A computer feels useless if the keyboard isn’t functioning, as expected. It might start with a particular key and gradually, the number of non-functional keys gets included. Or, it can be a set of loose or stuck keys. In addition, the entire keyboard can go unresponsive. If you are thinking about how to repair laptop keyboards then this guide will help you.

Keyboards fail primarily due to software glitches and hardware conflicts. A software menace might prevent Windows from detecting a keystroke. The issue might get resolved with a key replacement or the entire keyboard replacement.

Driver issues, past spillage history, motherboard failure, and sensitivity misconfiguration are popular reasons behind a keyboard or its keys being faulty. Let’s check how to repair laptop keyboard and make it functional again.

Troubleshooting Tips on How to Repair Laptop Keyboard

First, try the following solutions to find out whether the issue is software or hardware-related. After all, it’s best to perform easy troubleshooting and then jump to the hardware repair if they don’t work. Here’s what you can start with:

Restart Your Laptop

Perhaps, your laptop is stuck on a software issue. In such instances, the mouse and other connected peripherals might not also work just like the unresponsive keyboard. Therefore, restart your laptop by holding the Power button for around 5 seconds or until the laptop shuts down. Let the device rest for a few minutes and then restart it. Test if the keyboard starts working again.

Work with the Keyboard Driver

If only the keyboard doesn’t respond to your command then there might be an issue with the keyboard driver. You can try updating the keyboard driver by using the following steps:

• Press the Windows key and type in “device manager”. Click “Device Manager” from the results.
• Now, locate “Keyboards” from the list of devices and click on it to expand the corresponding menu.
• Next, right-click on your keyboard device. Choose “Properties” from the pop-up menu.
• After that, go to the “Driver” tab and opt for the “Update Driver” option. Your device will install the latest update of the keyboard driver if it’s available.

In case you couldn’t solve the keyboard problem with an update then you can consider a driver reinstallation. Here’s what you need to do:

• Navigate to the “Keyboard Driver” option under “Device Manager”, as specified before.
• Right-click the keyboard driver and choose the “Properties” option.
• Land on the “Driver” tab and you need to choose the “Uninstall Device” option.
• Reboot your laptop.

After you have rebooted your laptop successfully, the device will automatically reinstall the latest keyboard driver. Check if this method works for your laptop’s keyboard.

Clean the Keyboard

You can’t blow chances of your keyboard getting filthy. A dirty keyboard can disrupt the normal functionality of keys. On the other hand, grease and grime can make keys stuck and you have no other way than to clean the keyboard. Turn off your laptop and take a delicate brush to loosen dirt across the keys of the keyboard.

In addition, you can take a compressed air can to clean the keyboard. You can also apply some keyboard cleaning putty to proceed with the fix. However, it’s quite difficult to recover your laptop keyboard from deep-seated dirt. Consider expert intervention to free your laptop keyboard from dirt and debris.

Modify the Keyboard Layout

Maybe, you have changed your laptop’s keyboard layout by mistake. This is why the keyboard is typing different letters than intended. If you find that the keyboard is producing strange characters then you can try this solution. Here’s how to change a Windows PC’s keyboard layout:

• Press the Windows and I shortcut to access the Settings menu.
• Navigate to the “Time and Language” section.
• Next, you need to select the “Language” option from the left panel of the screen.
• Select the current language and opt for “Options”.
• Next, choose the option that says, “Add a keyboard”. Select the keyboard layout that you want.

If you own a Mac computer, go through the following guidelines to change the keyboard layout:

• Click “System Preferences” on your Mac computer. Next, go to “Keyboard” followed by “Input Sources”.
• Then, choose the “Show input menu in menu bar” option from the bottom of the window.
• Now, select the “Add” or “+” symbol to select the keyboard layout or language.

Investigate if the Keyboard Issue is Caused by Hardware Malfunction

If you still couldn’t find a way to repair your laptop keyboard then it seems like a hardware issue. A single or a bunch of keys might need to be replaced or it might be the entire keyboard that requires a replacement. Here’s how you can identify whether the malfunctioning keyboard is a software or hardware failure:

• Explore your laptop’s UEFI or BIOS system. The method to enter BIOS or UEFI platform varies depending on the make and model of your laptop.
• If it’s a newer model, you can navigate to your Windows PC’s Settings followed by the “Update & Security” option.
• Next, click the “Recovery” option and select the “Restart Now” option under “Advanced Startup”.
• Choose the “Troubleshoot” option when your computer starts. Head towards the section named “Advanced Options”.
• After that, select “UEFI Firmware Settings” or “Startup Settings” for older models.

When the PC restarts you need to press F1 or F2. Once you enter the BIOS settings, you can check out whether the issue is associated with hardware or not. If it detects a defective keyboard or loose connection between the keyboard and the motherboard then it requires an exquisite repair.

How to Repair Laptop Keyboard?

You have to go for key replacement in case you couldn’t fix the problem with the above solutions. Here are a few common key issues and how you can treat them:

Loose Keycap

Does a particular key feel loose and you can’t type that specific character? Then, pressing the keycap might help you. Now, you have to understand the basic configuration of any key on your laptop’s keyboard. Every key comes with a keycap, key retainer, and keypad when it comes to a laptop keyboard.

If the keycap feels loose and it’s still there on the key then you can press the key down. Notice if you can hear a snap when you press down the key. If this doesn’t help then you can go through the following instructions to replace the keycap:

• Try lifting the victim key using a small flat-head screwdriver or a utility knife. Take precautions according to your laptop’s build.
• Next, remove the keypad completely if it stays stuck.
• Now, you should be seeing the key retainer with the keypad attached to your laptop’s keyboard. You can remove the key retainer from the laptop if you find this faulty too. Take a flat-head screwdriver to remove it gently and it should pop out after a twist.
• Buy a new key along with a keypad, keycap, and a retainer from a trusted place. Take care of the key build for a perfect match.
• Additionally, inspect all the metal hooks of the affected key. Now, follow the instructions that come with the new key to snap the key in its place.

Make sure that you press the new key firmly on the keyboard. Check if the key works fine.

Broken Keycap

It’s easier to find out whether the key, keycap, keypad, or key retainer has a defect. You need to find compatible keys for replacing the faulty ones or the entire keyboard.

• Hopefully, you have scraped out the faulty key from its place. We assume that you have purchased the right option for your faulty keys.
• First, place the key retainer in the empty spot. You can place the old keypad if it’s fine after inserting the retainer. Check if the retainer and keypad can flex together.
• Pay attention to the metal hook while connecting the retainer to the keyboard. Now, place the keycap on the retainer.
• Press the keycap down gently and it should snap to its space.

Finally, you can test if the key works.

Keyboard Still not Responding

Probably, the entire keyboard needs to be repaired or replaced. Repairing a keyboard requires tech knowledge and expertise to make things possible and streamlined. For example, if there’s a loose connection between the keyboard and the motherboard then you need to open up everything up to the laptop’s core. Then, you need to reconnect the keyboard to the motherboard.

On the other hand, you might have to weld connections for long-living benefits. If your laptop’s keyboard has no chance of getting repaired then it should be replaced. Replacing the entire keyboard can be tricky to tackle on your own. Additionally, most of the latest laptops don’t offer partial key replacements. So, contact a trusted computer repair service centre for beneficial results and uncompromised quality.

Hire Tech Support Dubai Professionals to Repair Your Laptop Keyboard

Reach out to Tech Support Dubai if you don’t know how to repair laptop keyboard. The professionals will diagnose the problem and sort out it with prompt and guaranteed solutions. They offer keyboard repair and replacement services at a nominal charge. So, call them and book an appointment today!