Your keyboard isn't typing because of a loose cable, a driver problem, or something blocking the keys—and most of these you can fix yourself in minutes

A keyboard that won't type usually falls into one of three categories: the connection between keyboard and computer is broken, the keyboard's software driver is corrupted or missing, or something physical is preventing the keys from working. The good news is that you can test each one without special tools, and most fixes take less than five minutes.

Start by checking whether the problem is the keyboard itself or the computer. Plug in a different keyboard if you have one—a phone charger cable, a friend's keyboard, or even a USB keyboard from a thrift store. If the second keyboard types fine, your original keyboard is the problem. If the second keyboard also doesn't type, the issue is in your computer, not the keyboard.

Key Takeaways

  • Test with a different keyboard first—if it works, your keyboard is broken; if it doesn't, the problem is in your computer.
  • For wired keyboards, check that the cable is fully plugged into the USB port and that the port itself isn't loose or damaged.
  • For wireless keyboards, replace the batteries, re-pair the keyboard to your computer, and check that nothing is blocking the signal between keyboard and receiver.
  • Restart your computer in Safe Mode to see whether a recently installed program is interfering with the keyboard.
  • If the keyboard types some keys but not others, debris may be stuck under the keys—compressed air can often clear it without opening the keyboard.

Check the physical connection on a wired keyboard

If your keyboard is plugged in with a cable, the connection itself may be loose or damaged. Unplug the cable from the back of your computer and look at both the cable end and the USB port. The cable end should have a flat rectangular connector; the port should be a rectangular slot. If either looks bent, cracked, or corroded, that port or cable is damaged and needs replacing.

Plug the cable back in firmly—push until you feel it click or seat fully. Some USB ports are stiff when new. If the port feels loose or wiggles when the cable is plugged in, try a different USB port on your computer. Laptop keyboards are built in and cannot be unplugged, so if you have a laptop with a non-working keyboard, skip to the wireless section or the software section below.

Replace batteries and re-pair a wireless keyboard

Wireless keyboards stop responding when the batteries are dead or when the connection between keyboard and receiver has been lost. Open the battery compartment on the back or bottom of your keyboard—usually a small plastic door that slides or pops off. Remove the batteries and look at them: if they are corroded (white or blue-green powder on the metal ends), replace them. If they look clean, replace them anyway with fresh batteries of the same size.

After inserting new batteries, look for a small button on the keyboard or receiver labeled "Connect," "Pair," or with a wireless symbol. Press and hold it for three to five seconds. Your computer should recognize the keyboard within a few seconds. If it doesn't, restart your computer and try again. Also check that nothing is between the keyboard and the receiver—a metal object, another wireless device, or even a thick wall can block the signal.

Restart your computer in Safe Mode to rule out software problems

If the keyboard works during startup (you can see the cursor move or hear the startup sound) but stops working once Windows or macOS fully loads, a program installed on your computer may be interfering. Restart your computer in Safe Mode, which loads only the essential software.

On Windows, restart and hold down the Shift key while clicking the power button to shut down. Then turn the computer back on and hold F8 or Shift+F8 repeatedly until you see a menu. Select "Safe Mode" and press Enter. On a Mac, restart and hold Command+S until you see text on the screen, then type exit and press Enter. If your keyboard works in Safe Mode, a program you installed recently is the problem—uninstall the most recent software you added and restart normally.

Check for debris under the keys

If some keys type and others don't, or if keys are sticking, debris may be trapped under the keys. Hold the keyboard upside down over a trash can and gently tap the back. Crumbs, dust, and hair often fall out. For a more thorough cleaning, use compressed air: hold the can upright, insert the thin straw into the nozzle, and spray short bursts between the keys at an angle. Do not shake the can or hold it upside down, as that can spray liquid.

If a single key is stuck, gently pry up the key cap with a flat tool like a butter knife or plastic spoon—most key caps pop off without breaking. Wipe underneath with a dry cloth. If the key still sticks after cleaning, the switch underneath may be damaged and the keyboard will need replacing.

Update or reinstall the keyboard driver on Windows

Your computer uses a small piece of software called a driver to communicate with the keyboard. If the driver is corrupted or outdated, the keyboard may stop responding even though it is physically connected. On Windows, you can reinstall the driver yourself.

Right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager." Look for "Keyboards" in the list and click the arrow next to it to expand it. You should see your keyboard listed. Right-click it and select "Uninstall device." A dialog will ask whether to delete the driver software—check the box and click Uninstall. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver when it starts up. If you cannot navigate Device Manager because the keyboard doesn't work, plug in a USB mouse or use a touchpad to click.

When to replace the keyboard instead of fixing it

If you have tested with a different keyboard and it works, your keyboard is broken and cannot be repaired at home. Keyboard switches wear out, circuits fail, and water damage is permanent. A replacement USB keyboard costs between $15 and $50 new, or you can find used ones at thrift stores or online marketplaces.

If your keyboard is built into a laptop and does not work after trying Safe Mode and driver reinstall, the keyboard circuit board or the connection between the keyboard and motherboard has failed. This requires opening the laptop, which risks breaking other components. A repair shop can replace it, but the cost often runs $100 to $300 depending on the laptop model. For older laptops, an external USB keyboard may be a cheaper option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can water damage to a keyboard be fixed?

If the keyboard got wet, unplug it when ready and let it dry completely for at least 48 hours in a warm, dry place. Do not plug it back in until it is fully dry. If it still does not work after drying, the circuitry is damaged and the keyboard cannot be repaired—you will need a replacement.

Why does my keyboard type the wrong letters?

This usually means the keyboard layout setting in your operating system is wrong. On Windows, go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region and check that the keyboard language matches your physical keyboard. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources. If you recently installed a new language, remove it and restart.

How do I know if my USB port is broken?

Plug a different device into that port—a USB mouse, a phone charger, or a USB drive. If the other device works, the port is fine. If nothing works in that port but other ports work, the port itself is damaged and you will need to use a different port or have the computer repaired.

Can I fix a key that types the same letter twice?

A key that double-types usually has a worn-out switch underneath. Compressed air sometimes helps if debris is causing the problem, but if cleaning does not work, the key cannot be fixed without replacing the entire keyboard switch, which requires opening the keyboard.

What should I do if the keyboard works in Safe Mode but not normally?

A program installed on your computer is interfering. Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, sort by install date, and uninstall the most recent software you added. Restart your computer normally and test the keyboard again.