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Laptop keyboards are a little more delicate than keyboards used in desktop computers. Hence they face more problems. Normally, they are replaced when they render defective. However, most of these keyboard issues can be taken care of or even prevented by regular cleaning. Common issues like, keys not working on your keyboard, having to press keys firmly to get the output or any keyboard typing issues, can easily be handled at home.

Problem #1 – My Laptop’s Keyboard Keys are Not Working

Sometimes you may find certain keys of your laptop’s keyboard to not be working properly. You type those keys but there is no output on the screen or you need to press these keys firmly to get a result. You face this problem if you accidentally spill any liquid substance on your keyboard, or due to dust accumulating on the inside of the keys, pressing certain keys really hard while playing games or even due to absence of lubrication. Therefore you are supposed to maintain your laptop’s keyboard by cleaning and lubricating it regularly.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. To start with, take out each key. Use a small screwdriver to carefully pry each key by making it loose. As they become loose, keys will simply pop off. Also, take out the rubber piece present under every key. Keep the keys and rubber pieces in different containers.
2. Once you have removed all keys from the keyboard, you will have to clean the keyboard from the inside. Use cotton swabs or ear bubs and slightly dip them in water. Avoid getting them too moist, as excess water can damage the keyboard. Meticulously clean the whole keyboard using moist cotton swabs, laying extra emphasis on key spaces.
3. Now, start cleaning keys you had earlier removed and kept in the container. Use foam rubber and lighter fluid to clean each key alone. This will help in removing any sticky substance present on keys. Apply any household cleaner on these keys and let them stay for about 15 minutes. After this, wash all the keys properly using hot water and let the keys dry completely.
4. The small rubber pieces which you took out earlier and kept in the container have to be thoroughly rinsed in warm water, after you have sprayed a household cleaner on them. Soak these rubber pieces up in paper napkins so that they dry quickly.
5. To lubricate the keys, place all keys (facing top-down) on a flat surface. Apply mild lubricant from all sides, on all keys and leave them to dry. Avoid applying too much lubricant instead go for a light coat.
6. Similar to the manner in which you lubricated the keys, apply mild lubricant on the keyboard surface and let it dry.
7. Once you have cleaned and lubricated all the parts, carefully reassemble the keyboard. Begin with placing all rubber components on the keyboard. Next, fix all keys in their respective positions cautiously securing the wire in these keys. Use your finger and press down all keys, one at a time, firmly so that they fit properly in the slots. That is it.

The complete process will take you a maximum of 2 hours. Cleaning and lubricating the keyboard in the above prescribed manner once a year, can prevent many such situations.

Problem#2 – My Laptop’s Keyboard Types Wrong Characters

When your keyboard types wrong characters, it is because of a software problem and not a hardware one. If you accidentally press specific keys on your keyboard, it can activate a particular function responsible for the problem.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Select the control panel option
2. Click on → ‘Regional and Language Services’ → ‘Languages’ → ‘Details’ → ‘Key Settings’
3. Choose the option ‘Switch Between Input Languages’ and click on ‘Change Key Sequence’
4. Make sure that all the check boxes in the window are unchecked and repeat the same for ‘Switch to….. (Keyboard Type)’
5. Click →’Ok’ → ‘Ok’ → ‘Apply’ → ‘Ok’.

This is another problem due to some software issue. It is possible you may have enabled a digital lock unknowingly.

Troubleshooting Steps

Pressing the ‘Function’ key along with the ‘Num lock’ key (Fn + Numlock) or press the ‘Function’ Key along with the ‘Shift’ and ‘Num Lock’ key (Fn +Shift + NumLock). This will disable the lock and consequently solve your problem.

This was all about solving your laptop keyboard problems that you can try out yourself. After trying all the above given options, if you still find the keyboard still not working, you will have to take your laptop to a service center to get it repaired.