Laptop Keyboard Troubleshooting Methods: How to Reset Your Keyboard

Are you experiencing issues with your laptop keyboard? Perhaps some keys are not responding, or the entire keyboard has stopped working. Don’t worry; in most cases, the problem can be resolved without requiring professional assistance. In this article, we will guide you through various laptop keyboard troubleshooting methods, including how to reset your keyboard.

Method 1: Restart Your Laptop

Before diving into more complex troubleshooting steps, try restarting your laptop. This simple action can resolve many issues, including keyboard problems. Sometimes, a reboot can refresh the system and get the keyboard working again.

Method 2: Check for Debris and Clean the Keyboard

Dirt, dust, and other debris can accumulate under the keys and cause malfunctions. Turn your laptop upside down and gently shake it to remove any loose particles. Use compressed air to blow out any remaining debris. Make sure to hold the can upright to avoid pushing debris further into the keyboard.

Method 3: Update Keyboard Drivers

Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can cause issues. To update your keyboard drivers:

1. Go to the Device Manager (Press Win + X and select Device Manager).
2. Expand the “Keyboards” section.
3. Right-click on the keyboard device and select “Update driver”.
4. Follow the prompts to search for and install updated drivers.

Method 4: Disable and Re-enable the Keyboard Driver

Disabling and re-enabling the keyboard driver can sometimes resolve issues:

1. Go to the Device Manager.
2. Expand the “Keyboards” section.
3. Right-click on the keyboard device and select “Disable device”.
4. Wait for 10 seconds and then enable the device again.

Method 5: Reset Keyboard Settings to Default

Some laptops allow you to reset keyboard settings to their default values:

1. Go to the Device Manager.
2. Expand the “Keyboards” section.
3. Right-click on the keyboard device and select “Properties”.
4. Look for a “Reset” or “Restore Defaults” button and click it.

Method 6: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter (Windows 11 only)

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix issues related to your keyboard:

Important: To perform this step, you’ll need to use either an external keyboard or the on-screen keyboard. To access the on-screen keyboard:

1. Click on the Start button.
2. Select the “Settings” icon (looks like a gear).
3. Click on “Accessibility”.
4. Select “Keyboard” from the left menu.
5. Toggle the switch to enable the “On-screen keyboard”.

Once you have an alternate keyboard input method:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic” and press Enter.
3. Follow the prompts to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

Note: If using an external keyboard resolves the issue, it’s a strong indication of a hardware problem with your laptop’s built-in keyboard.

Method 7: Check for Conflicting Keyboard Software

If you have multiple keyboard software installed, they might conflict with each other:

1. Go to the Control Panel (Press Win + R and type “control panel”).
2. Click on “Programs and Features” (in Windows 10/11) or “Add or Remove Programs” (in Windows 7).
3. Look for any keyboard-related software and uninstall it.

Method 8: Check for Malware Infections

Malware can cause keyboard issues. Run a full scan with your antivirus software to detect and remove any malware.

Method 9: System Restore

If you’ve made recent changes to your system, try using System Restore to revert to a previous state:

1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Click on “System and Security”.
3. Select “System”.
4. Click on “System Protection” (in Windows 10/11) or “System Restore” (in Windows 7).
5. Follow the prompts to select a restore point and complete the process.

What to Do If Nothing Works

If none of the above methods resolve the issue, it’s likely that the problem is more complex. Some possible reasons for keyboard failure include:

• Hardware problem: A faulty keyboard or a malfunctioning laptop motherboard can cause keyboard issues.
• Corrupted Windows: A corrupted Windows installation can cause keyboard problems.
• Conflict with other drivers: Conflicts with other device drivers can cause keyboard issues.
• Malware or virus infection: Malware or virus infections can cause keyboard problems.

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting methods and the issue persists, it’s time to seek professional help. Goinsta Repair specializes in computer repairs and can help diagnose and fix the issue.

Contact Us

Don’t let keyboard issues disrupt your work or daily activities. If you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own, feel free to call Goinsta Repair at 888-335-7145 or request a call by submitting a request here. Our expert technicians will be happy to assist you in getting your keyboard up and running again.