A laptop keyboard may stop working due to several common reasons that can be categorized into hardware and software issues:
- Hardware issues include dirt or debris stuck under keys, physical damage, or a loose/disconnected ribbon cable connecting the keyboard to the motherboard. For example, dust buildup or spills can cause keys to stick or fail. Also, if the internal ribbon connector is loose, the keyboard may not respond at all.
- Software issues involve driver problems where the keyboard's device driver may be corrupted or outdated, or a recent software change disables the keyboard. Incorrect keyboard settings, such as language layout or accessibility features like "Slow Keys," can also cause malfunction.
- Other causes can be power-related issues such as problems with a laptop battery underneath the keyboard, or malware.
Recommended basic troubleshooting steps include:
- Cleaning the keyboard to remove dirt or debris.
- Rebooting the laptop to reset software glitches.
- Updating or reinstalling keyboard drivers via Device Manager on Windows or system preferences on macOS.
- Checking and correcting keyboard language and accessibility settings.
- Testing with an external USB keyboard to narrow down if the issue is hardware or software.
- If the keyboard is physically damaged or the ribbon cable is disconnected, professional repair is recommended.
If these steps don't fix the problem, the keyboard may need replacement or professional diagnosis for more severe hardware defects or malware infection.
