Some Keys Not Working on Laptop Keyboard? Causes & Easy Fixes

Is your laptop keyboard working fine, but some keys are not responding? This is a very common issue on Windows laptops and can happen due to dust, driver problems, incorrect settings, or even hardware damage.

The good news is most of the time, you can fix it at home without visiting a repair shop.

In this guide, you’ll learn the top causes and easy step-by-step fixes when some keys on your laptop keyboard are not working.

Why Are Some Keys Not Working on My Laptop Keyboard?

When only a few keys stop working, it usually means one of these problems:

• Dust or dirt stuck under keys
• Keyboard driver issue
• Windows settings (Filter Keys)
• Water/spill damage
• Loose internal keyboard cable
• Physical damage to keys
• Laptop overheating or moisture
• Keyboard layout/language change

Now let’s fix it.

Easy Fixes When Some Laptop Keyboard Keys Are Not Working

1. Restart Your Laptop (Quickest Fix)

Sometimes Windows gets stuck and the keyboard stops responding properly.

Fix:

1. Save your work
2. Restart your laptop
3. Test the keys again

If the keys work after restart, it was a temporary system glitch.

2. Check If the Problem Is Only in One App

Sometimes keys won’t work inside a specific app (like Chrome, MS Word, or a game).

Fix:

• Open Notepad
• Try typing the keys that don’t work
• If keys work in Notepad → issue is with the app, not the keyboard

3. Clean the Keyboard (Dust & Dirt Fix)

Dust, crumbs, or hair can block key movement and prevent contact.

Fix:

• Turn off the laptop
• Use a soft brush
• Use compressed air (if available)
• Gently press the affected keys multiple times

Don’t use water or wet cloth directly on the keyboard.

4. Turn OFF Filter Keys (Very Common Windows Issue)

Windows has an accessibility feature called Filter Keys. If enabled, some keys may not work properly.

Fix (Windows 10/11):

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Accessibility
3. Click Keyboard
4. Turn Filter Keys OFF

Now test the keys again.

5. Check Num Lock / Fn Key Issues

Sometimes users think keys are not working, but the keyboard is in a different mode.

Fix:

• Press Num Lock
• Try Fn + Num Lock
• Try Fn + Esc (on some laptops)

If number keys or arrow keys are not working, this fix often solves it.

6. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Driver

A corrupted driver can cause random key failures.

Fix:

1. Press Win + X
2. Click Device Manager
3. Expand Keyboards
4. Right-click Standard PS/2 Keyboard (or your keyboard name)
5. Click Uninstall device
6. Restart your laptop

Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard driver.

7. Run Windows Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter to detect keyboard problems.

Fix:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System → Troubleshoot
3. Click Other troubleshooters
4. Run Keyboard Troubleshooter

Follow the instructions shown on the screen.

8. Check Keyboard Language & Layout Settings

If some keys type wrong symbols or don’t behave correctly, your keyboard layout may have changed.

Fix:

1. Go to Settings → Time & Language
2. Click Language & region
3. Check your keyboard layout (Example: English (India) – US Keyboard)

Shortcut to switch keyboard layouts:
Windows + Spacebar

9. Test Keyboard in BIOS (To Confirm Hardware Issue)

This is a very important step.

If keys don’t work even in BIOS, the problem is hardware-related.

How to enter BIOS:

• Restart your laptop
• Press F2 / F10 / DEL / ESC (depends on brand)

Now try the keys in BIOS:

• If keys work in BIOS → Windows/software issue
• If keys don’t work in BIOS → keyboard hardware issue

10. Use an External Keyboard (Temporary Solution)

If you urgently need to work:

• Connect a USB keyboard
• Or connect a Bluetooth keyboard

If external keyboard works perfectly, your laptop’s internal keyboard may be damaged.

11. Check for Water Damage or Moisture

If your laptop got wet recently, keys may stop working slowly over time.

What to do:

• Turn off laptop immediately
• Disconnect charger
• Keep it in a dry place for 24 hours
• Visit a technician if keys still don’t work

Don’t use a hair dryer (it can damage components).

12. When You Need Keyboard Replacement

If:

• keys never work
• multiple keys in one row stop working
• keys fail in BIOS
• keyboard has physical damage

Then the keyboard may need replacement.

Laptop keyboard replacement cost in India usually ranges from:
₹500 to ₹2500 (depends on brand and model)

Bonus Tip: Find Which Keys Are Not Working (Online Test)

You can test your keyboard using a keyboard testing website or Windows on-screen keyboard.

Use On-Screen Keyboard:

1. Press Win + R
2. Type:

osk

3. Press Enter

This helps you confirm which keys are actually not responding.

Also Read:

• Windows 11 Running Slow After Fresh Install? Causes & Easy Fixes
• Why Is My Wireless Mouse Not Working Even With New Batteries? (Fixes)

FAQs- Laptop Keyboard Keys Not Working

Q1. Why are only some keys not working on my laptop?

Most common reasons are dust, driver issues, Filter Keys, or internal keyboard damage.

Q2. Can I fix laptop keyboard keys at home?

Yes, many issues can be fixed by cleaning, disabling Filter Keys, or reinstalling the driver.

Q3. Why is one row of keys not working?

This often indicates a hardware issue like a damaged keyboard circuit or loose internal connection.

Q4. Will reinstalling Windows fix keyboard keys?

Only if it’s a software issue. If it’s hardware damage, reinstalling won’t help.

Final Words

If some keys are not working on your laptop keyboard, don’t panic. Start with simple fixes like restarting, cleaning the keyboard, and turning off Filter Keys. If nothing works, test in BIOS to confirm whether it’s a software or hardware problem.

Most issues are fixable without spending money.