USB keyboards are not only cheaper and apparently way more versatile than built-in ones, but there are also still a lot of issues with the compatibility sector here. Many times your external keyboard may not function well, either partially or wholly, due to major fixing problems.
Windows 10 and 11, with their unique perks, have brought in a few hardware limitations with them too. Keyboards are super essential when it comes to PCs, laptops, or even tablets. External USB-based keyboards are not only easy to attach and detach, but they also help you to utilize your keyboard better without shelling a lot of extra bucks. These keyboards are not easily replicable with other tools, and a faulty one can really hamper your computer’s functionality.
And you probably are here because of a faulty keyboard. Fixing it manually or troubleshooting may not help you much, but there are ways to solve this issue with a few easy steps. But before we start, it is always beneficial to look at the root cause here so that you can devise your fixing procedure accordingly.
Why is your USB Keyboard not working?
When it comes to external hardware, there can be a lot of reasons to explain their faulty behavior. It can be your internal driver or even the connection jacks that might be acting as a hurdle for you. But don’t worry! Things might be way more straightforward than you may have anticipated. We have got you covered (even if you are not a geeky nerd). We have compiled some of the most common issues to counter your USB keyboard problems.
Software malfunctions
Now, this is one of the most common reasons to justify your external USB keyboard behaving differently. Well, you started with good connections, and the moment you began to type, nothing appeared. Even when you recheck your connections a few more times, things still are in vain.
In most of the cases, users tend to notice whole keyboard impairment. With special software-based internal technicalities, you are more likely to experience partial functionality. Only some of the keys may function while the rest won’t. Another challenging problem can occur if your keyboard’s keys tend to switch up, which basically leads to wrong reading while you press specific keys.
There can be many reasons to explain such issues. Here are a few of the most common ones:
Faulty USB driver
When you are not up to date with your software drivers, managing external devices may get a bit troublesome for you. Either you may have no USB driver installed on your system, or the driver version may not be up to date. Another reason might be incompatibility issues between your driver version and the USB keyboard version as well.
The Windows problem
There is a very good chance you are experiencing this problem on Windows 10 or 11. More commonly on the former, thanks to its Filter key issue that tends to block key appearances. Fortunately, a simple Windows update can quickly solve this problem as the bug has been currently removed by Microsoft in the newer versions.
Hardware malfunction
Typically easier to spot (and prevent) are hardware issues here. Most of them can be easily fixed, and if you are unable to, a tech professional at your nearest help center can easily ward off any internal hardware mishap.
The motherboard anomaly
Well, this is not something you could have anticipated, but yes, it can happen. Your keyboard and connectors might be completely fine, but a damaged or broken internal piece in your extensive motherboard can lead to the rejection of external hardware. It might be caused due to mishandling the device.
Damaged connectors and ports
You may not have noticed this, but many times the slightest jerk could have led to internal breakage of connections in your USB keyboard’s extender. Also, if the USB port on your computer/laptop is either clogged or damaged due to physical abrasions, it might be the primary reason for the connection getting breached every time you connect your keyboard.
Other miscellaneous problems
Poor Connectivity
One of the primary reasons why your USB keyboard is still not functioning completely is attributed to your PC’s bad connectivity range. Although USB keyboards are super easy to connect and disconnect, sometimes your computer may not be able to detect the connection even when the drivers are installed and entirely up to date.
Spillage or dust blockage
If there is one thing you never want any of your electronics to suffer, it has to be this. Accidental liquid spillage may have damaged your keyboard keys which can still persist even after drying it off completely. Also, make sure to keep your connecting ports and keyboard itself free from dust and dirt to save it from malfunctioning.
Battery issues
Well yeah, things can be as simple as this too. A low battery in some devices can also tamper with the pairing procedures; hence you may not be able to connect your USB keyboard even when everything’s going fine.
How to Fix the USB Keyboard Problem on Windows
Resolving faulty tech issues (including a USB keyboard that won’t help) is not too simple, but it is our job to simplify (and fix it asap)! Well, we obviously won’t advise you to recheck your connections or try to press keys again and again!
Okay! We have blabbered much, and we know you probably are more interested in fixing the issue quickly. No worries! We have eased out the drill for you so that you don’t need to spend endless hours troubleshooting the problem or look up forums on Google.
We advise you to start from the top and keep progressing to other steps till you find a proper fix (which hopefully you will). Here are the top ways to cure your USB keyboard woes in no time!
Troubleshoot!
The first thing to do is check your battery levels, connections, and everything else, which is pretty fundamental. When of course, your keyboard shows no sign of improvement, try troubleshooting the USB driver on your computer.
Run the ‘Find and fix keyboard problems‘ to look for any detected issues. If the solution is found and can be run by the administrator, then everything is well and good. If not, proceed further.
Cleaning the USB keyboard
We cannot emphasize more here. A dirty keyboard might be the only reason why your system is not picking up the commands easily. Simply tilt your board and shake off any dry dust. Then, use some hardware cleaning solution with a soft, microfibre cloth to wipe off any stains or stuck dust and grime.
You may need to clean it more deeply in case of liquid spills and have dried off beneath the keys. Also, make sure to clean the USB connector and the system port before you reconnect your USB keyboard again.
Windows Filter Keys
The filter keys feature initially created for a better ease of use around your computers seems to act a bit more glitchy than good. If your system is up to date and the feature still bugs your keyboard, we need to turn it off. Open the Control Panel and run towards the Ease of Access tab.
Click on it and find ‘Change how your keyboard works. Select the option and under the settings, go check off the ‘Turn on Filter Keys‘ box. Select ‘Apply,’ and then ‘OK.’ Check your keyboard, and you might be good to go.
Re-check the regional keyboard settings
When your external keyboard works almost completely fine but has a few keys swapped with their result, blame it all on Windows. You may go for an asterisk, but it may appear as a simple hash. We need to reconfigure the regional settings to fix the problem by simply modifying the settings.
Open Settings on your Windows 10. Go to the ‘Region and Language‘ option under the ‘Time and Language‘ tab. Add a new language and install it fully or modify the existing ones according to the required settings from the default presets, and you may have just made your keyboard fully functional.
Device drivers
Ah! The main problem if the steps mentioned above did not help you recover your USB keyboard completely. Go to settings and lookup for device drivers and services using the search option. There will be only a few USB drivers available under the list of drivers who cater to external devices. Updating the keyboard driver will cure your problem within seconds.
If you find one, just right-click on the respective title and click on Update driver. When done installing, check your keyboard. If it still does not work, consider uninstalling and reinstalling it again. A simple rollbacking of the driver may help here. If the problem still persists, you may need to download a new supported version of the USB driver soon.
Switch off Fast Startup
Every time you switch on your system after a shutdown, a fast startup is the recommended option by Windows to save battery life and get things ready quickly. However, this process seems to have a harmful impact on all kinds of external connectors. To control this, go to the settings.
Find the ‘Hardware and Sound’ heading and then click on the ‘Power Options’ menu. Next, click on ‘Choose what the power buttons do’ from the left side pane. Finally, go for the ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable to lead to the shutdown settings, eventually. Turn off Fast Startup by checking off the box and end the process by restarting your computer again.
BIOS settings
Sometimes, your keyboard might have been blocked off in your BIOS settings in the new recent Windows interface. This is a significant issue in the Windows 11 rollout. It is pretty simple to check the status of your keyboard, enabling using a few simple steps.
Go to Settings. Select the ‘Recovery‘ option from the ‘System‘ category via the left side pane. Come down to the ‘Advanced Startup‘ section and click on the ‘Restart‘ button. Upon the new restart, choose to Troubleshoot for Advanced options to go to the UEFI Firmware Settings. Finally, click on restart again.
After restarting for the second time, your system will be in BIOS mode now. Check for keyboard settings. Enable them if found disabled, and your problem will be sorted.
Windows Update
As simple as it may sound, a simple uninstallation and reinstallation of the recent Windows update on your system can actually help you. You may have noticed everything working usually, and then one fine day, things may go a bit aberrated, and the only thing that happened was an update.
Windows updates can be glitchy, which can bring numerous bugs along with it. This simple solution can erase any new problems that might have occurred to block external drivers.
Motherboard issues
And finally, if nothing seems to get in place, it is probably a connection issue in your computer’s motherboard. It is something you cannot mend yourself. It is advisable to see a technical professional for a thorough look-up and fix if required.
Conclusion
Protecting your keyboard from all damaging external sources becomes very important; it is the one thing that you control. Other sources that give birth to a faulty USB keyboard connection can be managed simply with the steps mentioned above. However, it is an integral part of hardware maintenance to take precautionary measures while protecting your gear.
Stay updated with your drivers, and remember to keep the trash out to prevent any choking. Fixing a USB keyboard is not a difficult job, but it becomes tiring every time a stupid faulty keyboard hampers your productivity. We hope our tips helped you fix the thing!