away. if it can't be restarted, we can press the power button for a few seconds until the laptop turns off. If after restarting the problem is not resolved, please try the next steps.

2. Check Num Lock

Keyboards that don't work, especially for the letters of the alphabet, are sometimes accidentally caused by ourselves. One of the most common is Num Lock activation because we press certain key combinations. when Num Lock is on, the characters that come out are usually different from the key pressed. To turn off Num Lock, press the Fn and NumLk keys on the keyboard at the same time. For some laptop models, pressing Caps Lock and NumLk can also turn it off.

3. Driver Problem

A problem with the driver may result in the keyboard not working properly. this generally happens when we install 3rd party software, get a virus, and others. To check it, please open the Device Manager then look at the keyboard. if there is a yellow triangle mark, the keyboard driver certainly has a problem. Please download the latest drivers on the laptop manufacturer's website. This step we can do if the keyboard is not detected by the laptop.

4. Perform a System Restore

If you're sure that the keyboard isn't working properly after installing a program, try a system restore. The trick for Windows 8 and Windows 7, open the Start Menu then search Recovery. and for Windows XP click Start then All Programs then Accessories then System Tools then System Restore. By doing a system restore, the laptop will return to the condition it was in before installing the problematic program. various programs installed after installing the program have the problem it will automatically disappear. Therefore, first, back up any necessary data before doing it.

5. Cleaning Dust and Dirt

One of the most common causes of a keyboard not working on a laptop is dirt and dust. Dirt and dust are usually tucked between the keyboard keys to cover the elements inside. The older the laptop, generally the more dirt there is. The easiest way to clean is to tilt or turn the laptop to 45 to 75 degrees while shaking it. we can use a special cleaner for the keyboard which is generally in the form of a small vacuum to get rid of dust.

If the laptop keyboard doesn't work because it was splashed with water, we have to clean the inside. Remove the buttons and clean the circuit board using a soft cloth or cotton swab that has been lightly moistened with alcohol. releasing some keys on the keyboard is quite difficult and requires certain skills. If you haven't mastered it, it's better not to do it because it might actually add to the damage to the laptop keyboard.

6. Remove the Laptop Battery

If there are a lot of keys on the laptop keyboard that don't work, try doing a reset. With this step usually, the keyboard that is not working will return to normal as usual. The method is as follows:

1. Shut down the laptop.
2. Remove the battery and adapter cable, then leave it for 1 minute.
3. Press and hold the power button for 60 seconds.
4. Reinsert the battery.
5. Restart the laptop.

7. Detachable Connector

The problem of the keyboard not being detected can generally be solved by installing the driver. But if the keyboard has not been detected, there may be a problem with the connector, such as damaged, bent, stretched, or even loose. to fix it, we need to open the keyboard to reconnect the connector. Please open the video guide that is widely spread on YouTube to find out how to remove the laptop keyboard. But if you don't dare, don't do it so there won't be more damage.

8. Replacing the Default Keyboard

If the keyboard connector on the netbook is connected but the problem persists, the way to fix it is to replace the laptop's default keyboard. This step can be the best solution for the problem of some keyboard keys not working properly. to replace the default keyboard, we can look for a keyboard in an online shop by writing down the type of laptop. For example, if you have an ASUS X411MA laptop and some of the keyboard keys on the laptop don't work, you just have to look for it in an online shop with the keyword ASUS X411MA Keyboard.

Then, we just have to buy it and if it's done, please install it yourself by opening the laptop. if it is still within the warranty period, you can actually claim a laptop keyboard replacement warranty to the shop where you bought it.

9. Use a USB or Wireless Keyboard

If all the ways to fix the laptop keyboard not working above have been tried but to no avail, we have to take it to a service center. If it's still within the warranty period, we usually don't charge for repairs. but if the warranty has expired, we have to pay a service fee or the cost of replacing a new keyboard unit.

If you feel that the laptop service price is expensive, you can use a USB keyboard for a while. This external USB keyboard can be used directly simply by connecting it to a USB port. The price is quite cheap at around Rp. 50,000. If you are not comfortable with a USB keyboard, you can use a wireless keyboard. The wireless keyboard works by using a Bluetooth network so that it is more practical and does not take up space.

10. Use the On-Screen Keyboard

If you don't have time to buy a USB keyboard, but really really need a keyboard for typing, try using an on-screen keyboard. to use it, go to Start > Programs > Accessories > Accessibility, then select On-Screen Keyboard. On-Screen Keyboard functions like a regular keyboard.

However, we have to operate it using a mouse or touchpad. It's quite difficult indeed, but very useful if you need it in an emergency.

Those are some ways you can do to fix a laptop keyboard that doesn't work. The above laptop keyboard repair methods are just a few of the many ways you can try that are usually reliable to solve the laptop keyboard suddenly not working problem.