The laptop does not print some letters. The keyboard does not work on the computer: what to do, reasons

The problem when the keyboard does not work on a computer or laptop is not uncommon. This situation is faced by both beginners and experienced users who have been working at a computer for more than one year. Let's see how you can find a solution to the problem when the keyboard stops working, keys stick or does not respond to pressing.

What can be the reasons for the breakdown and their solutions

I decided to write an article in the form of points so that you can go through them and find out why the keyboard does not work.

The blog has information when the keyboard in the laptop refused to work: "".

  1. Novice users usually immediately rush into panic and forget about the most commonplace things. The very first thing to check if the keyboard is connected to the system unit (directly to the motherboard).

  1. Disconnect the keyboard for a while (5-10 seconds) and reconnect it.
  1. If your keyboard suddenly stops working, try restarting your computer. Sometimes restarting Windows helps.
  1. It is now very popular to use wireless keyboards and mice. If you have used wired keyboards before, but at the moment you have a wireless one, then I remind you that the batteries are running low and you need to recharge them from time to time.

  1. All modern keyboards are connected through a special connector called a USB port. If there is a free USB port, try plugging your keyboard into it. In the event that all ports are busy, unplug the printer or any other device to test the USB port for operability by plugging in a keyboard.
  1. If you have children at home, then it makes sense to check for unnecessary items in the connector or in the system unit (motherboard) itself. Once I witnessed a situation when there was paper or gum in the USB port, and therefore the keyboard stopped working.
  1. It is possible that the keyboard has already worked its way. To check if you have it working, you can go to your neighbors with a request to connect your keyboard to their computer. If the keyboard works, then something is related to your computer. Perhaps you have a spare keyboard, then plug it into your computer.
  1. If the keyboard does not print only partially, you may not be able to type the numbers that are on the right side of the keyboard. If so, then press the "Num Lock" button.

  1. What can I do, the keyboard does not work, but you have already done all the above methods? If you have an old-style keyboard called PS / 2 (write in half), then pay attention to the legs. They can be bent or one of the legs is completely absent. These legs can bend when connecting the device in a hurry, they do not bend by themselves. If there are no legs, then you will have to change the keyboard, if it is curved, then you can correct it with improvised means, for example, a screwdriver or a knife.

For the future, you should know that the purple connector is designated as the keyboard, and the green is the mouse.

  1. If there are crumbs of food in the keyboard, or you simply dropped it or hit it, then it makes sense to disassemble it. If you use the keyboard for a long time or if you hit it, the rubber band inside may slip. When you disassemble the keyboard, you need to tweak and clean the gum if necessary.

Wipe the rubber band with a dry cloth, and the keyboard itself can be wiped with a damp cloth.

When disassembling the keyboard, it is important for novice users not to forget where all the keys were. In order not to get confused in the location of the keys, you can find a photo on the Internet, which will be identical to your keyboard. Also, when parsing, you can on the table, fold the keys in the order they were, or take a photo with a cell phone.

  1. If the USB keyboard does not work, then you can look in the BIOS to see if it is disabled. But there is one caveat, in order to enter the BIOS we need a keyboard that will work on this computer. There is an exit. You need to get a PS / 2 keyboard or a USB to PS / 2 adapter. By connecting PS / 2, you can now work with the keyboard. Go to BIOS and switch USB Keyboard Support to Enabled. We also see that the USB Controller is Enabled.

  1. Another reason for the failure of the keyboard is, perhaps the driver stopped working on the computer, which is responsible for the correct functioning of the keyboard. In such a situation, there are a number of steps you can take to try and fix the problem yourself.

First, you can do a system restore or roll it back to the date when the keyboard worked normally. Stretch your memory to remember the approximate date;).

Second, try updating your keyboard driver. To do this, go to the "Device Manager" and find our keyboard. Right-click and select "Update drivers ..."

  1. If when buying a keyboard it came with a CD with drivers, then you need to install them. Remove old drivers before installation.

When the keyboard does not work: what to do and how to find out the cause, you now know. Just in case, go over all the points, you may have missed some of them.

Keys do not work in a program or game

Users who like to play games sometimes face a problem when some part of the keys does not work.

If the keyboard works, but after entering the program or any game, some keys refuse to work. In this case, it will be pertinent to first look at the assignment of the keys. If you are not satisfied with how they are displayed, then look for their setting in the game itself. In some games, all changes need to be saved, so do not forget about it.

Usually, all hotkeys in programs are the same, but there are exceptions. To change them, find the key setting in the program itself. Change the part of the hotkeys that does not suit you to the ones you are used to.

If your keyboard does not work, and you tried everything that I told you here, then you can buy the most ordinary keyboard, since their cost is not great.

Do you like to eat over your laptop? Then this video is for you:

In this article, we have to figure out a rather important question: for what reasons can the keyboard stop typing? This phenomenon is actually not so rare. But do not be afraid ahead of time. Problems with I / O devices can be solved without too many problems. And only in some situations do you have to seriously try to restore the performance of this computer component. But for what reasons can the keyboard refuse to function? What to do in this or that case?

Physical damage to the connector

The first problem is not very common, but it does occur. Owners of old computers encounter this problem especially often. For laptops, this layout is relevant only if we are talking about a separately connected keyboard. What are we talking about in this case? Why does the keyboard refuse to type? The problem may be a defective hardware connector. Sometimes it gets damaged or broken. The keyboard in this situation simply cannot be connected. If you are using an older model of personal computer with a PS / 2 socket, it is better to change the hardware to USB. You can also try plugging the device into a different socket. You can also try to fix the sockets yourself. However, this technique does not guarantee long-term operation of the device.

Drivers

Why does the keyboard refuse to type? One of the most common causes of such problems is the lack of necessary drivers for input devices. This is especially true when a multifunctional gaming keyboard with a large number of additional buttons is used. If the device refuses to work, then the first thing is to try to reinstall or update the drivers for it. As a rule, a CD with the corresponding software is included with multifunctional keyboards. After that, you need to restart your computer. If the reason lies precisely in the drivers, then after carrying out these procedures, the keyboard should start working normally. You can also try turning the device off and on after logging into the OS. However, in reality it is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. A personal computer is a very complex device that can present various surprises. Fixing them is not always easy. For what other reasons can the keyboard refuse to type?

Clogging

Why is the keyboard not working? Sooner or later, this question begins to worry many users. This is especially true for those who do not pay due attention to the care of the computer and its components. What if the keyboard won't print some letters? If we are talking about a device that has worked properly for more than one month before, then we can advise you to clean the keyboard. After all, the keyboard is such a device that can easily get clogged. Dust, crumbs and food debris can remain between the buttons. In this case, we are talking about both laptops and stationary computers. For this reason, any keyboards need to be cleaned from time to time. It is advisable to carry out this procedure at least once a year or as needed. It is also recommended not to eat in front of the monitor. This will reduce the chances of clogging the connected device. It should be noted that this problem is the most common scenario. It should now be clear to you for what reasons the keyboard refuses to type. It is worth paying special attention to the fact that experts do not recommend cleaning the keyboard yourself. This is especially true when it comes to novice users. And, of course, it is not recommended to clean the keyboard from the laptop yourself. It is better to take the device to a specialized service center after all. Any such center offers keyboard cleaning services. The problem can be corrected in just a few hours. The keyboard will work at full strength after cleaning.

Reinstallation

These are not all options for the development of events. In some cases, it happens that the keyboard is typing the wrong letters. Finding an explanation for everything that happens is sometimes very difficult. After all, the device actually works, but not quite as it should. The reason why the keyboard is typing the wrong characters is one - incorrect assembly of the device. If you disassemble the keyboard, you will notice that there is a special mechanism for each key. The computer receives a signal from a specific key and prints a specific character. To ensure the convenience of the user, these mechanisms are signed in the form of buttons on the keyboard. If these mechanisms are reversed, then it seems that the device is printing the wrong characters. There can be only one way out of this situation - to correctly assemble the keyboard. To do this, you need to place the mechanisms that are located under each key in the right order. Performing this procedure yourself is very problematic. It is best to take the device to a specialized service center. If you do not want to think once again about why the keyboard does not print, then you need to wash and wipe this component from time to time. The problem with the wrong arrangement of buttons often happens after cleaning the keyboard yourself. This is not the most dangerous problem, albeit a little unpleasant.

Incorrect assembly

What if your keyboard buttons don't work? First, don't panic. Try to analyze your recent activities with this device. In most cases, the user himself becomes the culprit of the problems associated with the components connected to the computer. What if the keyboard refuses to work? If the user tried to disassemble the device on his own, then it is recommended to immediately carry it to the service center. The reason is incorrect assembly of the input device. The user was most likely trying to assemble the keyboard, but some important contact had gone somewhere. This phenomenon is quite common. It is quite possible to eliminate the problem on your own. However, users point out that the keyboard in inept hands will not work in any way, and may even be completely broken. Craftsmen usually succeed in disassembling the keyboard the first time and assembling it so that it works without interruption.

Marriage

What if the keyboard won't type? Much depends on the situation. If in this case the problem did not arise with a new device, then the above scenarios may well be the reason for the refusal of this component to work. However, what if you are talking about a new keyboard you just bought? If all the necessary drivers have been installed, then the problem is most likely a factory defect. In this case, only a complete replacement of the keyboard will help. You must contact the store from which you purchased the device. There you can immediately exchange it. Otherwise, you just have to buy a new gadget.

Incompatibility

What can be done if the keyboard does not work? It is necessary to find out why the connected device refuses to perform its basic functions. In fact, on rare occasions, serious accidents are the cause of problems. All problems can often be solved by yourself. If the keyboard refuses to type, then the problem may be an incompatibility of the device with the operating system. This kind of problem has emerged relatively recently. It is most often encountered by users using the Windows 10 operating system; older keyboards simply do not work with this operating system. This problem is not observed on laptops. In addition, the keyboard also has its own minimum requirements. You should pay special attention to them. Ultimately, you will either have to change the device or reinstall the operating system that will be compatible with the gadget.

Viruses

Are the buttons on the keyboard refusing to work? Does the device not function at all? If all the situations described above are not suitable, then you can consider the last, the rarest scenario - this is an infection of the operating system. Malicious objects and viruses are the main enemies of the stable operation of personal computers. They are capable of influencing not only the software, but also the connected devices. So, for example, under their negative influence, the keyboard may not print or display the wrong characters. Also, sometimes there are situations when the keyboard even puts down several letters / numbers in one click. There can be two ways out of this situation: reinstalling the operating system from scratch and curing the computer from the corresponding infection. If you choose the first solution to the problem, then you will need to completely format the hard drive and then reinstall the operating system. As a rule, the second option is not very effective. For this reason, it is recommended that you save all information and reinstall the operating system on your computer. In this way, you are guaranteed to be able to get rid of the virus.

Sometimes it happens that while working at the computer, the keyboard does not type letters. Agree, the situation is unpleasant. Especially, it is very unpleasant when you need to quickly finish an important report on the work or finish the term paper as soon as possible at the institute, since the deadline has already come very close. This situation is no less puzzling for those who, by the sweat of their brow, are fighting for the battle of the world in a computer game.

And here we need to figure it out, so why does the keyboard not type? A few years ago, such a question was quite common, but now, in the so-called "era of USB", such problems with the keyboard are rare. Because with the rapid development of computing devices, many problems have been eliminated. And if the keyboard is still broken, then we can say that its owner is definitely "lucky".

Why might the keyboard break?

The following main reasons for keyboard breakdown can be distinguished:

1. Problems with the plug.

All modern computer technology is connected to using USB connectors. The keyboard is also connected to the motherboard using the USB serial bus interface. Its predecessor was the PS \ 2 standard, which has a number of drawbacks compared to USB. So USB has the advantage of being quick to replace.

This means that while the computer is running, the user can disconnect the plug and plug it into any free socket. A negative point is that with frequent switching of the device, the plug loses the elasticity of the spring-loaded contacts, which in the future can lead to disruption of the normal functioning of the device. As a result, it often happens that the keyboard does not print letters.

Remedy: first of all, do not abuse the frequent change of the connector and rearrange the plug with the system unit turned on only in extreme cases. There is only one way out of the situation - it is to replace the plug. To check the operation of the contacts, you need to turn off the computer and turn it on again, slightly shaking the plug.

2. Problems with electricity.

The keyboard is a USB device and is powered by directly from the port. The peculiarity of the internal bus is that several connectors are connected to one microcircuit. And if several powerful devices, the current of which exceeds 500 mA, are simultaneously connected to the control microcircuit, then the normal operation may be disrupted.

Remedy: the solution to this problem is very simple - you need to disconnect all connected USB devices, except for the most necessary ones.

3. Problem with power supply or other element

Such problems most often occur in older laptops or computers. This arises due to the deterioration of parts, which have already fully exhausted their resources and cannot provide the required voltage level.

Remedy: you need to contact a specialized service center to replace old parts.

4. Broken connector.

The possibility of damage to the connector itself should not be ruled out. To check this, you need to connect the plug to a different USB port.

5. Failure in the program.

The interaction between the operating system and the keyboard is carried out through the use of a control program-driver. Sometimes the driver stops functioning correctly and the user cannot understand why the characters on the keyboard do not respond.

Remedy: using the cursor (mouse) you need to go to the "Device Manager", find the keyboard update function. In case this failed, it is necessary to disconnect the device and remove the driver responsible for the keyboard. Then you need to try to reconnect the keyboard, the Plug & Play mechanism should turn on.

6. Incorrect settings

A situation is possible when the Disable mode is enabled on the computer, which implies refusal to use USB.

Remedy: use the old PS \ 2 keyboard to enter BIOS and change the mode.

Video: What if the keyboard won't type at all?


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The keyboard is the main tool when working on a computer, without which work is almost impossible. Of course, you can enter information using a mouse and an on-screen keyboard, but this method is inconvenient and full-fledged work will not work.

In this article, we will tell you what to do if the keyboard on your computer does not work and consider all the possible causes of this malfunction.

The keyboard is a fairly simple device and usually works flawlessly. However, there are times when the keyboard indication is on but nothing is being printed.

Why the keyboard does not work: reasons

There are two types of reasons why a computer keyboard may not work:

  1. Mechanical (broken cable, moisture ingress, excessive contamination of the keyboard, violation of the integrity of the ports for connection, and so on).
  2. Software (software glitches, incorrect BIOS settings, incorrect keyboard drivers, and so on).

Let's take a look at all the main reasons why the keyboard does not work and troubleshooting methods.

Bad cable or keyboard port

The first step is to assess the physical condition of the keyboard.

Look at the indication of the Caps Lock and Num Lock buttons. Most likely, if they work, then physically everything should be fine with the keyboard.

Inspect the keyboard cable with your eyes. It may be pinched or cut. For example, many pet owners have their pets gnawing at their cables.

Also, visually check the keyboard connection port for any fractures or bends. There are two types of keyboard ports - USB and PS / 2.

It often happens that in the PS / 2 port, when trying to connect to a computer, people break off the tip of the core and the keyboard is not connected.

If the outside of the keyboard USB cable and connection port looks good, try plugging the keyboard into a different USB port on your computer. The port on the computer itself may be damaged. If the keyboard works in another port on the computer, then you have a problem with the USB port. Usually there are several of them on the computer and you can simply leave the keyboard connected to the port that is working.

In the case of a keyboard with a PS / 2 port, you should check the functionality of the keyboard connection port on another computer, since there is only one such port on the motherboard. To test if the PS / 2 port on your computer is working, you will have to find another such keyboard.

Liquid spilled on the keyboard and dirt

A flooded keyboard is a headache for all IT pros and a goldmine for all laptop repair service centers. Very often, when working on a computer, people pour tea, coffee, beer and other liquids onto the keyboard. As a result, the keyboard can be damaged.


Typically, it is easy to determine visually and by smell that liquid has been spilled onto the keyboard. Examine the keyboard carefully. Remove a couple of keys. If you see that there are traces of spilled liquid or food on the keyboard or under the keys, then you have two options. Either buy a new keyboard, or meticulously disassemble the flooded keyboard, clean it, dry it and put it back together. Most likely, the keyboard will work.

Earlier, we have already talked in detail about what is at home.

Checking USB settings in BIOS

In the event of a power failure of the computer, the BIOS settings may change, in which there is an item on enabling and disabling support for USB keyboards in the computer.

Additionally, in this way you can check the keyboard is working properly, in principle, since it may not work in Windows, but in the BIOS it may work. In this case, the failure is caused by software or drivers.

To enter the BIOS and check the settings, do the following:

  1. Turn on your computer.
  2. Press the DEL button on your keyboard until the BIOS settings window appears.
  3. Find the USB Keyboard Support or Legacy USB menu in the BIOS settings.
  4. Make sure the setting is in the Enable state. If it says Disable, then switch to Enable.


You can also put the rest of the BIOS settings associated with USB in the Enable state. You may have ports on the front panel of the computer case, which once stopped working.

Failure of software or drivers

Keyboards with older PS / 2 connectors are more prone to software glitches. However, there are still a lot of such keyboards in use, although manufacturers have almost stopped producing them.

To fix the problem with the keyboard not working due to the software, you need to turn on the computer and enter the desktop. Since the keyboard has stopped working and does not print, and a password can be set on the account, you will need to use the on-screen keyboard and type the password with the mouse.



Now that you are on the desktop of your computer, you need to get into the Device Manager.

In Windows 8 and Windows 10, right-click on the button Start and select Device Manager.

In Windows 7, left-click on the button Start... Next, right-click on the word A computer and select Computer managementDevice Manager.

The device manager displays information about all devices on the computer. Expand the Keyboards branch. If an orange question mark next to your keyboard is lit, then the device is not correctly installed on the system.

Right click on the keyboard and select Delete.

The computer will re-scan all devices and install the keyboard correctly.

A factory defect or the keyboard has reached the end of its service life

Any technique tends to break down and fail. If the keyboard was purchased relatively recently, then you may have encountered a factory defect. In this case, you can contact the keyboard manufacturer's support and expect to have a replacement device.

The fact is that many manufacturers value their reputation and, without entering into long debates with the buyer, immediately send a brand new keyboard by mail.

If you have had the keyboard for more than a year, then most likely it is out of order in terms of service time and you should buy a new one.

A keyboard breakdown can happen at the most inopportune time. There may be several reasons for this: spilled liquid, mechanical impact (strong impact), connection problems, etc. Of course, you can also use the screen version, but this causes enormous difficulties in work. The situation may not be so critical if a few letters on the keyboard do not work, but if it refuses to work completely, the user will not even be able to boot the OS on the next reboot. In this situation, you should not be upset, because this input device can be repaired even on your own.

Of course, the least troublesome option would be to completely replace the keyboard. But this laptop input device costs quite a bit. And if we take into account that a gaming model could be used on a stationary computer, the costs will be significant. Therefore, in order not to spend extra money, we will understand the issues of self-repair and maintenance of the keyboard.

Connection problems

It is much easier to make sure that the connection is working in a keyboard for a personal computer than for a laptop. First, disconnect it from the PC and see if there is any mechanical damage to the connector. And if only the tracks in the USB connector can be damaged (although this case is extremely rare), then the legs of the PS / 2 can be broken. Look at the screenshot and compare the placement of the needles with the real connector.

If everything is in order with the connector, also check the input in the system unit for damage (if it concerns USB, try plugging it into a different connector on the motherboard).

Also, if you are connecting a model with a USB output for the first time, and it refuses to work, you need to view the correct BIOS settings (this requires another keyboard with a PS / 2 connector):

  • Go to the BIOS menu by pressing the Del button;
  • Find the line USB Keyboard Support;
  • If it is set to Disable, it must be changed to Enable.

If the above steps did not bring the desired result, check the connection cord for mechanical damage.

As for the laptop keyboard, the cable to the motherboard may be loose or broken. But each laptop has its own characteristics, and each model is disassembled differently. To check this, you need to use the special instructions for parsing and try to reconnect it to the motherboard.

Keyboard repair

Before reading this manual, remember that if the product has not expired the warranty period, after the work done, you will lose the warranty. Therefore, in this case, it is better to contact an authorized service center.

The reason for the failure of the letters or the entire keyboard can be spilled liquid, the appearance of dust and other debris on the tracks, or the failure of the tracks. If it comes to moisture and dust, disassemble the keyboard and carefully remove the debris and moisture, after which it should work. As for the damaged tracks, in this situation it is necessary to draw new ones.

Important! Before starting work, you must have: conductive glue, tester, tweezers (thin hook).

First of all, you need to get to the plastic boards. And if in a keyboard for a stationary computer you only need to unscrew the bolts, then with a keyboard from a laptop things are much more complicated. Let's describe in detail the analysis of a laptop keyboard with screenshots:

1. Remove the keyboard from the laptop (this step is different for each model (see how to disassemble your Acer laptop).

2. Use the hook to carefully detach the buttons.

3. Remove the elevators from the base.

4. Remove the protective surface and carefully remove the plastic board.

5. Next, check the available tracks with a tester. If the resistance is very close to zero, then it is working, otherwise it needs to be painted again. To do this, apply a thin layer (on top) of electrically conductive glue and let it dry.