Buzz
Is a key on your desktop or laptop keyboard stuck? Common causes include liquid spills or dust buildup. If the keys are sticky or even jammed in a pressed position, we will guide you on how to safely clean your keyboard to resolve the issue. If the keys still type but don't respond on the computer, you can fix this by updating or reinstalling the keyboard or its drivers. Whether you're using a PC, Mac, or Chromebook, we'll help you clean and repair the stuck keys safely to restore functionality.
What You Need to Know
- When cleaning your keyboard, start by using compressed air. Spray around all the keys, including those that aren't stuck.
- If the keyboard is removable, take a photo to remember the key layout, then remove the keys for cleaning.
- If the keyboard is clean but your computer doesn't respond when typing a specific key, try updating the keyboard driver.
Steps
Cleaning the Keyboard
Disconnect the keyboard from the power source. If you're using a laptop, shut it down, unplug it, and remove the battery (if possible). For external keyboards, simply unplug the keyboard and/or remove its battery.
Use compressed air on the keyboard. Blow away debris and dust from between the keys and the keyboard tray using compressed air.
- Spraying compressed air around the keyboard is essential even if only a few keys are stuck; this helps prevent future key jams.
Use a toothpick to remove remaining debris. If you notice any objects (such as crumbs) near or under the keys, use a toothpick to gently remove them.
Wipe the keyboard with isopropyl alcohol. Spray a small amount of isopropyl alcohol onto a clean cloth and wipe the keyboard surface from left to right. This helps clean stains around the keys.
- If isopropyl alcohol isn't available, you can use water; however, ensure the keyboard is completely dry before use.
- If your computer has a UV coating or similar finish, avoid using isopropyl alcohol to prevent damage. Use warm water instead.
Test the keyboard. Press the stuck key multiple times. If the key is no longer stuck, you can stop here; otherwise, proceed with the rest of this method.
Take a photo of the keyboard. Before removing any keys, take a picture of the entire keyboard to remember the key positions.
Remove the stuck key from the keyboard. If using a mechanical keyboard (such as a desktop keyboard), you may need a keycap puller (if available); otherwise, you can use dental floss wrapped under the key to gently pull it out. A flathead screwdriver can also be used to remove the key.
- If using a laptop, refer to the user manual or online documentation for key removal instructions (in most cases, you'll need to pry the key from a specific point to avoid breaking the hinges).
- For MacBooks, you can remove the key by prying it from the top.
- Most dirt tends to accumulate under letter and number keys. Other keys are less dirty and harder to reattach after removal, especially the spacebar.
Clean under the key. Use compressed air to remove dust and a cotton swab or cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean stains and discoloration.
- For laptop keyboards and other fragile keyboards, use a cotton swab for gentle cleaning.
Wash and dry the keyboard. If the underside of the keys is discolored or dirty, place them in a colander to rinse with water or scrub in a bucket of soapy water. Air-dry the keys on a paper towel.
Lubricate the keys of a mechanical keyboard. If you're using a mechanical keyboard, press down on the spring of the stuck key and apply a drop of lubricant to the side of the key. Release and press the spring multiple times to ensure the lubricant coats it evenly.
- Make sure the lubricant is specifically designed for keyboards or special plastics. Using general-purpose lubricants like WD-40 can damage the keyboard.
- This step is only necessary if the mechanical keyboard's spring remains sticky after cleaning.
Let the keyboard air dry for two days before use. Once the keyboard frame is dry, reassemble it, connect it to your computer, and test it.
- If the keys are still stuck, especially on older mechanical keyboards, consider taking the keyboard to a repair center for professional assistance.
Troubleshooting Hardware and Software Issues
Ensure the keyboard is properly connected. If characters repeat or disappear while typing, the issue might be hardware-related. To avoid software conflicts, connect your keyboard directly to the computer instead of using a USB hub.
- If the keyboard uses batteries, make sure they are charged (or replace them with new ones).
Note: Skip this step if you're using a laptop.
Update the keyboard driver. In most cases, keyboard issues can arise due to outdated drivers or software. The simplest way to ensure your drivers are up-to-date is by using your computer's update utility:
- On Windows - Open Start, click the gear icon for Settings, select Update & Security, click Windows Update, choose Check for updates, and install any available updates.
- On Mac - Open the Apple menu, click App Store..., go to the Updates tab, and click UPDATE ALL if updates are available.
- Chromebooks do not offer this type of keyboard update, but you can remove and re-add your account or reinstall the Chromebook's hardware.
- If you use a mechanical keyboard, another way to update the driver is to visit the manufacturer's website, locate your keyboard model, and download the driver. You can then double-click the driver file to install it.
Reinstall the keyboard. If you're using an external keyboard, try reinstalling it. The easiest way to do this is to shut down your computer, unplug the keyboard, reconnect it, and restart your computer.
- You can also reinstall a Bluetooth keyboard by removing it from the Bluetooth menu and reconnecting it to your computer.
Identify the program causing keyboard issues. If you notice the keyboard doesn't work when using certain programs (such as a web browser or Microsoft Word), make a note of it.
Update the problematic program. While this may not always fix keyboard issues, updating the program can be helpful if it's outdated.
Fix internal laptop electrical connections. If some laptop keys don't respond when pressed, the internal electrical connections might be loose. If you don't have the laptop manual or aren't confident in disassembling the laptop yourself, consider visiting a repair center.
Tips
- Using coffee filters instead of paper towels to dry the keys can prevent small paper particles from sticking to the keyboard.
- If you spill liquid on the keyboard, disconnect the power immediately and turn the keyboard upside down. Use a dry cloth to wipe away as much liquid as possible, let it dry overnight, and then clean the keyboard following the instructions above.
Warnings
- Avoid using cleaning solutions or detergents containing hydrogen peroxide.
- Do not pour liquids directly onto the keyboard; instead, use a damp cloth or cotton swab.
