How to unlock a keyboard

Identify what is locked

1. Try a letter in a plain text app. If all input is missing, check power and the wired, receiver or Bluetooth mode before trying lock shortcuts.
2. If only the Windows key fails, check the keyboard’s Win Lock or gaming-mode control. If only F1–F12 changed, check Fn Lock or the top-row mode.
3. If a number pad moves the pointer, check Mouse Keys. If it moves the cursor or does not enter numbers, check Num Lock. These do not lock the whole keyboard.

Windows: restore filtered input

1. Using the mouse, open Start → Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard. Turn on On-screen keyboard if you need a temporary way to type.
2. If brief taps are ignored after an accidental setting change, check Filter keys and turn off the unwanted option. Leave accessibility settings you rely on enabled.
3. Use the exact model manual for its lock switch or combination. Change one setting, then retry the same key in a text app.

macOS: check delayed or redirected keys

1. Open System Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard. Check Slow Keys if taps register only after a long hold.
2. Open Accessibility → Pointer Control and check Mouse Keys if letters or the number pad move the pointer.
3. Check a third-party keyboard’s Mac/Windows mode and restore the intended mode using its manual.

If input is still missing

Reconnect a wired keyboard directly to the computer; for wireless input, charge it and select the correct host channel. Compare another keyboard on the same computer before changing drivers or resetting a profile.