Keyboard Not Working in Windows 11? Step by Step Troubleshooting Guide

How To Fix Keyboard Not Working in Windows 11

Technology can be a blessing until the moment it decides not to cooperate. Few things feel as frustrating as sitting down to work, type an email, or log into your PC, only to discover that your keyboard has stopped responding. If you’re running Windows 11, this problem may not be as rare as you’d hope. Many users have reported issues ranging from certain keys refusing to work, to the entire keyboard failing after a system update.

The good news? In most cases, the problem isn’t permanent. With the right troubleshooting steps, you can usually get your keyboard back in action without a trip to the repair shop. This guide will walk you through everything from quick checks to more advanced solutions so you’ll know exactly what to do when your keyboard stops working in Windows 11.

Why Your Keyboard Might Stop Working

Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand why this problem happens in the first place. Imagine your computer as a busy office, the operating system is the manager, the drivers are translators, and the hardware (your keyboard) is one of the staff. If the translator miscommunicates, the manager gives the wrong orders, or the staff member goes on strike, productivity halts. Similarly, your keyboard can stop working because of:

Driver Issues : Outdated, missing, or corrupted drivers are the most common culprits.
Software Conflicts : Updates or third party apps can interfere with normal function.
Accessibility Settings : Features like Filter Keys or Sticky Keys may disrupt typing.
Hardware Problems : Loose cables, broken keys, or a faulty USB port.
Firmware and OS Updates : Occasionally, a Windows 11 patch may unintentionally break compatibility.

Knowing the “why” makes the “how” of fixing things much less intimidating.

How To Fix Keyboard Not Working in Windows 11

Step 1: The Obvious But Often Overlooked, Check Your Hardware

Before rushing into complex fixes, pause for a moment. Many times, the issue isn’t with Windows 11 at all. It’s simply a physical connection problem.

Check the cable, if you’re using a wired keyboard, make sure it’s firmly plugged into the USB port. Try disconnecting and reconnecting it.
Test different ports, sometimes a port goes bad. Plug your keyboard into another USB port.
Try another device, connect your keyboard to another computer, or test a different keyboard on your PC. This helps you quickly determine whether the keyboard itself is faulty.
For wireless keyboards, replace the batteries, ensure Bluetooth is turned on, or re-sync the device with your PC.

It sounds simple, but more often than not, users skip this step only to discover later that the problem was hardware all along.

Step 2: Restart Your PC

There’s a reason IT professionals love the phrase, “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” A restart clears temporary glitches, reinitializes drivers, and often restores keyboard functionality.

Click the Start Menu > Power > Restart.
If your keyboard isn’t working at all, use your mouse to navigate.
In extreme cases where even the mouse doesn’t respond, hold down the power button to force a shutdown.

You’d be surprised how often a simple restart resolves the issue.

Step 3: Enable the On Screen Keyboard

If your keyboard is completely unresponsive and you need to log in or type commands to troubleshoot, the On Screen Keyboard can save the day.

Press Windows + U (if working) or use the mouse to go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
Toggle on On-Screen Keyboard.

This virtual keyboard lets you keep working while you diagnose the real problem. Think of it as using crutches while your leg heals functional, though not ideal.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Drivers are the bridge between your hardware and Windows. If they’re outdated or corrupted, your keyboard won’t work correctly.

Right click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
Expand the Keyboards section.
Right click your keyboard device and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.

If updating doesn’t help: Select Uninstall device, restart your PC, and let Windows reinstall the driver automatically.

This step often resolves issues caused by buggy or outdated software controlling the keyboard.

Step 5: Turn Off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys

Windows 11 includes accessibility features designed to help users with different needs. However, if turned on accidentally, they can interfere with typing.

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
Check if Filter Keys or Sticky Keys are enabled.
Toggle them off.

For example, Filter Keys can ignore repeated keystrokes, which makes it feel like your keyboard isn’t responding.

Step 6: Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows 11 comes with built in troubleshooters designed to fix common hardware and software issues.

Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Find Keyboard and click Run.

The troubleshooter automatically detects and attempts to fix problems, such as driver misconfigurations or accessibility conflicts.

Step 7: Roll Back or Uninstall Recent Updates

Sometimes, the issue begins after a recent Windows update. Microsoft is known to release patches that unintentionally break certain drivers or peripherals.

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
If the problem started after a particular update, select Uninstall updates.

Rolling back can help until Microsoft releases a fix.

Step 8: Check for Malware or Security Software Conflicts

Though rare, certain malware or overly aggressive antivirus software can interfere with input devices.

Run a full system scan with Windows Security or a trusted third party antivirus.
Temporarily disable third party antivirus software to see if the keyboard starts working.

This step ensures nothing sinister is lurking behind the scenes.

Step 9: Update BIOS or Firmware

If none of the above works, the issue might lie deeper. Some keyboards require specific BIOS or firmware updates to function properly with Windows 11.

Visit your PC manufacturer’s website.
Download the latest BIOS or firmware update.
Follow the official instructions carefully (updating BIOS incorrectly can cause problems).

While advanced, this step sometimes resolves compatibility issues that basic fixes can’t.

Step 10: Reset Windows 11 (As a Last Resort)

If all else fails, you may need to reset Windows. This is the equivalent of giving your PC a fresh start.

Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
Choose Reset this PC.
Select whether to keep your files or remove everything.

This should only be done after trying all other steps, as it reinstalls the operating system.

Preventing Future Keyboard Issues

Fixing the problem is one thing; preventing it from happening again is another. Here are a few preventive tips:

Keep drivers updated - Regularly check Device Manager or use Windows Update.
Use quality peripherals - Cheaper keyboards may lack proper support for Windows 11.
Avoid abrupt shutdowns - Force restarts can sometimes corrupt driver files.
Create restore points - A safety net before major updates.
Pay attention to updates - Delay installing updates until you’re sure they’re stable.

A Personal Observation

I’ve had this issue myself once my keyboard suddenly stopped working right after a Windows 11 update. At first, I assumed the keyboard had died, and I almost ordered a replacement online. But after some digging, I realized it was just a driver issue. A quick uninstall and reinstall of the keyboard driver brought it back to life.

That experience taught me something important: don’t panic right away. Technology, much like people, sometimes just needs a reset or a nudge in the right direction.

Conclusion

When your keyboard stops working in Windows 11, it feels like your entire PC has turned against you. But in reality, most of these issues are caused by minor glitches driver hiccups, accessibility settings, or faulty ports. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can methodically rule out causes and get your keyboard working again without unnecessary stress.

Remember, always start with the simplest solutions, check hardware connections, restart your PC, and use the on screen keyboard as a backup. From there, move into driver updates, settings adjustments, and troubleshooting tools. Only resort to advanced fixes like BIOS updates or OS resets when nothing else works.

In the end, treating your computer like a misbehaving coworker often helps be patient, check the communication channels, and make sure everyone’s speaking the same language. With the right approach, your keyboard will be back at your fingertips in no time.