The Problem

Keys do nothing in Windows, wrong characters appear, or only some keys fail (often after a spill or update). If the keyboard works in BIOS or Automatic Repair but not at the login screen, the issue is usually Windows settings or software—not a dead keyboard.

Laptop built-in keyboard only? Also check touchpad not working—shared internal USB hub failures affect both.

Quick Tests

On-Screen Keyboard (Sign In Without Hardware Keys)

Login screen → Accessibility (human icon) → On-screen keyboard.
Inside Windows: Win + Ctrl + O toggles the on-screen keyboard.

Different USB Port / Wireless Receiver

Desktops: rear motherboard USB, not a hub. Wireless: replace batteries, re-pair dongle in a direct port.

BIOS Check

Reboot → press F2 / Del / F10 (brand-specific). If keys work in BIOS but not Windows, continue below.

The Fix: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Filter Keys and Sticky Keys

Hold Right Shift eight seconds by accident → Filter Keys turns on and ignores quick key presses.

Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.
Turn Filter keys, Sticky keys, Toggle keys Off.
Uncheck shortcuts that enable them.

Step 2: Language and Keyboard Layout

Win + Space or Alt + Shift switches layout—US vs UK vs another language prints wrong symbols.

Settings → Time & language → Language & region.
English (United States) → ⋯ → Language options → add US QWERTY keyboard, remove extras you do not use.
Typing → Advanced keyboard settings → set Override for default input method to your real keyboard.

Step 3: Restart or Reinstall Keyboard Driver

Device Manager → Keyboards → right-click HID Keyboard Device → Uninstall device → reboot (Windows reinstalls).
Do not uninstall Standard PS/2 if that is the only entry on a laptop without a USB keyboard to fall back on.

Step 4: USB Power Saving (Wireless and USB Keyboards)

Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers → each USB Root Hub → Properties → Power Management → uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Laptops: Human Interface Devices → USB Input Device entries—same unchecked box.

Step 5: Third-Party Overlays

Uninstall or exit keyboard macros, RGB control, AutoHotkey, and gaming overlays. Test in Notepad after a clean reboot.

Step 6: System File Check

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Rare, but fixes broken input stack after a bad update—pair with bad update rollback if timing matches.

Physical and Hardware

Laptop Keys

Single key dead → keycap or scissors switch. Whole keyboard dead but touchpad works → internal ribbon cable or keyboard module. Spill → power off immediately; sticky keys after drying need replacement.

Bluetooth Keyboard

Fix Bluetooth not working → remove device, pair again.

Wrong Characters Only

Num Lock off but numpad sends numbers from alternate map—toggle Num Lock.
Fn + Lock on laptops (Asus, Lenovo) swaps function row—press Fn + Esc or Fn + Lock per manual.

Remote Desktop

Local keyboard works; RDP session wrong layout → fix layout on the remote PC, not the client.

When to Replace the Keyboard

Works on another PC, fails on yours after all steps → hardware. Works in BIOS, fails only in one Windows user → corrupt profile; new user test. Works everywhere except one app → that app's shortcuts or admin block.

How to Fix Keyboard Not Typing or Keys Not Working in Windows 11