Dealing with an unresponsive keyboard?

Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.

This post shows 6 DIY ways to troubleshoot a keyboard that’s not responding. Both wireless and wired keyboards are covered.

Fix #1 – Make sure the keyboard is turned on

Some keyboards come with an on-off switch. If you use such a keyboard, make sure it is turned on. Those using wireless keyboards should ensure the battery is not dead before attempting other solutions.

Fix#2 – Close the app and reopen it

A temporary glitch with an app may make your keyboard unresponsive. Solution? Simply close the app and launch it again.

Fix #3 – Ensure your keyboard is properly connected to the computer

Depending on whether you’re using a wireless or wired keyboard, we recommend trying the following:

• If you’ve a USB keyboard, unplug it and then reattach it
• If you’ve a wireless keyboard, remove the dongle for 30 seconds or so and plug it back in
• Plug in the dongle or keyboard in a different USB (It’s possible the USB port you’re currently using has become corrupt
• Use another detachable USB cable for a wired keyboards

Fix #4 – Restart your PC

If your computer is frozen, you’ll not be able to type. Restarting the PC should fix any temporary issue that’s causing your system to freeze up.

Fix #5 – Clean the keyboard

Dirt and dust stuck under the keys may prevent them from working properly. This could be the reason why some keys are working while others aren’t.

Fix #6 – Update Keyboard drivers

If the keyboard driver is missing or has a bug, it could cause the keyboard to become unresponsive. In such situation, updating the keyboard driver should do the trick.

How do I update my keyboard driver? You may ask.

Well, there are two ways to do that. One, you can manually update the driver via Device Manager — a process that can be lengthy or tedious. Two, you can automatically update the driver using a third-party tool in matter of just a couple of seconds.

Both methods are discussed below. You can choose the one that you like better.

Updating keyboard drivers manually

• Click the Windows icon in the taskbar, type device manager in the Search bar and then hit Enter
• In the Device Manager window, locate and expand Keyboards category, right-click your keyboard, and then select Update driver

• Select Search automatically for updated driver software in the next window

• Windows will install the best driver version it has for your keyboard

If you receive a message stating that Windows has detected that you already have the best driver version, it might be worth checking the manufacturer website to see if they have a later driver version.

To do that, first note down your current driver version.

• In the Device Manager window, expand the Keyboard section
• Right-click your keyboard and select Properties

• Click the Driver tab

• The driver version and other relevant details regarding the driver will be displayed here

Now, head to the manufacturer website and run a search for the latest driver for your keyboard model. If you find there’s a newer driver version available, download it. Once that’s done, double-click the executable file to launch the installation. Follow on-screen prompts to complete installation and reboot Windows, if asked.

Updating keyboard driver automatically

If you don’t want to go through all the hassle of updating drivers manually, then simply download a third-party tool, such as Driver Updater, and let it update the driver for you.

While there are many third-party driver update tools out there, we recommend using Driver Updater since it’s best in the category.

Automatic driver update tools offer many benefits, the most important ones being:

• You can update device drivers automatically
• The software scans and updates all outdated or missing drivers at one go
• The tool picks the right drivers for your device and operating system, so you won’t have to worry about installing an incorrect driver by mistake
• Automatic driver updates are 100% safe

Driver Updater is one of the best driver update tools out there. Outbyte Driver Updater will give you access to a database of over 1 million drivers. It will regularly scan your PC, suggesting new driver versions to install. Driver Updater contains drivers for a variety of Windows devices. With just one click, you can update drivers in your system.

Step 1
Click here to Install and launch the app

Step 2
Scan all devices

Step 3
Install or update drivers automatically

 

Start Download