Letters on my keyboard no longer work, what should I do?

Is your desktop or laptop keyboard no longer working properly? One or more letters no longer respond to your orders? This problem is more common than it seems. Could be caused by a software or hardware malfunction, the failure may be more or less easy to resolve. So, find out in this article what to do when the letters on your keyboard no longer work.

First, discover the first checks and manipulations allowing you to find the origin of the problem. Then learn what to do when your keyboard no longer works correctly due to a software problem. Then when the malfunction comes from a material defect.

Why is your keyboard no longer working properly?

First of all, check if your desktop or laptop keyboard is still under warranty. If that is the case, call for assistance from the manufacturer or the dealer for free repair. 

First checks and manipulations

• Try to press the Windows key + space bar simultaneously. Sometimes this is enough to revive the letters on your keyboard.
• If you are using a desktop keyboard, try unplugging and then plugging in your non-working keyboard.
• Si the letters on your keyboard do not work but the numeric characters work and you just made a windows update, try plugging a different USB keyboard into your computer. If it works, the problem is most likely with the Windows Update. Then try to do a system restore to an earlier date. If the problem does not resolve, contact Microsoft support.
• Si you are blocked to enter your session, and the letters don't work, it's probably because you need enter the confidential code (or PIN code) from your computer and not the login password. If you do not know the Windows PIN code, try typing your session password without the letters, and therefore simply with the numeric characters. If that does not work, then try to return to entering the password by clicking on "Connection options" under the entry field. If nothing helps, then click on "I forgot my confidential code" and follow the procedure. If none of the solutions work, contact Microsoft support.

Please note: In the meantime, you can use your computer's on-screen keyboard which you can bring up through Cortana. or in the Windows search bar by typing "visual keyboard". 

Software or hardware problem?

For check if the problem is software or hardware, connect aanother keyboard a fixed tower in USB on your PC. If the problem persists, then the problem is with the software and not with a hardware failure. As you can see, if the problem stops, the problem comes from a hardware problem on your keyboard. Then proceed to the checks and operations corresponding to the origin of the malfunction.

The letters on my keyboard don't work anymore: software problems

Unlock your computer letters

When letters on your keyboard no longer work, but that the rest of the keys work correctly or that numbers are displayed instead of letters, it is most likely that you have locked alphabetic keypad. In this case, you will need to unlock it. To do this, you will need to press Fn + function key with a padlock or keypad icon. The function key (F1 to F12) varies depending on the make and model of your PC.

Note: Not all PC models have this function. If your PC keyboard does not have an unlock icon (padlock), this option is not available.    

Restart the computer

If some letters or all the alphabetic keys on your keyboard no longer work, you may have software bug either at the origin of the problem. In this case, try restarting your computer first. If the malfunction persists, then try to restart the PC electrically. To explain it simply, this method makes it possible to completely empty the device of its electricity. Thus, bugs and information related to errors stored in the memory of the computer or keyboard will be eliminated. For this, the procedure is very simple:

1. Shut down your computer
2. Unplug it from its power source
3. Wait 2 minutes
4. Reconnect your laptop

Read also: My keyboard no longer lights up, what should I do?

Check the keyboard driver

When one or more letters on your keyboard no longer respond, it could also be that the bug comes from the keyboard driver. Its version may be out of date. Then try to update your keyboard driver by doing the following:

1. In Start, find and then click Control panel
2. Go to the section System and security
3. Select System and Gestionnaire de périphériques
4. Click on the small arrow in front of Keyboard
5. Update the numeric keypad (s) by clicking on Update the driver

Then try restarting your computer and see if your keys work again. If that did not work, repeat the procedure but this time uninstall your keyboard. To do this, in step 5, select " uninstall". This manipulation temporarily deactivates your keyboard. Once the computer is restarted, the keyboard drivers will be downloaded again and the keyboard will be functional again.

Hardware problem on a keyboard that no longer works

If the software solutions did not work, then the letters on your keyboard probably no longer work due to a hardware malfunction. Proceed to the following manipulations to attempt to self-diagnose the problem and resolve it effectively.

Remove dirt from the keyboard

Si a letter or two letters on your keyboard no longer work, and you feel a small blockage or hear a strange noise such as a squeaking, dust, debris, or food may have become encrusted under the key in question.

In fact, over time, without our noticing it, the dirt becomes embedded in the slots of the keys of the computer and accumulates to create a false contact between the transmitter and the connector. The information no longer passes, and then the letter on your keyboard no longer works. This problem can eventually resolve itself when the dirt breaks down. However, to make sure and avoid waiting, it is best to clean the faulty key (s) on your keyboard.

Clean the letters on the keyboard with compressed air

First, try to clean the letter (s) that no longer work with a compressed air bomb. The main advantage here is that you won't need to disassemble the key. Use a special air bomb for electronics.

Caution: Always remember to turn off your computer and unplug it from its power source before performing any hardware manipulation. 

To clean a stationary computer keyboard, all you need to do is place the bomb 2 cm from the key and tilt it slightly. When it comes to cleaning the letter on a laptop keyboard, you will need to tilt the keyboard at an angle of about 80 °.

Clean the keyboard by removing the key

To clean up a broken keyboard letter more effectively, it is best toremove the key by detaching it from its fixation so clean the underside. Of course, this procedure only works if you have a keyboard that has keys that come off. We advise you to look at the instructions for use of your computer in your manual or on the internet, under the "maintenance" section before carrying out any manipulation.

You will need to be particularly delicate to avoid breaking the key and / or the mechanical support. We do not recommend using any object such as a screwdriver or knife as they may break it. For detach the defective key, here is the procedure we recommend:

1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from its power source
2. Press one of the bottom corners of the faulty key with one of your fingers
3. With another finger, lift the opposite top corner of the key to detach it
4. Pull until the button clicks out

If you find that the underside of the key is dirty, turn the laptop or keyboard over and shake it. Then clean it very gently with a microfiber cloth or, at best, a cotton swab moistened with a little isopropyl alcohol. Be careful, the cotton must be damp and not soaked. Pay particular attention to the key hinges. Do not leave isopropyl alcohol on for too long. Then wipe the underside of the keys with a dry cotton swab. Wait 2 hours for the alcohol to dry. Reassemble your key (s) then test if the procedure worked.

Note: If you are worried about breaking your key, you can hire a professional to clean it. For a few euros, you are guaranteed to have an impeccable disassembly and cleaning. 

Component failure on your keyboard

If the letters on your keyboard no longer work even after having tested all of these operations, it is very likely that the failure comes from a defective component.

It will certainly be the cable connecting the keyboard to the motherboard which is faulty or which has become unplugged if all or many keys on your keyboard no longer respond. In this case, it will be necessary to change or reconnect the tablecloth. If one or two keys on your keyboard no longer work, it will probably be the mechanical support that is broken, damaged, oxidized or faulty. In this case, it will have to be replaced by a new key (key + fixing). Finally, a bad contact a slight movement of the keyboard can also be the cause of the problem. In this case, the keyboard will have to be repositioned.

If you have a hardware failure, we advise you to go to a professional repairman. He will be able to carry out a more in-depth diagnosis and make a targeted repair. Do not hesitate to ask for a quote, but in principle the breakdown of a computer keyboard will not cost you very much. On the other hand, if you have a stationary computer, it can sometimes be more advantageous to buy a new keyboard depending on the age and quality of the keyboard.