Keyboard not working
Use an on-screen or external keyboard to type, then check apps, power, connections and input settings in order. Compare the same keys after each change.
Get a temporary way to type
Use a working external keyboard or an on-screen keyboard while you restore input. Save open work before restarting.
On Windows, use the mouse to open Start → Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard → On-screen keyboard. At the Windows sign-in screen, use the Accessibility button to open it. On Mac, use System Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard → Accessibility Keyboard.
Check these in order
- Click a plain text document and try a letter. Compare another app. If only one app fails, review its focus, shortcuts and input settings first.
- Separate the whole keyboard from individual positions. If only Windows, Fn, the number pad or arrows changed, follow the matching mode or app guide.
- Check power and connection. Reconnect USB directly to the computer and compare another port. For wireless input, check charge, receiver or Bluetooth mode, and the selected host channel.
- Check unintended input filters and the active layout using the Windows or Mac steps below. Save intentional settings before changing them.
- Compare a known-working keyboard on this computer, or this external keyboard on another computer. Record which keys, apps and connection modes differ.
- If the problem remains, use updates and service instructions for the exact keyboard or laptop model. Stop using a device after a spill or visible damage and arrange inspection.
Windows: input filters, layouts and updates
Open Accessibility → Keyboard and check Filter keys if brief taps are ignored. Check Sticky keys if modifiers behave differently. Keep settings you intentionally use.
Select the intended layout from the taskbar input menu. Temporarily pause a remap or macro utility to compare ordinary typing. Use Windows Update and the manufacturer’s exact model support for missing device or hotkey updates.
If input works at sign-in but changes after login, compare the utilities and profiles that start with your account. If it works before Windows loads but fails in Windows, record that comparison and continue with Windows settings and device support.
macOS: input settings and built-in keyboards
Check Slow Keys in Accessibility → Keyboard and Mouse Keys in Accessibility → Pointer Control if they were activated unintentionally. Choose the intended language from the Input menu.
Connect a MacBook to its charger and compare an external keyboard. For wireless external keyboards, check Bluetooth and pairing; the built-in keyboard uses a different repair path.
Start with these checks
- Repeat the same short action in a plain text editor first. Note whether the issue follows the key or happens only in this browser.
- Identify whether the keyboard is built-in, wired or wireless, then use its documented connection and power checks.
- If the same issue persists across apps and another connection or computer, contact the maker with the exact key or combination, model and profile.
Choose a symptom above for a matching test, or check individual keys if you are unsure.