The keyboard not working properly in Windows 11 is terrible for you. Keyboards are one of the most important input devices for any computer system, and if they malfunction, most of the work is either stopped or switched to other devices like tablets or phones.
Many people have reported having problems with their keyboard on Windows 11 OS. The problem could arise for many reasons, including faulty keyboard hardware, bugs in the OS, outdated OS, fast startup, malware infection, and faulty keyboard drivers.
Whatever the cause, a malfunctioning keyboard is always bad news. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can fix this issue. In this article, we will enumerate troubleshooting steps to fix your keyboard. Most of the steps we will explain in the preceding paragraphs are easy and can be accomplished even by a novice.
Here’s what we will cover:
- Preliminary checks
- Run keyboard troubleshooter
- Update keyboard driver
- Uninstall keyboard driver
- Disable Filter keys
- Reinstall the manufacturer’s software
- Restart the HID service
- Run a malware scan
Also read: Why is the Windows Calculator not working? Quick Fix
Preliminary checks
Before moving on to specific fixes, there are certain preliminary hardware checks that you should do, such as:
- Check whether the keyboard is properly connected to the port. If you are using a wireless keyboard, restart the Bluetooth connection.
- Check the keyboard for any damage. It may have been damaged if the keyboard had not been handled correctly. In most cases, you should change the damaged keyboard as it may work for now, but later it is bound to retire.
- Plug your keyboard into another computer or laptop to determine if the problem is with your keyboard or the Windows 11 OS. If the keyboard works fine on another computer, then there is a problem with the OS. If not, you must apply troubleshooting to the keyboard and the OS.
- Clean the keyboard thoroughly with the help of a mild alcohol. Sometimes, dust and grime accumulate on the keyboard buttons, making them unresponsive.
- Restart your PC to flush out corrupt RAM data that may be why the keyboard is not working on Windows 11.
After these preliminary checks are done, head to the other fixes below.
Run keyboard troubleshooter
A keyboard troubleshooter is an in-built tool in Windows 10 and 11 that diagnoses problems specifically with keyboards.
Here’s how to access the keyboard troubleshooter:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to launch Settings. In the Settings, head to System > Troubleshoot.
Step 2: Now, click on Other Troubleshooters.
Find the keyboard and press the Run button to start the keyboard troubleshooter to fix the keyboard not working problem in Windows 11.
Update keyboard driver
Another issue why your keyboard isn’t working on Windows 11 is that the drivers are outdated.
So, check the keyboard drivers and update them if necessary. Here’s how to do that:
Step 1: Open Device Manager by searching for the term in the search box. Or, press the Windows key + R to open the Run prompt and type devmgmt.msc. Press OK.
Step 2: Double-click on the Keyboard to expand it. After that, right-click on the driver and select Update driver.
Step 3: Next, select from either of two options — Search automatically for drivers or Browser my computer for drivers — to start the driver search process.
The first option will allow Windows to search the internet for drivers. This is the preferred option. On the other hand, the second option is used when you already have the driver on your computer.
Also read: Why is the microphone not working in Windows 11? Quick Fix
Uninstall keyboard driver
The third fix to resolve the keyboard not working on the Windows 11 issue is to uninstall the keyboard driver if updating it didn’t work.
Most of the steps of uninstalling and updating the keyboard driver are the same. Head to Device Manager> Keyboard and then right-click on the driver.
After that, select Uninstall driver and follow the on-screen instructions. After that, reboot your computer and during reboot, Windows will automatically install a fresh copy of the driver.
Disable Filter keys
Sometimes, input devices like the keyboard stop working in Windows 11 due to Filter keys. So, turning them off would be the right choice.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open Settings. Next, head to Accessibility > Keyboard.
Step 2: Next, turn off the toggle in front of the Filter keys.
Reinstall the manufacturer’s software
Many high-end keyboards have specific software support. Using the software, you can tweak several keyboard settings.
However, the software may become corrupt, rendering your keyboard useless on Windows 11. So, remove the software and install it again. Head to Settings > Apps > Installed apps to see the list of all the apps on your computer.
Click on the three-dot button and then select Uninstall.
Also read: What is Click Lock on Windows? How to enable it?
Restart the HID service
The Human Interface Service (HID) is a USB protocol and successor of the PS/2-style connectors.
With the HID protocol, you can connect USB devices without installing specific software for each device. Sometimes, the HID service is corrupt and needs a restart.
This can fix many issues with the input devices, including the keyboard that might not work on Windows 11.
Step 1: Search Services in the taskbar search box, press the Windows key + R, and enter services.msc.
Step 2: Next, locate Human Interface Service, then right-click on it and select Restart.
Run a malware scan
Often, malware infection on your computer can cause several issues, with the keyboard not working, just one of the many. So, running an antivirus scan is always an option.
You can choose Windows Security, an in-built security solution, or go for another third-party tool.
In conclusion, if your keyboard is not working correctly on Windows 11, you should follow the above steps to fix it quickly and easily.
Also read: Logitech keyboard not working: Quick Fix
