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my keyboard isn't working , I'm using my on screen keyboard .... what to do ?

Akshitha Raja 0 Reputation points
2026-04-25T08:53:31.0433333+00:00

so, my laptop had an update recently. After that my normal keyboard stopped working. I cannot figure out what the issue is. Now I'm stuck using my on screen keyboard. What should I do?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures
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  1. DaveM121 876.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-25T09:28:43.5566667+00:00

    Start your PC, just as Windows attempts to load (spinning dots), press and hold Power Button for 5 - 10 seconds to perform a Hard Shut Down

    Do this twice

    On the third start Windows will boot into the Recovery Environment and from there you can access System Repair, Safe Mode, Command Prompt... etc.

    Please try each option one at a time, then see if the keyboard is then working.

    1

    If there is an option to uninstall the latest update, that will be the best option.

    2

    Go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Option - Startup Repair

    See if Windows startup can repair itself

    3

    Go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Option - System Restore

    Check to see if you have a restore point you can go back to

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  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-04-25T08:53:52.7433333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Try these steps in order, using the on‑screen keyboard or a mouse where needed:

    1. Check the hardware
      1. Unplug and replug the keyboard (if it’s USB) and wait a few seconds so Windows can reload the driver.
      2. Try a different USB port on the laptop.
      3. If using a USB hub, plug the keyboard directly into the laptop instead.
      4. Check for any visible cable damage or debris under the keys; gently clean with compressed air.
      5. If possible, test another external keyboard on the laptop, or test this keyboard on another PC. If it doesn’t work on another PC, the keyboard may need replacement.
    2. Check wireless/Bluetooth (if it’s a wireless keyboard)
      1. Make sure the keyboard batteries are fresh or fully charged.
      2. Look for a Reset button on the keyboard or its USB receiver and press it to re‑establish the connection.
      3. For USB wireless receivers, unplug the receiver for about 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
    3. Update Windows and drivers
      1. On the taskbar, in the search box, type check for updates and select Check for updates.
      2. In Windows Update, select Check for updates and install any available updates, then restart.
      3. To update the keyboard driver manually:
        1. In the search box, type device manager and select Device Manager.
        2. Find the keyboard in the list, double‑click it.
        3. Go to the Driver tab, select Update Driver, and follow the prompts.
    4. If the keyboard stopped after an update and only works after restart • Some users have reported issues after specific Windows updates that affected keyboard behavior. If the keyboard works only after a restart or only in certain modes, ensure all latest cumulative updates are installed, as follow‑up updates often fix such bugs.
    5. Use accessibility options as a workaround • To keep working while troubleshooting, go to Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and: – Turn on Use the On‑Screen Keyboard so a keyboard is always available. – Turn on Filter Keys or Sticky Keys if repeated or combined keystrokes are causing issues.

    If the keyboard still does not respond at all after these steps, but another keyboard works fine on the same laptop, the original keyboard is likely faulty and may need repair or replacement.


    References:

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