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Few thing are more thwarting than when your keyboard bar working . From key not respond correctly to power issues and backlighting problems , a lot can go wrong with keyboards , even if you haveone of the best keyboards . Let ’s take a look at common problems user experience and which solutions can get you back to typing ASAP .
The keyboard becomes unresponsive
If the keyboard was working all right before but suddenly stops exercise all told , it ’s probably a business leader or software way out . If you have a wired keyboard , check that your connection to the electronic computer is stable and in stead . Unplug it and plug it back in again if necessary . For wireless keyboards , check that they still have battery life history and secure them into a germ of mightiness , or supplant the baron if they ’ve run out .
On the computer software side , if you have a wireless keyboard , try incapacitate the Bluetooth connective and re - enabling it to see if this helps , or switching between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz radio . If not , count to see if you need any updates , and install them . You should also go to theDevice Managerand theKeyboardssections to verify if any drivers need to be individually update with a unexampled version .
Even if there are no update wait , unplug all other accessories from your calculator except those you ask , and reboot . A full restart without any other connections can mend unresponsive keyboard .
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If all else fails , run a virus hitch : Some malware can interfere with accessory like keyboards and keep them from working .
The keyboard turns on but won’t function at all
If you see the index number lights turn on but ca n’t get any reply out of the keyboard , take a aspect at your connection first . For pumped-up keyboards , correspond to see if it ’s stop up into the right kind of USB port : Different keyboard are designedfor different USB protocolsand may not be compatible with all ports even if they can twist on . For wireless model , double - check the Bluetooth connexion , and try incapacitate then re - connecting Bluetooth to see if this makes a difference of opinion .
If your keyboard has a special kind of game musical mode , make indisputable that ’s not enable , as that can disenable some key and make the keyboard seem non - functional .
If everything hold out , it ’s clip to head to your keyboard equipment driver . Search forDevice Managerand spread out its window . line up and exposit theKeyboardssection to see your current driver . Right - click to uninstall the driver , then reboot your reckoner . When you log back in , Windows should automatically find and download the right drivers for your keyboard .
you could also essay visitingDells keyboard diagnostics Sir Frederick Handley Page , which may give you a flake more insight into precisely what ’s going wrong .
Specific keys stop working
Start by seem for any introductory reason why a key may not be working . For exercise , if you have a numeric keypad , then you may have aNumber Lockkey that can rick it off . If that Lock Francis Scott Key was unexpectedly pressed , it would explain why sure numeral keys are n’t working .
Otherwise , this problem indicate a hardware problem with that specific key . If youhave a mechanical keyboardor another adaptation that allows you to take off that specific key , do so and visit what you notice underneath . Sometimes a crumb or bit of debris is keeping the key from properly exhort down on the switch , and blow out it away will fix your problem .
You may notice that part of the key or switch is damaged for good ; a more serious problem that will require retire the keyboard , at least for a while . mechanically skillful keyboard marque sometimes allow you to buy and replace individual Key and permutation to address problems like these . Otherwise , it ’s in all probability time to start looking for a new keyboard modeling .
Keys keep jamming while typing
jam keys are a primary sign that your keyboard is dirty and needs to be pick . There are many levels of cleansing : Some users wish to spray in jets of compressed air and promise for the best . We ’re not openhanded fan of that option , because it can drive crumbs even profoundly into the keyboard than before , and we favor to utilize a vacuum brushwood accouterment to go down on rubble out entirely . But for serious jamming issues , the best solution is to take off the keys and do a thoroughgoing cleaning ( this may not be an choice on scissor or butterfly stroke keyboard , but a good wipe - down will still help).Our guide on ways to clean a keyboardhas more useful information .
Each key press causes repeats
If every keypress is type several characters when it should be type only one , typing quickly becomes an annoying problem . If the cay itself feels flummox , then it ’s usually an return of grime or stain . Unplug the keyboard , and carefully pop the key off . Use a cloth with a small amount of rubbing intoxicant or other solvent to pass over the key and the surrounding area .
We also advise heading to keyboard preferences and trying to set keyboard sensitiveness and related features to see if you’re able to couple your typing vogue and sensitivity more accurately .
The keyboard has the wrong character output
This normally means that the computer software layout on your computer does n’t gibe the keyboard you are using . luckily , you could quickly change the layout to one that matches your keyboard . Search for“Typing preferences”and selectLanguage and part . In this new window , make trusted thatCountry or regionandRegional Formatand properly selected
Oh , and verify no one switch your keys around as a prank .
Key presses respond too slowly
This could also be an issue with a soiled key or a moment of junk that has partially jammed the key switch . If possible , take the key off and clean around it with a q - tip and some rub alcohol , and squirt a piddling compressed melodic phrase in afterward .
If that does n’t fix the trouble , point to your keyboard ’s companion software , if you have it . Some keyboard let you line up the clock time after a keypress that the cay will actuate . align the options there , if you’re able to .
Keyboard shortcuts aren’t working
Check outour article on utilitarian shortcutsto ensure you ’re using the ripe cutoff . You should also mark keyboard setting : Windows has an option for “ embarrassing ” key that require iron out one Francis Scott Key at a time to activate the shortcut . If this was accidentally enabled , it could be causing your problem .
Keyboard backlighting or RGB lighting is not working
While annoying , lighting problem tend to have simple-minded fixes . First , check the configurations in your keyboard ’s software to ensure lighting has been plow off or adjusted . If everything looks okay , then light problem can often be solve by bring up your computing gadget , disconnect the keyboard , and plug it back in after your PC restarts .
If this does n’t shape , look up your specific keyboard example online and re - downloaded driver or update its microcode as needed .
If you recently spilled something on your keyboard , this may cause part or all of your backlighting to malfunction and cease turning on . you could adjudicate appear for a compatible “ backlight sail ” to replace your old edition , but this is not a guaranteed fix , and opt a Modern keyboard may be your best option at this point .
Companion app doesn’t recognize keyboard
Many mechanical and gaming keyboard also come with a companion app , likeLogitech ’s G - Hub . These are great for adjust lighting or remapping your keyboard ’s keys , but you ca n’t apply them if the app does n’t seem to pick out your keyboard . It might not let you interact with it , or it might not see it at all . fortuitously , there are a few easy mode to fix this .
First , try unplug and then reconnecting your keyboard with a wire or wirelessly . If you have multiple ways of connecting , strain them all . If this does n’t solve the consequence , try downloading the late version of the companion app from the manufacturer ’s web site and reinstalling it . test rebooting your PC , too .
If you’re able to do it outside of the app , you’re able to try upgrade your keyboard ’s microcode , too .
