Start with the simplest fixes first
A keyboard that stops working usually has a straightforward cause you can fix yourself in minutes. Before you assume the keyboard is broken, check whether it is plugged in (for wired keyboards), whether the batteries need replacing (for wireless ones), and whether you accidentally turned off the keyboard with a physical power switch. Many wireless keyboards have an on/off switch on the underside or back.
If your keyboard is plugged in or charged and turned on, the next step is to unplug it and plug it back in, or turn a wireless keyboard off and on again. This resets the connection between the keyboard and your computer. Wait about 10 seconds before plugging back in or turning back on. If that does not work, try plugging the keyboard into a different USB port on your computer — sometimes a single port fails while others work fine.
Key Takeaways
- Check that a wired keyboard is plugged in, a wireless keyboard has batteries or is charged, and any physical power switch is turned on.
- Unplug and replug a wired keyboard, or turn a wireless keyboard off and on, to reset the connection.
- If your keyboard types but some keys do not work, the problem is usually dust or liquid under the keys, not a software issue.
- On Windows, restart your computer in Safe Mode to rule out software conflicts; on Mac, restart and hold Command-S to enter Safe Mode.
- If the keyboard works in Safe Mode but not in normal mode, a driver update or conflicting software is the cause.
Test whether the keyboard is actually broken or if it is a software problem
Plug the keyboard into a different computer if you have one available. If it works on the other computer, the problem is with your original computer, not the keyboard. If it does not work on any computer, the keyboard itself is likely broken and you will need to replace it.
If the keyboard only works on your original computer sometimes, or if only certain keys work, restart your computer completely. A restart clears temporary software glitches that can block keyboard input. Shut down fully (do not just sleep), wait 10 seconds, and turn the computer back on.
Check for physical damage, dust, or liquid
Look closely at the keyboard, especially around the keys that do not work. Dust, crumbs, pet hair, or dried liquid under the keys will prevent them from pressing down properly. If you see debris, turn the keyboard upside down and tap it gently over a trash can to dislodge loose particles. You can also use a can of compressed air, holding the can upright and spraying short bursts between the keys — do not shake the can or hold it upside down, as that sprays liquid.
If liquid spilled on the keyboard, unplug it when ready and let it dry completely for at least 24 hours before using it again. Do not try to use it while wet. If it still does not work after drying, the liquid may have damaged the circuit board inside and the keyboard will need to be replaced.
Restart your computer in Safe Mode to rule out software conflicts
Safe Mode loads only the essential software your computer needs to run, which helps you figure out whether a program or driver is blocking your keyboard. On Windows, restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly as it starts up, before the Windows logo appears. You should see a menu with boot options — select "Safe Mode" and press Enter. On a Mac, restart and hold down Command-S when ready after you hear the startup sound, until you see text on the screen.
If your keyboard works in Safe Mode, the problem is a driver, a program, or a Windows update that conflicts with your keyboard. If it does not work in Safe Mode either, the keyboard hardware itself or a very deep system issue is the cause. Write down whether the keyboard worked in Safe Mode — you will need this information if you contact support or take the computer to a technician.
Update or reinstall your keyboard driver on Windows
A driver is software that tells your computer how to use the keyboard. If the driver is outdated or corrupted, the keyboard will not work even though the hardware is fine. On Windows, 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 — if there is a yellow warning triangle next to it, the driver has a problem.
Right-click your keyboard and select "Update driver." Windows will search for a newer version. If that does not work, right-click again and select "Uninstall device," then restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver when it starts up. If Device Manager shows no keyboard listed at all, your keyboard is not being recognized by the computer — try unplugging and replugging it, or replacing the batteries if it is wireless.
Check your keyboard settings and language layout
Sometimes the keyboard works but types the wrong characters because your computer is set to a different language or keyboard layout. On Windows, go to Settings, select "Time & Language," then "Language & Region." Look for "Installed languages" and make sure your language is listed. If you see an unfamiliar language, you can remove it. On Mac, go to System Settings, select "Keyboard," then "Input Sources," and make sure the correct language is checked.
You can also test this quickly by opening Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) and typing a few characters to see what appears. If the letters that appear do not match the keys you pressed, your keyboard layout is wrong, not your keyboard.
When to replace the keyboard or contact a technician
If you have tried unplugging and replugging, restarting in Safe Mode, and updating drivers, and the keyboard still does not work, it is time to replace it. A new keyboard costs between $15 and $100 depending on whether you want a basic model or something with extra features. For a laptop, keyboard replacement is more involved — you may need to take it to a repair shop, as the keyboard is built into the case.
If only a few keys do not work and the keyboard is old, replacement is usually cheaper than repair. If the entire keyboard is dead and you need it urgently, you can use an external USB keyboard on a laptop or desktop computer while you wait for a replacement to arrive. Wireless mice and keyboards are widely available and work on any computer with a USB port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my keyboard work sometimes but not other times?
Intermittent keyboard problems are usually caused by a loose connection. If it is wired, try a different USB port. If it is wireless, the batteries may be dying — replace them with fresh ones. If the problem happens only in certain programs, a software conflict is the cause, and restarting your computer usually fixes it temporarily.
My keyboard types but the keys are very slow or stick. What is wrong?
Sticky keys are almost always caused by dust, crumbs, or dried liquid under the keys. Turn the keyboard upside down and tap it gently, or use compressed air to blow out debris. If keys are slow to respond but not physically stuck, your computer may be overloaded — close other programs and restart if the problem continues.
Can I fix a keyboard that got wet?
Unplug it when ready and let it dry completely for at least 24 hours in a warm, dry place. Do not try to use it while wet. Many keyboards survive water damage if dried properly, but some do not — if it still does not work after drying, the circuit board inside was damaged and the keyboard will need to be replaced.
How do I know if my keyboard driver needs updating?
Open Device Manager on Windows, find "Keyboards," and look for a yellow warning triangle. If you see one, right-click and select "Update driver." If there is no warning triangle but your keyboard still does not work, try uninstalling the driver and restarting — Windows will reinstall it automatically.
Is it cheaper to repair a keyboard or buy a new one?
For external keyboards, replacement is almost always cheaper — a new one costs $15 to $100. For laptop keyboards, repair at a shop can cost $100 to $300, so replacement may be worth it if the laptop is old. If you need a keyboard right away, buy an external USB keyboard for $20 to $50 while you decide.