What to Do If Your Laptop Keyboard Has Stopped Working
If your laptop keyboard is not working, you can take steps to get it up and running again.
There are a few ways to do this, some of which are relatively simple and inexpensive, while others require a bit more skill and can cost more. Nevertheless, you'll definitely be able to get your keyboard up and running again with these steps.
1) Restart Your Laptop
If the keyboard isn't working, the issue might not be with the keyboard itself but rather with the laptop. Before you do anything else, try restarting your computer.
If you notice improvement, then you may have fixed the issue simply by restarting your laptop. If you're running an on-screen keyboard application, try disabling that as well.
If the keyboard still doesn't work after restarting, try these other steps.
2) Identify Whether It Is a Hardware or Software Issue
If restarting your laptop wasn't the solution, then you'll need to diagnose the problem. One of the key steps in doing so is to determine whether you're dealing with a hardware or software issue, as these require different actions.
A software issue can be traced to a problem with a program or app. If your keyboard has stopped working after installing software or making changes to your system, booting into safe mode should help you identify the culprit. If restarting your laptop in safe mode doesn't fix the issue, you'll need to remove the software or revert the changes that you made.
Be sure to check that your laptop isn't simply in sleep mode. Simply tap on the keyboard to wake it up if it has gone to sleep.
If the keyboard isn't responding, then you might have a hardware issue. If you're using a Windows laptop, press the Windows key and pause to see if a notification pops up.
If you are using a MacBook, press and hold the fn (function) and left shift key. If the lights on your MacBook are white, all is well. If they are flashing, though, then you have a software issue.
If you have a hardware issue, you may have to have your keyboard replaced.
What to Do If It's a Software Issue
If you suspect that your keyboard isn't working due to a software issue, restarting your laptop in safe mode should allow you to identify which program or app is causing the problem. To do so, follow these steps:
Turn off your laptop.
Press and hold down the power button.
When you hear the startup sound, release the power button.
Continue holding down the shift key.
Release the power button, and you should hear the startup sound again.
Continue holding down the shift key until the computer begins to boot.
If you don't release the shift key, Windows should boot into safe mode.
If the keyboard still isn't working, you'll need to uninstall the software or revert any changes that you've made. This is especially helpful for laptops that are experiencing slow performance. You can then reinstall software one at a time to see whether the keyboard stops performing or if you can identify the problem.
What to Do If it's a Hardware Issue
If you've ruled out any software issues and your keyboard is still not working, then you may have a hardware problem. If you've determined that you have a hardware issue, you'll need to replace your keyboard.
If your laptop is still under warranty, you should contact the manufacturer to see if they're able to replace your keyboard. Even if it isn't, you might be able to get a replacement keyboard for a reasonable price. You can order one online or take your laptop to a computer store and get one there.
If the keyboard was purchased separately and not under warranty, you might want to see if you can get the retailer to replace it. Some stores are willing to do so if you explain that the keyboard is no longer working.
Conclusion
If your laptop keyboard isn't working, then you'll definitely want to get it fixed. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get your keyboard up and running again.
Need help fixing your devices? J-BIT TECH offers Albuquerque computer services that will cover any software or hardware issue you might have with your keyboard. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
