When the keyboard does not work, a chill runs through the soul of every PC user. The lack of response of the device makes one think that the problem is in the system, or the monitor has glitched, or even the video card has failed. When the culprit is found, the next step is to look for the cause of the breakdown.
There are different reasons for the lack of signal for different types of devices. We will talk about why the keyboard on the computer does not work below.
For wired models
Wired keyboards connect to your computer via a USB cable or an older PS/2 connector. The most common issues are related to the physical connection, drivers, and software.
Problems with connection
One of the first things to check is the physical connection of the keyboard to the computer. Pay attention to the connector, whether the cord is firmly inserted. Sometimes the port can be damaged or simply stop working. In this case, try to turn on the device through a different port.
The keyboard may not work if you have an older PS/2 connector. It will not work if the connection is made while the computer is running. This connector does not support hot swapping like USB.
If there are no alternative connectors, connect the keyboard to another device. Perhaps to a friend’s computer or laptop. This will help you understand whether the problem is with the non-working peripherals in the connector, or the peripherals themselves failing.
Perhaps your cat was a hamster or a field mouse in a past life, so the wires awaken in it an incredible desire to bite and gnaw through the unfortunate structure. In this case, the device will have to be replaced.
No permission in BIOS
When replacing an old keyboard with PS/2 on USB, the computer may also deny access to the new device. To do this, go to BIOS and pay attention to the Legacy USB Support or USB Keyboard Support switch. They should be in the Enabled position. If not, then turn it on, save the change by pressing F10 and reboot the computer.
Problems with drivers
Another common cause of keyboard malfunction may be driver failure. A driver is software that allows the operating system to interact with the hardware. Sometimes drivers can be damaged or outdated. Try updating or reinstalling them using the Device Manager. If this method does not work, remove the item from the devices, then reboot the computer. This will force the system to reinstall the necessary components.
Software conflicts
In some cases, keyboard problems may be caused by a software conflict. For example, a program may block the entire device or stop certain keys from working. Try starting your computer in safe mode to eliminate the influence of third-party software. If the device works in this mode, the problem is precisely in the problematic software.
For wireless keyboards
Wireless keyboards typically use Bluetooth or radio frequency (RF) to connect to your computer. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and the elimination of unnecessary wires. However, like any device, they can have problems when working. The main problems with such devices are related to the connection, batteries, and software.
Keyboards with adapter (dongle)
Wireless keyboards that use radio frequency (RF) connections usually come with a small USB adapter or dongle. This adapter plugs into your computer and enables communication between the keyboard and the PC. Common issues include connection, system settings, drivers, and interference with the radio signal.
Problems with connection
One of the first reasons why the keyboard stopped working is that the adapter is not connected to the computer correctly. Check if the dongle is inserted into the USB port correctly. Try connecting it to a different port, especially if the port you are using has caused problems in the past. Sometimes the problem may be with the USB port itself, not with the peripheral element.
Drivers
As with wired keyboards, drivers play a key role in the operation of wireless devices. If the drivers that control the adapter are corrupted or outdated, the device may not work.
- In the Device Manager, check for devices with a yellow exclamation mark: this indicates a problem with the drivers.
- If such an icon is present next to the adapter, try updating the drivers or uninstalling them and restarting the computer.
- The system will automatically reinstall them.
Interference
Wireless pads that use radio frequency connections can encounter interference from other devices. For example, Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, and other wireless devices can create interference that disrupts the connection between the keyboard and the adapter. To avoid this, try moving them closer together and away from other signal sources.
Distance between peripherals and the computer can also be an issue. As much as you might want to relax on the couch and use your keyboard to switch videos on YouTube, long distances can cause interruptions in operation. In addition, the signal can be lost completely.
The optimal distance between devices is usually around 1–3 meters, depending on the model. If there are physical obstacles between the keyboard and the adapter, such as walls or large metal objects, this can also lead to signal degradation.
Bluetooth keyboards
Keyboards that use Bluetooth offer convenience without the need for a USB port to connect an adapter. However, like other Bluetooth devices, they can encounter performance issues related to pairing, system settings, drivers, and compatibility.
Conjugation
This is one of the most common problems. Check if Bluetooth is enabled on your device and if the pairing is set up correctly. If the keyboard does not appear in the list of available devices, try repeating the pairing process: turn the keyboard off and on again, check if the connection mode is selected correctly.
Driver
If your Bluetooth drivers are outdated or corrupted, this can cause connection issues and no signal. Check for updates to your Bluetooth drivers in Device Manager. If updates don’t help, try uninstalling your Bluetooth driver and reinstalling it by restarting your computer.
Compatibility
Old or outdated devices may have compatibility issues with new Bluetooth keyboards. Make sure your device supports the Bluetooth version required for the keyboard to work. If your device uses an outdated Bluetooth version, you may need to purchase an external Bluetooth adapter or use a different keyboard.
Distance
Try reducing the number of active Bluetooth devices nearby to reduce potential interference. Also make sure the keyboard is within Bluetooth range, typically 10 meters, but the actual range may vary depending on the model and environment.
For laptop keyboards
Laptop keyboards are integrated devices, which complicates diagnostics and repairs compared to external keyboards. Therefore, intervention in the integrity of the entire device should be carried out by a specialist. He will examine the keyboard from the inside and tell you whether it is worth selling the kidney to replace the boards or to buy a new laptop.
Software glitches
Sometimes problems with the keyboard on a laptop can be caused by software glitches, such as driver conflicts or viruses. As with other types of keyboards, try updating the drivers or starting the system in safe mode to see if the keyboard works. In some cases, rolling back the system to a state when the keyboard still worked correctly helps.
Physical damage
Laptop keyboards are particularly susceptible to physical damage, such as spills or falls. This is especially dangerous if you like sweet drinks with sugar and are not very keen on safety precautions. In this case, the sugar will harden over time, and during operation it will slowly heat up and “short-circuit” the rest of the device. The author of this article experienced this first-hand and now works without a couple of keys on the num pad.
If you suspect that the keyboard has been physically damaged, immediately turn off the power and remove the battery. In such cases, it is best to contact a specialist, as repairing or replacing a laptop keyboard requires experience and specialized tools.
There may be many reasons for the keyboard to stop working and they require an individual approach. In cases where simple solutions do not help, it would be right to entrust your favorite device to professionals or, if possible, replace the gadget.