How to Fix Keyboard Not Working Issue in Windows 10/8.1 (Easy)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to resolve keyboard not working issues in Windows 10 and 8.1. Whether your keyboard is unresponsive or intermittently fails, this guide will help you troubleshoot and fix the problem effectively.

Step 1: Check Physical Connections

• Ensure that your keyboard is properly connected to the computer.
• For wired keyboards:
  • Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard to the USB port.
  • Try using a different USB port to rule out port issues.
• For wireless keyboards:
  • Check if the USB receiver is plugged in properly.
  • Replace the batteries or recharge the keyboard.

Step 2: Restart Your Computer

• Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue.
• Save your work and restart your computer to see if the keyboard starts functioning again.

Step 3: Update Keyboard Drivers

• Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause keyboard issues. To update drivers:
  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the "Keyboards" section.
  3. Right-click on your keyboard and select "Update driver."
  4. Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software."
  5. Follow the prompts to install any available updates.

Step 4: Uninstall and Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

• If updating the drivers does not work, try uninstalling and reinstalling them:
  1. Open Device Manager again.
  2. Right-click on your keyboard and select "Uninstall device."
  3. Confirm the uninstallation.
  4. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard driver.

Step 5: Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

• Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically find and fix problems:
  1. Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Click on "Update & Security."
  3. Select "Troubleshoot" from the left sidebar.
  4. Click on "Additional troubleshooters."
  5. Find and run the "Keyboard" troubleshooter.

Step 6: Check for Windows Updates

• Outdated Windows software can cause hardware issues. Ensure your system is up to date:
  1. Go to Settings (Windows + I).
  2. Click on "Update & Security."
  3. Select "Windows Update."
  4. Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates.

Step 7: Test with Another Keyboard

• If possible, connect a different keyboard to your computer to determine whether the issue lies with the original keyboard or the system.
• If the second keyboard works, the original keyboard may need repair or replacement.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered various methods to troubleshoot and fix keyboard issues in Windows 10 and 8.1. Start with the physical connections, proceed through driver updates, and utilize Windows troubleshooting tools. If all else fails, testing with another keyboard can help identify the problem. For persistent issues, consider seeking professional assistance or replacing the keyboard.