Why the keyboard on your computer may not work. Checking USB settings in BIOS. Reinstalling and configuring the keyboard software
Don't panic if the keyboard on your laptop doesn't work. What to do in such a case? In many situations, getting rid of this problem can be quite simple. In this case, the brand of the device used does not matter. The reason that caused this breakdown can be completely different: the most basic or quite serious.
Reason 1: the microcircuit burned out
The main reason, which is difficult to foresee in advance, is when the microcircuit burns out. First of all, you should check the touchpad, as well as the ports that are located around the perimeter of the device. It is important to pay special attention to the USB and RJ-45 connector (for cable). When they are not working, you will need to contact a service center. If the warranty period has not yet expired, you must request a replacement. Only a person who has relevant experience in this field can get rid of such a problem.If the ports are in working condition, we can hope for a positive outcome. The most common cause may also be the cable that connects the motherboard to the keyboard. In such a situation, in order to open access to the socket, it will be necessary to disassemble the laptop. The keyboard is secured using latches, which should be slightly pryed using a plastic card, and then the required module should be removed.
Appearance:
In disassembled position:
- connector for connection;
- plume.
Reason 2: inattention
This item will be useful for owners of a separate digital block.His appearance:
When the numbers on the keyboard are not working, the reason is the inattention of the users of this device. Some of them, due to their carelessness, often press the Num Lock button, which ensures the operation of this block - turns it on and off.
When numbers do not appear on the screen, but the cursor simply moves, you should press this key again. In this case, the indicator should light up, which confirms the working status of the function. It should be taken into account that in certain laptop models, for this purpose, a combination of keys is provided, such as: Fn + Num Lock.
Reason 3: viruses and driver failure
When the breakdown is not related to the hardware, then you should look for it in the software area. Some viruses act in such a way that they can “destroy” the keyboard driver. To check whether this assumption is correct, you should scan your system for the possibility of spyware. After the reboot process, you need to put the drivers in place. In many situations, these actions bring positive results.What to do when the driver does not want to install or return to working condition? Sometimes it is not possible to remove it in the usual way. In order to get the result, you can try to turn on the keyboard on the device using safe mode.
For these purposes, it is necessary to reboot by periodically pressing F8. Using it, you can call up a menu for selecting additional boot methods. In it you need to select the usual “safe mode”. When the OS starts, you should follow the steps described below.
You need to try to remove the problematic utility or click on “Roll Back”. The last action can bring results in a situation where a driver update was previously carried out, which affected the performance of this device. After this, the previously valid software version must be restored.
Steps to remove:
Open “My Computer” and then click on “Properties”.
We go to the “Dispatcher” and select a special section with a keyboard.
It looks like this in the screenshot:
Right-click on the keyboard and open the “properties” item.
If the driver update is incorrect, click on “Roll Back”. In a situation where the system does not see the keyboard, click on “Delete”. For the latter option, you must have the original drivers on hand, which are provided by the manufacturer of this equipment.
Reason 4: features of some models + prevention
When releasing devices, some manufacturers try to ensure the ideal quality of their work. As a result, when the battery charge is low, certain parts, including the keyboard, may stop working. To restore its full functionality, you need to connect the laptop to the network.Users who prefer to eat while working should be sure to clean the keyboard from crumbs. To do this, you can use a can with compressed air inside. Thanks to the high pressure, small particles of food that get into the cracks and grooves will be quickly removed. It should be remembered that under no circumstances should you use a damp cloth or screwdriver to get rid of them.
In order to get rid of the problem with a non-working keyboard, you need to carefully read the instructions described above. Initially, you can try to find a way out by checking the software system for viruses, etc. Quite often, spyware is hidden behind system files and disrupts the full operation of the device.
In addition, a combination of keys such as Fn + NumLock, which brings the number pad into operation, can also help. The installation of additional drivers taken from unknown sources can also be considered as a cause of failure. You should be careful when installing software utilities such as MKey, which provide button reassignment. In some situations, the system may perceive them as a threat and exit the working state.
In any case, if these problems arise, you should not despair and immediately buy a new laptop. If necessary, you can find a way out of this situation by connecting a stationary keyboard via the USB connector.
Hello.
The laptop keyboard stops working just as often as the keyboard on a regular desktop computer. True, if the keyboard of a regular PC can be easily and quickly disconnected and connected with a new one (at least for testing), then with a laptop it is somewhat more difficult...
In general, there are many reasons why the keyboard on a laptop does not work. In this short article I want to look at the most common ones.
1. Troubleshooting...
If the keyboard stopped working suddenly, without any serious reasons (for example, falling the device) - then the first thing I recommend doing is to check whether it “completely does not work” or only in Windows?
The fact is that some viruses and especially drivers (for example, for Bluetooth) can lead to the touchpad and keyboard being disabled if they fail. The fastest way to check this is to go into the BIOS.
How to enter BIOS (entry keys) -
If you entered the BIOS and the keys work there - then most likely the cause of the malfunction is in Windows. In this case, you can try booting into safe mode (or using ) and check if the keyboard works. If it works, the reason is Windows 99.99%! In this case, one of the simplest solutions to the problem is to reinstall Windows (or search for the faulty driver, you can find out in device manager).
Device Manager: drivers missing.
If you are not logged into BIOS - the keyboard does not work completely and this is not due to the drivers or Windows failure. In this case, I recommend trying to connect a mouse and keyboard to the USB port and see if they work. If they don’t work the same way, the problem may be a burnt-out chip on the mat. board (you can’t do without a service center).
2. Problem with drivers.
As I said above, this is a very popular reason for keyboard failure. Occurs in most cases due to USB and Bluetooth drivers. To solve it: you can roll back the system (restore) if there are recovery checkpoints; remove faulty drivers; reinstall Windows.
1. System Restore
Go to the control panel and run recovery (in Windows 8/7: Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Recovery).
2. Removing/installing drivers
I have several good articles about this on my blog. I will provide links to them here. In general, you need to: remove completely faulty drivers, and then download the drivers from the official website of the device manufacturer.
3. Reinstall Windows
Reinstalling Windows 7 instead of Windows 8:
3. Is the battery ok...
The fact is that some laptop models, due to their specific design, may not work correctly with the battery. Those. if it is connected to the laptop and is discharged (or simply does not work), then the keyboard may stop working. This can be easily checked by disconnecting the battery from the laptop and connecting it to the network.
Laptop: bottom view (green arrow indicates the place for the battery).
4. Is the cable ok...
If the touchpad on the laptop works, the connected keyboard and mouse to USB also work - perhaps the problem is in the cable: it could simply move away (either due to a loose contact, or when moving the device). Also, the cable from the keyboard could be connected incorrectly if you recently removed the keyboard (for example, when cleaning a laptop, or indeed when disassembling the device).
It is also possible that the cable may be broken (bent) (this may be due to the poor design of the laptop.
Laptop keyboard: cable for connecting to the device.
Important! To remove* the keyboard from your laptop, pay attention to its outline: there will be small latches on the top and bottom (sometimes on the left and right) sides. It is convenient to pry them off with a regular screwdriver and then carefully remove the keyboard. You need to act slowly, the cable in some models is quite thin and damaging it is very simple. If you have never disassembled your laptop before, you should probably contact a service center.
* By the way, in some laptop models it is not so easy to remove the keyboard; you must first unscrew the additional fastener.
5. If several keys do not work
If dust (or small particles, crumbs) gets under the keys, they may stop working. A fairly common cause of individual keys on the keyboard not working. The fight against this scourge is simple: clean it from dust and do not take the device into the kitchen (as many people like to do...).
6. Flooded keyboard
If a liquid containing sugar or salt (for example tea or lemonade, juice) is spilled on the surface of the keyboard, the corrosion process will begin. By the way, because of this, not only the keyboard, but also the motherboard and other laptop devices can fail.
Actions when flooding:
- Disconnect from the power supply completely and as quickly as possible (remove the battery from the device case, disconnect the power supply);
- Turn the device over so that all the liquid flows out;
- Do not turn on the device until it is completely dry (usually 1-2 days).
- It is advisable to show the device to a service center. The fact is that even if the device works after switching on, a corrosion process that could begin cannot be ruled out. And soon, the laptop may fail (especially if “aggressive” liquids have been spilled: coffee or tea with sugar, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, juices, etc.).
6. Temporary measures
In my opinion, there are 2 effective ways to temporarily solve the problem.
1) Connecting an additional keyboard to the USB port (if, of course, they work).
2) Enabling the on-screen keyboard (especially helpful if 1-2 keys that you need to press from time to time do not work).
How to enable the on-screen keyboard? Go to " Control Panel\Accessibility\Accessibility", then turn it on.
Best wishes!
Keyboard malfunction issues computer It’s easier to decide - there’s always an opportunity check the keyboard you are using on another computer or vice versa - connect it to your PC exactly working properly. Then act according to the circumstances.
WITH laptop Another situation is that the keyboard is built-in, that is, an integral part.
In any case, try first reboot device and go to BIOS(usually the key F2 at the time of initialization for laptops, Del or F10 for desktop PCs). It didn’t work out - there’s a high probability device malfunction, most likely you will have to contact a service center. Before that we recommend check the contacts - perhaps they oxidized or squeezed out(relevant for PS/2) or check cable integrity- perhaps he received damage(for example, it was pinched).
If you succeeded, then the keyboard OK, we are dealing with a software glitch.
In this case, boot the system, it would be better to do this in safe mode without starting drivers ( F8 while loading). The device is functioning, which means the problem is in the drivers. Start the OS in normal mode, right-click on the icon Computer – Properties.
Find a section Keyboards and delete everything that is in the subkey. 
Then reboot computer and check if the keyboard works. In normal condition, the driver should be installed automatically. Here in Dispatcher you can update or reinstall driver - this option is suitable if there is an indication of unidentified devices with yellow exclamation mark.
The next option is system rollback to the restore point to the date when the keyboard was exactly working.
To do this we go Start/ Control Panel 
Run the program here Recovery.
Launch system recovery– choose point, to which you should rollback.
A more radical way would be complete reinstallation operating system.
You can enter characters when the keyboard is not working using on-screen application.
Start/ Special abilities.
By clicking the cursor on the image of the virtual keys, information will be entered.
This is a temporary measure will simplify finding and solving the problem. For a laptop, another temporary solution would be connection a regular USB keyboard to any free port.
For more advanced users, of course you can disassemble And check connection cable. We will not dwell on this in detail in this article. 
The numbers on the right don't work
If only the numbers on the right do not work, first check if the Num Lock, some users may forget to turn it on. 
Above is usually Num Lock mode enabled illuminated green LED turned on (in rare cases it may not be present).
If the numbers still do not print, check to see if the Num Lock button actually does this. Sometimes this mode includes a combination Num Lock + SHIFT or another.
Also check if you have the option enabled mouse control from keyboard.
Start\ Control Panel\ Special abilities\ Mouse
There should be no check mark in the “ Keyboard control«. 
The f1-f12 keys do not work
If we are talking about laptop owners, the key is responsible for turning on the function keys Fn.
Some types of PC office devices have a " Office", you need to check its operation. In other cases it should help reinstallation drivers.
Instructions
The main reasons for such a malfunction lie in a hardware failure or software error. Checking the hardware version is very simple - check the plug on your keyboard and the connection connector. If everything is visually in order, replace the keyboard with a working one and reboot the computer. If you continue to be unable to use this device, you should check the version of the software fault.
First, try rebooting the machine. Perhaps the operating system will localize and fix the software glitch. Try reinstalling the keyboard. To do this, in the “System Properties” window of the “System” item “Control Panel”, find the “Hardware” tab. Click the "Device Manager" button. In the "Device Manager" window, select the "Keyboard" item and delete it, close the "Device Manager". Then enter the “Hardware Installation” item and run the “Setup Wizard”. Click Next and wait for the installer to detect the keyboard. The OS will indicate that the keyboard is detected and functioning by turning on the Num Lock indicator light. If the program displays a message that the installation of new devices is complete and prompts you to reboot, then click the “No” button, since the keyboard is already functioning. Also click the “Finish” button in the “Found New Hardware Wizard” window and exit the “System Properties” menu.
One possible problem could be that the operating system does not detect the required driver. To reinstall the driver, go to the website of your keyboard manufacturer, select the desired model, download the archive and unzip it. As a rule, such drivers come with their own installation program, and then you just need to run the file. If there is none, you will have to launch the “Device Manager”, select the “Update Driver” command and specify in manual search mode the path to the directory in which the unpacked driver is located. The computer must be restarted after installation.
Often, a non-functioning keyboard is a consequence of a virus program that has taken up residence in your machine. A characteristic sign of this is the failure of the mouse, as well as the touchpad. Check your system with an antivirus program. It is better not to rely on free utilities that promise instant success and a cure for your computer. Use reputable and well-known antiviruses. The chances of success with such security are much higher.
A very real reason for a keyboard failure may also be the lack of BIOS connection. This failure is especially common on machines with a built-in keyboard. Correcting the situation can be quite simple. As your computer boots, enable the BIOS. Find the tab with a list of input and output devices. Select USB Controller and turn on Enabled. Enable the same mode for the USB Keyboard Setup item. Exit the BIOS with confirmation to save the new settings. If none of the above helped you, contact the service center.
The keyboard is the main tool when working on a computer, without which work is almost impossible. Of course, you can enter information using a mouse and on-screen keyboard, but this method is inconvenient and will not work properly.
In this article we will tell you what to do if the keyboard on your computer does not work and consider all the possible causes of this malfunction.
The keyboard is a fairly simple device and usually works flawlessly. However, there are times when the keyboard indicator lights up, but nothing is printed.
Why the keyboard doesn't work: reasons
There are two types of reasons why a computer keyboard may not work:
- Mechanical (cable break, moisture ingress, excessive contamination of the keyboard, violation of the integrity of the connection ports, and so on).
- Software (software failures, incorrect BIOS settings, incorrect keyboard drivers, and so on).
Let's look at all the main reasons why the keyboard does not work and troubleshooting methods.
Problem with the cable or keyboard port
The first step is to assess the physical condition of the keyboard.
Look at the indication of the Caps Lock and Num Lock buttons. Most likely, if they work, then physically everything should be fine with the keyboard.
Visually inspect the keyboard cable. It may be pinched or cut. For example, many pet owners have pets that chew through cables.
Also, visually check the keyboard connection port to see if there are any fractures or bends in it. There are two types of keyboard connection ports - USB and PS/2.
It often happens that when people try to connect to a computer in a PS/2 port, they break off the tip of the wire and the keyboard does not connect.
If the keyboard's USB cable and connection port look good, then try plugging the keyboard into another USB port on the computer. The port on the computer itself may be damaged. If the keyboard works in another port of the computer, then you have a problem with the USB port. Usually there are several of them on the computer and you can simply leave the keyboard connected to the port that works.
In the case of a keyboard with a PS/2 port, you should check the functionality of the keyboard connection port on another computer, since there is only one such port on the motherboard. To test the functionality of your computer's PS/2 port, you will have to find another such keyboard.
Spilled liquid and dirt on the keyboard
A flooded keyboard is a headache for all IT specialists and a goldmine for all laptop repair service centers. Very often, when working on a computer, people pour tea, coffee, beer and other liquids onto the keyboard. As a result, the keyboard may fail.
As a rule, it is easy to determine visually and by smell that liquid has been spilled on the keyboard. Carefully inspect the keyboard. Remove a couple of keys. If you see that there are traces of spilled liquid or food on the keyboard or under the keys, then you have two options. Either buy a new keyboard, or meticulously disassemble the flooded keyboard, clean it, dry it and put it back together. With a high degree of probability, the keyboard will work.
Earlier, we already talked in detail about how to clean a computer keyboard at home.
Checking USB settings in BIOS
If the computer's power supply fails, the BIOS settings may change, which contains an item about enabling or disabling support for USB keyboards on the computer.
Additionally, in this way you can check the serviceability of the keyboard in principle, since it may not work in Windows, but work in the BIOS. In this case, the failure is caused by software or drivers.
To enter the BIOS and check the settings, do the following:
- Turn on your computer.
- Press the DEL button on your keyboard until the BIOS settings window appears.
- In the BIOS settings, find the USB Keyboard Support or Legacy USB menu.
- Make sure the setting is in the Enable state. If it says Disable, then switch to Enable.
You can also set the remaining BIOS settings related to USB to Enable. You may be able to get ports on the front panel of your computer case that once stopped working.
Software or driver failure
Keyboards with older PS/2 connectors are more susceptible to software glitches. However, there are still quite a lot of such keyboards in use, although manufacturers have almost stopped producing them.
To solve the problem of the keyboard not working due to software, you need to turn on your computer and log into the desktop. Since the keyboard has stopped working and does not print, and a password may be set on the account, you will need to use the on-screen keyboard and type the password with the mouse.
Now that you are on the desktop of your computer, you need to get to Device Manager.
In Windows 8 and Windows 10, to do this, right-click on the button Start and select device Manager.
In Windows 7, left-click on the button Start. Next, right-click on the word Computer and select Computer management — device Manager.
Device Manager displays information about all devices on your computer. Expand the Keyboards branch. If there is an orange question mark next to your keyboard, the device is not installed correctly on the system.
Right click on your keyboard and select Delete.
After that click Action — Update hardware configuration.
The computer will rescan all devices and install the keyboard correctly.
Factory defect or keyboard has reached the end of its service life
Any technology tends to break down and fail. If the keyboard was purchased relatively recently, then you may have encountered a manufacturing defect. In this case, you can contact the keyboard manufacturer's support service and expect a replacement device.
The fact is that many manufacturers value their reputation and, without entering into long debates with the buyer, immediately send a brand new keyboard by mail.
If you have had the keyboard for more than a year, then most likely it has failed due to service life and you should buy a new one.
