If your laptop keyboard doesn’t respond, this might be a bit of a problem, especially if you use your computer for work. If you don’t have a spare laptop you could connect with a USB cable, you’re in trouble. How can you check what’s wrong with the keyboard and can you do anything to fix it?
In this article you will find out:
- what are the most popular reasons why your keyboard doesn’t respond,
- how to find out what’s wrong,
- how to fix the laptop keyboard.
The keyboard on your laptop doesn’t respond?
It might happen for a number of reasons. More often than not, the keyboard ceases to respond when it’s dirty. Particles of dust or food crumbles may get stuck between the keys, which won’t respond to touch. An extreme situation is when you happen to spill some liquid on your computer. And it happens quite a lot, contrary to what you might think. As a result, certain components in your laptop may be damaged.
Sometimes the reason why the keyboard won’t work is a technical glitch. It could be the BIOS or Windows. If it’s the latter, you may be faced with some defects of the driver responsible for the keyboard. And sometimes improper settings are to blame.
How can I check why the keyboard won’t work?
In order to diagnose the issue, you need to have a closer look at the following:
- Start with mechanical aspects. It’s likely that your keyboard doesn’t respond or responds with a delay when some dirt got under the keys. Turn your laptop upside down and shake it gently. The particles may fall out and you’re good to go. It’s also a good idea to clean the laptop keyboard using compressed air. That’s a fairly easy way to get rid of crumbles that got stuck under the buttons.
- Next thing is to check your laptop for technical glitches. First, look at the BIOS. Restart your computer (if you’re lucky, this will be enough to get the keyboard to respond again), and as the system is launching, enter the BIOS. You usually do it by pressing a combination of Delete, Escape, F2 or some other function keys. If your laptop doesn’t respond, you may have to replace the keyboard. But if you manage to enter the BIOS, this means it’s a systemic glitch.
- Now you have to check whether the drivers you have installed are correct. Open the Device Manager and drop down the Keyboard menu. Watch out for a yellow icon. But even if you can’t see it, you can reinstall the driver. It’s enough if you delete the current one, and once you restart the laptop, the system will install it from scratch once again. You can also make sure you have the latest version of the programme, as launched by the provider. To be on the safe side, look at the relevant website to check for updates.
- The problem could also be related to system settings. In this case, the keyboard will probably respond, but it will be far from running smoothly. Check out such options as repeat rate and delay, filter key, you may also try changing the keyboard language or layout.
- Last but not least, you can dismantle your laptop. If you feel competent, you can check the connection between the keyboard and motherboard. To this end, remove and disconnect the keyboard. Then reconnect it, making sure the ribbon cable is in the right position.
If it still doesn’t help, you will probably have to replace the keyboard.
Keyboard replacement in a laptop
If the keyboard is no good, it has to be replaced. You would normally start with buying a replacement. In our online store you will find parts designed for the most popular notebooks. When choosing a keyboard, look at the layout of the keys, type of hooks as well as the length and shape of the cable. If you know the brand, series and model of your laptop, you will easily find the right product.
If you want to replace the keyboard, there is a procedure to follow:
- First disconnect the computer from the source of power, turn it upside down and remove the battery.
- Then remove the screws that keep the keyboard in place.
- Turn the laptop and wedge the section that covers the screws. Remove the screws once you see them.
- Gently lift the keyboard, open the lock and disconnect the cable.
- Insert the replacement, retracing the above steps in the reverse order.
Pst, check out our
The keyboard still doesn’t respond? Find a replacement in Battery Empire!
If your laptop keyboard doesn’t respond, there are a few things you can do to diagnose the problem and address it. If our hints aren’t getting you anywhere, you can always replace the keyboard – you will find high quality replacement products in our online store!
