Keyboard Issue

Question

There is an issue with particular key in the keyboard. When I try to type "@" it works where I press "Shift+2", but when I want to type number 2 i.e, just press "2" it doesn't work. I'm not able understand whats the issue here. Also rest keys are all fine as far as I know. I have used virtual keyboard to type 2 for this query.

Answer 1

1

Try pressing the Num lock key or Fn + the Num Lock key to test if that gets the numeric keys working.

If not, try pressing Fn + Esc.

2

If that does not resolve the problem:

Open Command Prompt, then paste in this command and press Enter:

msdt.exe -id KeyboardDiagnostic

Run that Keyboard Troubleshooter to see if that can solve the problem.

.

If that does not resolve this for you

Open Device Manager

Expand the Keyboards section

Right click your keyboard and choose 'Uninstall'

Then restart your PC

.

If the problem is still not resolved:

Bring up the on-screen keyboard, are those keys working correctly on that keyboard?

Connect another external keyboard to your system, are those keys working correctly on that keyboard?

Answer 2

The described behavior almost always indicates a hardware problem with that specific key rather than a Windows setting, because:

• Shift+2 works (so the “2” position on the keyboard matrix can still register when combined), but
• Pressing 2 alone does not register, while all other keys work.

Use these steps to narrow it down and address it:

1. Check for debris or mechanical issues on the “2” key
   • Carefully inspect around the 2 key for dust, crumbs, or other debris.
   • Use a can of compressed air to blow under and around the 2 key.
   • Optionally, gently vacuum the top of the keyboard using a dusting brush.
     Intermittent or single-key failures are commonly caused by debris under the key.
2. Test with an external keyboard
   • Connect a USB or Bluetooth keyboard and test the 2 key.
   • If the external keyboard’s 2 key works normally, the built‑in keyboard is likely failing.
   • If the external keyboard has the same problem, the issue is more likely software/driver related.
3. Test in different modes/apps
   • Boot into Safe Mode and test the 2 key.
   • If it works in Safe Mode but not in normal Windows, a third‑party app or driver may be interfering.
4. If the 2 key still fails on the physical keyboard
   • After cleaning and testing with an external keyboard, if only that key continues to fail, the built‑in keyboard is likely experiencing a hardware failure and may need repair or replacement.

For now, the on‑screen (virtual) keyboard is a valid workaround, but long term the fix will usually be cleaning or replacing the faulty keyboard if the external keyboard test confirms it is hardware.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Surface Pro Keyboard or Type Cover
• Troubleshoot problems with your Surface mouse or keyboard
• Keyboard doesn’t work right after unplug or undock and then reconnecting
• Characters are displayed as SBC (Single Byte Character Set) after using the "@" symbol when IME (Input Method Editor) is turned on
• Keyboard shortcuts for international characters
• shift key in Word not working - I have to press the key several times to be able to capitalize a letter. - Microsoft Q&A
• Why won't my keyboard work when I power up my laptop? - Microsoft Q&A
• keypad issue - Microsoft Q&A
• How to reset my keyboard? Combination of "Alt + L " gives weird characters and message is sent automatically. - Microsoft Q&A
• How do I make the Function Keys work directly - Microsoft Q&A