Share via

I need help completely ruling out my laptop's built-in keyboard as faulty.

Anonymous
2024-10-11T22:55:30+00:00

Bit of a desperation, I figured since my computer's keyboard was working yesterday, and that I made zero hardware changes,
That it couldn't possibly be a faulty built-in keyboard.

Now, I'm about to list out all of the methods I've gone through to rule out, it will start to sound like I might need a replacement, but preferably, if there are any methods I have not done, I'd like to know.

  • I've tried changing my keyboard language through settings, checked if the desired language is selected. ( Returned positive, its set properly )
  • I've tried checking my accessibility settings, checked sticky keys, etc. ( As far as I'm concerned, changes here made no difference in fixing my problem. )
  • I've tried checking my drivers, I did this in the CMD prompt as an administrator, and again in UEFI startup hardware scan, This is pretty much the biggest supporter of the idea that my keyboard is faulty, upon doing a practical test, my ''w'' key, 1 through 8 number keys have stopped working, I'm currently typing this through the on screen keyboard.
    ( my sticky keys are also being problematic but I think thats just a accessibility setting that keeps flipping on and off, I don't know but I doubt its related. )
  • I've tried changing registry keys, I started with deleting the user keys and readding them, restarted, nothing happened. And yes, I did make sure my user couldn't write it back in automatically.
  • In registry keys, I tried switching the value of the CurrentControlSet > Services > i8042prt value from 3 to 1, no results, did it again but vice-versa, no results.
    This did not break or fix anything and I was well aware of the risks in changing values in the registry.
  • I have cleaned my keyboard, removed keys to clean under them, I placed them back properly, did absolutely nothing.
  • I've tried using troubleshooter, and other built-in tools like it, they usually stated the keyboard was functional and that they couldn't find any problems.
  • I've uninstalled certain drivers I've heard could be faulty, uh, no results other than temporarily losing the ability to use my touch-pad mouse, fixed this myself by reinstalling the driver related to it, and yes, I've uninstalled both my PS/2 and HID Keyboard drivers, knowing full well they'd reinstall automatically on restart.
  • I've tried opening my computer in safe mode, keyboard was still limited in functionality

Doing a scan on my keyboard's drivers will return an "OK", the only time it returned faulty was during the practical test where I had to type using my keyboard in the UEFI scan.
My keys are not rerouted, no changes were made to them prior to my registry edits.
I had only discovered my computer's keyboard ceased some of its functionality today, my computer was stored in a safe environment, inside my bag prior to my usage of it today.

The only solutions I have not tried yet was redocking my keyboard, I do not have the tools required to open my computer at the very moment which is why I have not tried this yet.
Also, haven't done a factory reset, don't want to plus I don't have a image stored on my computer to go back to.

My HDD/SDD integrity is 85% which is pretty healthy for a 1 yr old computer I believe, so with all of the above, I think I can rule out driver issues but let me know if there is anything else I can try.
Battery integrity is over 90%, This information is from the in-depth UEFI scan, I believe this is also relatively okay for a computer of this age.

I'm getting conflicting messages from all of these scans, most of them say my keyboard is fine, only one practical scan stated it is faulty; This issue is also limited to a specific set of my keys, the rest of them I can use just fine.
That plus the fact that my whole keyboard was working literally just yesterday makes me feel like it's a software issue, but I just need to make sure.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2024-10-12T14:01:56+00:00

    It seems my BIOS firmware is up to date from the HP Diagnostics window.

    I do not have a spare keyboard but I do remember that being mentioned while researching DIY fixes, may have to put this option aside for now Unless I can get away with using a wireless keyboard, which I doubt since it wouldn't use any of my port drivers and be of much use for this, Unless I'm wrong.

    Upon trying to do another thorough clean, I managed to break acouple of the plastic fairings for the keys, placed them back with a video as carefully as possible but this definitely the last straw here.

    You did say something alittle promising though, you said it could be a wiring problem and to me that sounds like I need to reseat my docker.
    I guess If I we're to really fix this keyboard thats pretty much confirmed to be where I'd start, then buy new keys to replace the ones I was abit too rough with.
    Unfortunately since I don't have tools on me to do so, I can't do much here.

    Alright, I think that'll be all unless you have something to add on (I have my notifications on for this website so I should get it if you have one more thing to try), but this post was to rule out without expectation of fixing the problem:
    And I believe this is good confirmation that I need a replacement, thank you for your time Bobhe.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-10-12T07:25:32+00:00

    Hello, Christian Dan

    Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

    Hello, thank you for your feedback here on your issue, it appears that you have an abnormality with the built-in keyboard.

    First of all, thank you for the very detailed information you have shared, you have tried almost all the steps you could try and from what has been shared so far, hardware damage is very likely. I will go ahead and add some more steps for you to further troubleshoot if your issue is a hardware problem:

    1. Update BIOS/UEFI: Make sure your BIOS/UEFI is up to date. Sometimes an outdated BIOS can cause hardware issues. Check your laptop manufacturer's website for the latest version and update instructions.
    2. External Keyboard Test: Connect an external USB keyboard to your laptop. If there is no problem with the external keyboard, this is a further indication that the problem is with the built-in keyboard.
    3. Disable Filter Keys: As a final check, make sure the filter keys are disabled. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and make sure “Ignore short or repeated keystrokes” is turned off.

    If none of these steps solve the problem, then there may indeed be a hardware issue and you may want to consider replacing the keyboard. Given that specific keys are not working, this may be a sign that the keyboard circuitry is partially faulty.

    Best regards

    Bobhe | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments