How to Fix Keyboard Issues on a Windows 10 PC

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn How To:

• Troubleshoot issues you might encounter with your keyboard on your Windows 10 machine.

Before We Begin:

• If using a wireless keyboard, new batteries may be needed.
• Have compressed air nearby if keyboard cleaning is necessary.

2. Restart Your PC

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

• Using the Mouse
• Select the Start menu.
  

• 
  
• By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
• Select Power, then select Restart.
  

• Using the Keyboard
• Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
  

• Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
  

• Select Restart, then OK.
  

3. Additional Information

To better assist you, please answer this question.

4. Test Another USB Port

Let's make sure your keyboard is connected properly to your computer.

1. Look for the USB port your keyboard is connected to. This may be on the back of your system.
2. If it's connected unplug the keyboard and try another port.
   

1. If you're using a wireless keyboard with a USB dongle or receiver remove it and try another port as well.
   

1. If after using another port, the keyboard works, there may be an issue with that particular port.
2. Consider buying a USB hub to avoid using that port.
   

5. What's next?

6. Test Another USB Port

Let's make sure your keyboard is connected properly to your computer.

1. Look for the USB port your keyboard is connected to. This may be on the back of your system.
2. If it's connected unplug the keyboard and try another port.
   

1. If you're using a wireless keyboard with a USB dongle or receiver remove it and try another port as well.
   

1. If after using another port, the keyboard works, there may be an issue with that particular port.
2. Consider buying a USB hub to avoid using that port.
   

7. Power

Most wireless keyboards come with batteries. Double-check that the batteries are not dead.

Replace them if needed.

8. What's next?

9. Power

Most wireless keyboards come with batteries. Double-check that the batteries are not dead.

Replace them if needed.

10. Pair Bluetooth Device

Some Bluetooth devices are configured with a PIN or a passkey that is often listed in its information manual. Check your Bluetooth device documentation for the correct PIN or passkey.

1. Set the Bluetooth accessory in pairing/discovery mode.
   This process will vary depending on what kind of device you have. Refer to your device's documentation for specifics on how to accomplish this.
2. Click the Action Center icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
   

1. Tap on the All Settings tile after that.
   

1. Then go to Devices.
   

1. Select Bluetooth from the left-hand column and ensure the Bluetooth switch is in the On position to the right. Your Windows 10 device will become discoverable and start searching for devices.
   

1. Once you see the device you want to pair the system with, select it then tap on Pair.
   

1. If asked to compare the passcode showing up on both devices, do so.
   

1. After the pairing was successful the device will show the Paired status under its name.
   

11. What's next?

12. Restart Your PC

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

• Using the Mouse
• Select the Start menu.
  

• 
  
• By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
• Select Power, then select Restart.
  

• Using the Keyboard
• Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
  

• Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
  

• Select Restart, then OK.
  

13. What's next?

14. Hard Reboot

1. Locate the power button on your computer. Hold it down until you hear the hard drive turn off and any lights go out.
   

1. Turn the system back on.

15. Key-specific Issues

Filter KeysFilterKeys is an Accessibility option that you can use to control the keyboard repeat rate and ignore repeated keys.

With Filter Keys you can adjust settings to ignore keys that aren't held down for a certain amount of time, disable the repeat rate of key strokes, and ignore unintentional key strikes.

This could cause your computer to ignore key strokes and make it seem like your keyboard is broken.

Keyboards Need Cleaning Too

Is your keyboard looking a bit dusty? Have you dropped or spilled something on it? Keyboards need cleaning just like other pieces of technology. There may be something stuck or gumming up a few keys.

Sticky Keys

Sticky Keys is a Microsoft Windows accessibility feature that causes modifier keys (CTRL, ALT, SHIFT) to remain active, even after they have been pressed and released; making it easier to do keyboard shortcuts. For example, instead of having to press Ctrl+Alt+Del all at once a user could press Ctrl, then Alt, and then Del to perform the same function.

Sticky keys could cause a pop up on your screen asking if you want to enable or disable it. It can also cause your keyboard to briefly stop working correctly.

Number Lock

Keyboards often have dual-function number keys. If your Number Lock is on, you might be experiencing the wrong function when you press a key.

16. Cleaning

It is important to remove excess dust and debris from your computer and its peripherals periodically to ensure that proper operation and cooling of your machine can take place.

Make sure that the keyboard is free of dust, dirt, and foreign matter.

Turn the keyboard upside down to allow for any foreign debris, such as hair, food particles, or dust, to fall out.
We recommend that you periodically use compressed air to blow dust out of the hard-to-clean crevices in the keyboard.

If you spill a drink or some other liquid on the keyboard, immediately turn the keyboard upside down to let the liquid drain out, and then remove as much liquid as possible. Wait until the keyboard is completely dry before you use it again.

17. What's next?

18. Turn Off Filter Keys

1. Select the Start menu.
   

1. Click Settings.
   

1. Select Ease of Access.
   

1. Click Keyboard and then ensure Filter Keys is toggled off.
   

19. Turn off Sticky Keys

1. Select the Start menu.
   

1. Search Turn On Easy Access Keys.
   

1. Select Turn On Easy Access Keys.
   

1. Make sure the check box next to Sticky Keys is empty.
   

20. Number Lock

1. Check your keyboard. There may be a light on for Num Lock.
2. Press the Num Lock key.
   

1. If you have a laptop you may need to hold down the Fn before tapping Num Lock.