How to Fix Windows 11 if Keyboard is Not Working

Encountering issues with a non-responsive keyboard in Windows 11 can be inconvenient, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Here’s a detailed tutorial on how to fix Windows 11 if your keyboard is not working:

How to Fix Windows 11 if Keyboard is Not Working

Step 1: Check Physical Connections

1. Verify Cable Connection:
   • Ensure that the keyboard is properly connected to the computer. If it’s a wired keyboard, check the USB or PS/2 connection.
2. Try a Different USB Port:
   • If you are using a USB keyboard, try plugging it into a different USB port. This can help rule out issues with the specific port.

Step 2: Restart Your Computer

3. Restart Your Computer:
   • A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches affecting the keyboard. If possible, use the on-screen keyboard to navigate to the restart option.

Step 3: Check for Driver Issues

4. Update Keyboard Drivers:
   • Press Win + X and select “Device Manager.”
   • Expand the “Keyboards” section, right-click on your keyboard, and choose “Update driver.” Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers:
   • In Device Manager, right-click on your keyboard and select “Uninstall device.” Afterward, restart your computer to let Windows reinstall the drivers.

Step 4: On-Screen Keyboard

6. Use On-Screen Keyboard:
   • In case your physical keyboard is not working, you can use the on-screen keyboard to navigate.
   • Open the Start menu, type “On-Screen Keyboard,” and select the result.

Step 5: Check Ease of Access Settings

7. Verify Ease of Access Settings:
   • Go to “Settings” > “Ease of Access” > “Keyboard.”
   • Ensure that the “Filter keys,” “Sticky keys,” and “Toggle keys” options are turned off.

Step 6: Test Keyboard in Another System

8. Check External System:
   • If your keyboard is not working on your current system, try connecting it to another computer. This will help determine if the issue is with the keyboard itself or the computer.

Step 7: Windows Update

9. Update Windows:
   • Ensure your Windows 11 system is up to date. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to “Windows Update.” Install any pending updates and restart your computer.

Step 8: System Restore

10. Perform System Restore:
    • If the issue started recently, perform a system restore to revert your system to a previous state.
    • Open the Start menu, type “Create a restore point,” and select the result. Click on the “System Restore” button and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 9: BIOS/UEFI Settings

11. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings:
    • Restart your computer and access the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the designated key during the startup process (often Del, F2, or Esc).
    • Ensure USB Legacy Support is enabled if you’re using a USB keyboard.

Step 10: Check for Physical Damage

12. Inspect for Physical Damage:
    • Examine your keyboard for any physical damage, such as loose cables or spilled liquids. If you find any issues, consider repairing or replacing the keyboard.

Step 11: Perform a Clean Boot

13. Clean Boot:
    • Perform a clean boot to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application is causing the keyboard issue.

Step 12: Professional Assistance

14. Seek Professional Help:
    • If the keyboard issue persists after trying the above steps, it may indicate a more complex hardware or software problem. Seeking assistance from a professional technician or contacting the device manufacturer’s support may be necessary.

Conclusion

By systematically going through these steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve keyboard issues on your Windows 11 system. If the problem persists, reaching out to the device manufacturer’s support or seeking assistance from a professional technician is recommended.