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Many people would consider replacing the keyboard if it's unresponsive or broken. But what if you can't find a replacement device or your budget doesn't allow it? What should you do with your malfunctioning or faulty keyboard? Some ways to fix the issue, whether it's one key or multiple keys, will provide you with methods to address the problem while there's still a chance to salvage it.
Fixing the issue of one or more unresponsive keyboard keys
Before troubleshooting a frozen computer keyboard, it's essential to identify the cause of the issue. Below are some causes of keyboard malfunctions and freezing, along with solutions.
1. Keyboard gets wet
Many people have the habit of using their computers while drinking water, coffee, etc., resulting in many cases of computer keyboards getting wet. To prevent serious damage to the system, you should immediately turn off the computer, then use a dry cloth to wipe dry the wet areas and a dryer to dry the inner crevices and water-damaged areas.
2. Keyboard loses sensitivity over time
Extended use of a computer keyboard over time can also cause some keys to become unresponsive. No matter how good a computer keyboard is, it has a certain lifespan. Therefore, the best solution to address this issue is to remove the keys for cleaning. If the problem persists, you may only be able to replace them with other components.
3. Keyboard connector cables are loose or damaged
You should check the cables connecting the keyboard on the laptop or computer to the mainboard to see if they are loose or damaged, and clean the plugs thoroughly. Then reconnect them securely to the computer.
4. Keys are stuck
Failure to clean your keyboard can lead to dirt and debris getting trapped between the keys, resulting in inaccuracies, insensitivity, and stuck keys. Therefore, to fix the issue of one or more keys not working, try removing the keys and thoroughly cleaning them.
5. Other methods to fix the issue of one or more keys not working
1. Press Windows + C. If the Charms menu appears on Windows 8, it means your keyboard is functioning properly. The culprit causing the issue of one or more keys not working may be a particular application. Try restarting the applications and check if the keyboard is functioning correctly.
2. If you're using a wireless keyboard, try replacing the batteries. Dead batteries could be the culprit causing the wireless keyboard to stop communicating with the connected computer.
3. Check if the wireless keyboard is within the transmission range. Bluetooth keyboards have a transmission range of over 9m. Try using the Bluetooth keyboard within this range to ensure it functions normally, without any keys becoming unresponsive.
4. Re-pair the connection between your Bluetooth keyboard and your computer. Begin by turning off the keyboard or setting it to Discoverable Mode off. Right-click on the right side of the screen to display the Charms bar. Select Change PC Settings, then choose Devices. Turn off and then turn back on your Bluetooth keyboard and activate Discoverable Mode. Select Add a Device, then click on the name of your Bluetooth keyboard. Enter the password provided on the screen if prompted.
5. Update the keyboard driver. First, right-click on the Start button at the bottom-left corner of the screen, then select Device Manager from the menu. In the Device Manager window, locate and click on View, then select Show Hidden Devices. Click on the arrow next to Keyboards in the Devices Manager to expand the list of keyboards. Right-click on the malfunctioning keyboard, select Update Driver Software to update the keyboard driver and fix the issue of one or more keys becoming unresponsive.
6. Reinstall the keyboard. To reactivate the keyboard, right-click on the Start button at the bottom-left corner of the screen, then select Device Manager from the menu. Click on View, then choose Show Hidden Devices. Click on the arrow next to Keyboards in the Devices Manager to expand the list of keyboards.
Right-click on your keyboard, select Uninstall. Next, click on the Start button at the bottom-left corner of the screen, choose Power, then select Restart to reboot your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard when your computer restarts and fix the issue of one or more keys becoming unresponsive.
Here are some effective ways for you to fix the issue of one or more keys not working. Besides keys becoming unresponsive, users often encounter the issue of jumbled characters on the keyboard, which is not too difficult to fix. From this, you can understand that the computer keyboard is a part that we interact with frequently and is quite sensitive. Therefore, to avoid unwanted keyboard malfunctions, you need to use the computer keyboard properly, carefully, and regularly clean both the keyboard and the computer.
