How to fix keyboard keys on a laptop not working?

Question

My brother came to me with the issue of some of his keys not working. He is using a Gateway Windows 11 laptop. He was using it completely well up until yesterday when he got home from school only to find some keys not working. I have tried multiple methods of fixing I found on YouTube, including factory resetting the laptop, and checking for driver updates but the problem still occurs. What I found strange is when, I tried to troubleshoot, keyboard wasn't an option so I didn't do it but in the manager it days that the keyboard is working fine. I tried uninstalling the keyboard but I didn't get to reinstall because I had to leave the house, I am hoping this will fix it but if it doesn't then what should I do?

Answer 1

Greetings, Nigel! My name is Arif, and I will assist you today.

Based on your explanation, it appears that you've already attempted some steps to resolve the issue. Have you tried using an external keyboard on the same computer, and does it work properly? In most cases, when certain keys on a keyboard are not functioning, it's more likely to be a hardware issue rather than a software problem.

To troubleshoot the hardware, follow these steps:

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.

Click on "System."

Choose "Troubleshoot."

Under "Other troubleshooters," select "Keyboard," and click "Run."

If the external keyboard functions correctly and the hardware troubleshooting indicates a hardware problem, I regret to inform you that you will need to take your brother's computer to a hardware repair shop or contact the manufacturer's service center to have them inspect and potentially replace the keyboard.

Warm Regards,

Arif

Answer 2

Greetings, Nigel! My name is Arif, and I will assist you today.

Based on your explanation, it appears that you've already attempted some steps to resolve the issue. Have you tried using an external keyboard on the same computer, and does it work properly? In most cases, when certain keys on a keyboard are not functioning, it's more likely to be a hardware issue rather than a software problem.

To troubleshoot the hardware, follow these steps:

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
Click on "System."
Choose "Troubleshoot."
Under "Other troubleshooters," select "Keyboard," and click "Run."

If the external keyboard functions correctly and the hardware troubleshooting indicates a hardware problem, I regret to inform you that you will need to take your brother's computer to a hardware repair shop or contact the manufacturer's service center to have them inspect and potentially replace the keyboard.

Warm Regards,
Arif

Well, there is a small issue. The power button does not work and the computer has shut off, after removing the keys and inspecting them they are extremely dirty almost as if they were rusted. We are not sure how to clean the keyboard or where we could get it cleaned but I believe if we can do that then we might be able to fix it. Also, we do not have an external keyboard with a power button to turn it on and we do not know where to find one.