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My Keyboard Won't Work. Now What?

Problem with your computer keyboard? We've got the fix for that

By Lisa Johnston Lisa Johnston Writer New York College Emerson College Lisa Johnston is a former Lifewire writer and an editor who covers computer peripherals and other consumer electronics since 2004. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 21, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware Keyboards & Mice The Ultimate Guide to Keyboard Shortcuts The Ultimate Guide to Keyboards The Ultimate Guide to Computer Mice The Quick Guide to Webcams Monitors Cards HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry Pi Nothing is more frustrating in the computer peripheral world than a broken device. Sometimes you get lucky, and the fix is simple. Other times you find that you need to replace the device. Here's a list of simple troubleshooting advice for a keyboard that seems to be broken. You'll also find a tip on how to type with a broken keyboard. Try these before you run out to get a new one. Brennan Burling / Unsplash

How to Fix a Broken Keyboard

Follow these troubleshooting tips in the order presented until the keyboard works as intended. Check the batteries. This sounds simple, but it's always the best place to start. Replace the batteries if you have a wireless keyboard. Check the connection. If you have a wired keyboard, ensure the cable hasn't come loose from the USB port. If you have a USB receiver for a wireless keyboard, ensure this is properly plugged in. Re-pair the keyboard if you use Bluetooth technology. Although most companies offer one-time pairing, a redo is occasionally needed. Follow these step-by-step instructions on pairing Bluetooth devices. Clean it. Keys might be sticky from too much snacking while typing. A keyboard cleaning could do the trick. The type of cleaning you can do depends on the robustness of the device. Waterproof keyboards can take some scrubbing, while others should clean up with a damp cloth. Fix a broken key. If one of the keys is broken, how you replace it depends on the type of keyboard you have. A mechanical keyboard is designed differently than a quiet-key device. You can go to Instructables.com for a helpful video on fixing an unresponsive key on a standard and commonly found Microsoft keyboard using an ordinary plastic straw.

How to Type with a Broken Keyboard

There is a workaround if you can't fix the keyboard but need to type on your computer until you obtain a new one. Both Windows and Mac offer a built-in, on-screen keyboard you can use in a pinch. On a Windows computer, type on screen into the Start search box and open the on-screen keyboard. On a Mac, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Accessibility and choose Keyboard. Select Accessibility Keyboard and then Enable Accessibility Keyboard. You can use your mouse or touchscreen to type until you can repair or replace the physical keyboard. How to Fix it When a Mechanical Keyboard Key is Not Working Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix It When a Keyboard Won't Type How to Fix a Floating Keyboard on an iPad How to Make a Divide Sign on a Keyboard 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Keyboard Should You Buy an iPad Keyboard? 3 Reasons Why You Might Want To How to Put a Key Back on a Laptop Keyboard How to Unlock a Keyboard That's Locked How to Turn on Bluetooth on a Mac How to Connect a Mouse and Keyboard to Steam Deck How to Use Nintendo Switch With a Keyboard and Mouse How to Fix a Car Horn That Won't Stop Honking How to Fix a Surface Pro Keyboard That's Not Working How to Fix It When a Windows 10 Keyboard Is Not Working How to Fix it When a Mechanical Keyboard Key is Not Working How to Fix It When an Xbox One Controller Headphone Jack Isn't Working 16 Ways To Fix It When Print Screen Is Not Working in Windows Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies