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Keys Not Working on Laptop? Fix It Fast (Windows, MacBook, Chromebook)

If some or all of your laptop keys stopped working, this guide walks you through the safest “try this next” fixes—starting with the easiest ones first.

It covers Windows laptops, MacBooks, and Chromebooks, and helps you figure out whether it’s a software problem or likely hardware.

Table of Contents

1-Minute Fix Checklist (Try These First)

  1. Restart properly (not just sleep): Shut down → wait 10 seconds → start again.
  2. Plug in an external keyboard (USB or Bluetooth): If it works, your laptop’s built-in keyboard may be the problem.
  3. Try the key in another app: Test in a different browser, Notes/Notepad, or a search box.
  4. Check keyboard layout/language: Wrong layout can make keys “type the wrong thing” (especially the @ key).
  5. Use the On-Screen Keyboard (diagnostic): If the on-screen key works, your software is probably fine.
  6. Windows only: Turn off Sticky Keys / Filter Keys.
  7. Windows only: Reinstall the keyboard driver (Device Manager → uninstall → restart).
  8. Mac only (optional): Try Safe Mode. (Reset steps are only for some Macs—see the Mac section.)

Diagnose the Problem (Quick & Beginner-Friendly)

Answer these 4 questions:

1) Is it ONE key or MANY keys?

  • One key: usually dirt, a stuck key, a layout/app setting, or a key mapping issue.
  • Many keys / a whole row: more likely a driver/settings problem—or hardware.

2) Does it fail in all apps or only one app/site?

  • Only one app/site: the app might be blocking the key (common with Enter, Backspace, Spacebar, or shortcuts).
  • All apps: likely system settings, driver, or hardware.

3) Does an external keyboard work?

  • Yes: points to a built-in keyboard hardware issue (or a laptop-specific setting like Fn lock).
  • No: points to software/settings (or a bigger system issue).

4) Windows only: does it fail on the login screen or in BIOS/UEFI?

  • If keys fail before Windows loads, it’s more likely hardware.
  • If keys work in BIOS/login but not in Windows, it’s more likely software/settings.
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A) Fixes That Work on ANY Laptop (Start Here)

Fix 1: Restart properly (shutdown, wait, start)

  1. Save your work.
  2. Shut down (not Restart).
  3. Wait 10 seconds.
  4. Turn it back on and test the key again.

Fix 2: Check for physical obstruction (safe cleaning)

Safe rules: power off, unplug charger, and avoid liquids inside the keyboard.

  1. Shut down the laptop and unplug it.
  2. Turn the laptop upside down and gently tap the bottom (light taps).
  3. Use a soft brush (like a clean makeup brush) to sweep between keys.
  4. If you have compressed air: short bursts at an angle, not straight down.
  5. Let it sit a minute, then turn it on and test.

Fix 3: Rule out an app/website problem

Test the key in:

  • A different app (Notes/Notepad/TextEdit)
  • A different browser
  • A different input box (search bar, document, etc.)

If it only fails in one place, check that app’s settings and shortcuts.

Fix 4: Test with an external keyboard

  1. Plug in a USB keyboard (or connect Bluetooth).
  2. Test the “dead” key.

What it means:

  • External works but laptop doesn’t → built-in keyboard issue is likely.
  • Both fail → settings/driver or software issue is likely.

Fix 5: Use the On-Screen Keyboard (diagnostic)

This helps you type while troubleshooting and confirms the system can still “type”.

  • Windows: Start → search On-Screen Keyboard
  • Mac: System Settings → search Keyboard Viewer (or enable the on-screen keyboard option)
  • Chromebook: Settings → Accessibility → On-screen keyboard

If the on-screen version of the key works, the problem is usually the physical keyboard (or its driver/settings).

B) Windows Laptop Fixes (Step-by-Step)

Fix 1: Check keyboard layout/language (Windows 10 & 11)

Wrong layout is a top cause of “@ key not working” and “keys type the wrong characters”.

Windows 11:

  1. Start → Settings
  2. Time & language → Language & region
  3. Under your language, find Keyboards
  4. Confirm the correct keyboard is installed (for example US, UK, etc.)
  5. Remove layouts you don’t use (optional)

Windows 10:

  1. Start → Settings
  2. Time & Language → Language
  3. Under Preferred languages, select your language → Options
  4. Check the installed keyboard layout

Quick test: In a text box, try:

  • Shift + 2 (US layout gives @)
  • Shift + ‘ (UK layout often gives @)

If your @ key “moved”, your layout is the issue.

Fix 2: Turn off Sticky Keys / Filter Keys / Toggle Keys

These accessibility features can make keys behave “weird” or seem unresponsive.

Windows 11:

  1. Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard
  2. Turn Off: Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, Toggle Keys

Windows 10:

  1. Settings → Ease of Access → Keyboard
  2. Turn Off: Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, Toggle Keys

Fix 3: Run the Keyboard troubleshooter (if available)

Depending on your Windows version, the troubleshooter may appear under:

  • Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Keyboard

If you don’t see it, skip to the next fix.

Fix 4: Update Windows

  1. Settings → Windows Update
  2. Install updates
  3. Restart and test again

Fix 5: Reinstall the keyboard driver (Device Manager)

This is one of the most effective Windows fixes.

  1. Right-click Start → Device Manager
  2. Expand Keyboards
  3. Right-click your keyboard device (often “HID Keyboard Device” or similar)
  4. Click Uninstall device
  5. Restart your laptop

Windows will reinstall the driver automatically after restart.

Fix 6: Check Fn key lock (top-row keys not working)

If volume/brightness or the F1–F12 keys stopped working, it may be Fn lock.

Try:

  • Press Fn + Esc (common on many laptops)
  • Or look for a small “Fn Lock” icon on Esc or another key
  • Also check BIOS/UEFI options like “Action Keys Mode” if you know how (optional)

Fix 7 (Optional): Disable Fast Startup (helps some keyboard issues)

  1. Search Control Panel
  2. Hardware and Sound → Power Options
  3. Click Choose what the power buttons do
  4. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable
  5. Uncheck Turn on fast startup
  6. Shut down → start again → test

Fix 8 (Advanced): Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads fewer drivers and can help confirm a software conflict.

If the keyboard works in Safe Mode, a background app/driver may be causing it.

Fix 9: Check for key remapper apps or malware (brief)

If your keys do the wrong thing, or one key does nothing, check for:

  • Keyboard remapper tools
  • Macro software
  • Gaming tools that remap keys
  • Suspicious browser extensions

If you recently installed anything “keyboard related,” try uninstalling it and restarting.

C) MacBook Fixes (Simple + Accurate)

Fix 1: Restart your Mac

Click Apple menu → Restart. Test again.

Fix 2: Check Input Sources (keyboard layout/language)

  1. Apple menu → System Settings
  2. Keyboard → Input Sources
  3. Make sure the correct layout is selected (for example, U.S., British, etc.)

This often fixes symbol issues like @, quotes, and punctuation.

Fix 3: Check Accessibility settings that affect typing

  1. System Settings → Accessibility
  2. Check Keyboard (and related typing options)
  3. Turn off anything that changes key behavior (like Sticky Keys / Slow Keys)

Fix 4: Try Safe Mode (quick test)

Safe Mode helps confirm whether a background item is interfering.

  • Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3):
    Shut down → hold the Power button until startup options → select your disk → hold Shift → Continue in Safe Mode
  • Intel Macs:
    Restart → immediately hold Shift until you see the login screen

If the keyboard works in Safe Mode, the issue is often a login item, extension, or software conflict.

Fix 5: Update macOS

System Settings → General → Software Update

Optional (Advanced): Reset steps (only if you’re comfortable)

  • Newer Apple Silicon Macs handle many “reset” fixes differently.
  • If you want to try these, follow Apple’s official instructions for your exact Mac model.

D) Chromebook Fixes (Step-by-Step)

Fix 1: Restart the Chromebook

Shut down completely → wait 10 seconds → turn it back on.

Fix 2: Check language/input settings

  1. Settings → Advanced → Languages and inputs
  2. Inputs and keyboards
  3. Make sure the right keyboard is selected

Fix 3: Update ChromeOS

  1. Settings → About ChromeOS
  2. Check for updates
  3. Restart

Fix 4: Hardware reset (safe Chromebook step)

If the keyboard is acting weird after an update or sleep:

  • Shut down
  • Hold Refresh and tap Power (common on many models)

If your model differs, use the Chromebook Help instructions for your device.

Fix 5 (Last resort): Powerwash (factory reset) — with warning

Powerwash can fix stubborn software issues, but it wipes local data.

Before you do it:

  • Back up important files to Google Drive or external storage
  • Confirm you know your Google login

Then:
Settings → Advanced → Reset settings → Powerwash

Common Key-Specific Problems (Fast Fixes)

@ key not working

Most likely causes:

  • Wrong keyboard layout (US vs UK)
  • You’re pressing the “right” keys for the wrong layout
  • A remapper app changed it

Fast fixes:

  1. Check Windows/Mac/Chromebook keyboard layout (see sections above).
  2. Try:
    • US: Shift + 2 → @
    • UK: Shift + ‘ → @
  3. If you still can’t type it, use our guide on how to type @ on keyboard (and troubleshooting) if you have it published.

Spacebar not working

Most likely causes:

  • Debris under the bar
  • Works in some apps but not others (app issue)
  • Hardware wear

Fast fixes:

  1. Safe cleaning steps (power off, gentle taps, brush/air).
  2. Test in another app and on the login screen.
  3. Test with an external keyboard (if external works, built-in spacebar may be failing).

Backspace/Delete not working

Most likely causes:

  • Browser/app shortcut conflicts
  • Fn key behavior (especially on laptops with combined keys)
  • Accessibility settings (Slow Keys/Sticky Keys)

Fast fixes:

  1. Try in Notepad/TextEdit (rule out app).
  2. Turn off Sticky/Filter keys (Windows) or Accessibility keyboard features (Mac).
  3. If it’s a laptop with Fn layers, try Fn + Backspace (some models treat Delete differently).

Enter key not working

Most likely causes:

  • App-specific behavior (chat apps, web forms)
  • Keyboard driver/settings
  • Physical failure

Fast fixes:

  1. Test in multiple apps and on the login screen.
  2. Reinstall keyboard driver (Windows).
  3. External keyboard test.

Arrow keys not working

Most likely causes:

  • Fn lock / “media” mode on some laptops
  • App-specific capture (games, spreadsheets)
  • Keyboard driver issue

Fast fixes:

  1. Try in a simple text editor.
  2. Check Fn lock (Fn + Esc) if your laptop uses it.
  3. Reinstall keyboard driver (Windows).

Function keys / volume/brightness keys not working

Most likely causes:

  • Fn lock toggle
  • OEM keyboard utility stopped working after an update
  • Settings changed

Fast fixes:

  1. Try Fn + Esc to toggle Fn lock.
  2. Restart.
  3. Update your system (Windows Update / macOS update / ChromeOS update).
  4. If only media keys fail, your laptop may need its manufacturer keyboard utility reinstalled.

Troubleshooting by Symptom

Keys type the wrong characters

Usually a keyboard layout problem.

  • Switch to the correct input source/layout (Windows/Mac/Chromebook sections above)

Keyboard works sometimes

Common causes:

  • Dust/debris intermittently blocking contacts
  • Power/sleep glitch
  • Background software conflict

Try:

  1. Proper shutdown and restart
  2. Safe cleaning
  3. Safe Mode (Windows/Mac)
  4. Updates

A whole row or cluster of keys stopped working

Often points to:

  • Hardware issue (keyboard matrix / internal connection)
  • Liquid damage
  • Physical damage

Try:

  1. External keyboard test
  2. Windows driver reinstall
  3. If unchanged, move to “Get professional help” section

External keyboard works but built-in keyboard doesn’t

This strongly suggests a built-in keyboard hardware issue or laptop-specific hardware connection problem.

You can keep using the external keyboard as a workaround, but repairs may be needed.

Liquid spill (important)

Stop typing immediately. Liquid damage gets worse the longer power is running.

Safe steps:

  1. Shut down right away.
  2. Unplug charger and remove external devices.
  3. Turn the laptop upside down (tent shape) to let liquid drain.
  4. Do not use a hair dryer or heat gun.
  5. Let it dry and get professional help—especially if multiple keys are affected.

When to Get Professional Help (Stop Troubleshooting)

Get repair help if:

  • There was a liquid spill
  • Multiple keys or a whole row is dead
  • External keyboard works but the built-in keyboard never works
  • Keys don’t work on the login screen/BIOS (Windows)
  • Your laptop is under warranty (repair is often cheaper or free)

FAQ (Quick Answers)

Why are my laptop keys not working?

Common causes include dust/debris, wrong keyboard layout, accessibility settings (Sticky/Filter keys), driver issues, software conflicts, or hardware failure.

Why do my keys type the wrong characters?

This is usually the keyboard layout/input language setting (for example US vs UK).

Why does my keyboard work in some apps but not others?

That app may be capturing shortcuts or blocking certain keys. Test in a basic text editor and try another browser/app.

How do I fix one key not working?

Start with safe cleaning, test in another app, test with an external keyboard, then check layout/settings. If only one physical key never works, it may be hardware.

How do I reset keyboard settings?

  • Windows: reset layout + turn off Sticky/Filter keys + reinstall driver
  • Mac: check Input Sources + Accessibility keyboard settings
  • Chromebook: check input settings + update ChromeOS (Powerwash as last resort)

Quick Recap

  1. Restart properly
  2. Test with external keyboard + on-screen keyboard
  3. Check layout/language (especially for @ and symbols)
  4. Windows: turn off Sticky/Filter keys + reinstall keyboard driver
  5. Mac/Chromebook: check input settings + update
  6. If many keys/rows are dead or there was liquid—get repair help