Dell Laptop Keypad Not Working – Full Repair Guide

If you are using a Dell laptop and its keyboard suddenly stops working, it can be inconvenient for your schooling or work life. There could be many reasons this might happen, ranging from hardware to software issues. Knowing the cause of the issue is essential to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

If your keyboard is connected to a desktop computer, ensure the cable connecting it to the PC is plugged in firmly at both ends. Other potential causes include incorrect settings, outdated or missing drivers, or worn-out batteries using a wireless keyboard. Damage from spills and dust can also render a keyboard unusable.

Another possible cause for malfunctioning keyboards is software issues, which can be related to the operating system or other applications. Hardware problems such as worn-out keypads or broken components can cause issues with your keyboard not responding.

In this article, we will discuss some common causes of a Dell laptop keyboard not working and the steps you can take to resolve it. With a little time and effort, you should be able to get your laptop back in working order.

How to Fix Dell Laptop Keyboard Not Typing

Use on Screen Keyboard as a Replacement Keyboard

If you are using an external keyboard, i.e., a Dell laptop or a wireless keyboard, and it is not working (either the entire keyboard not working or specific filter keys), then you need a keyboard replacement.

Otherwise, the easiest way to resolve the Dell keyboard error is to use the on-screen keyboard and possibly choose to uninstall device tools on your PC. Here are the steps to launch and use the on-screen keyboard via Windows settings. 

Step 1: Launch settings from the main menu. Type settings in the Windows search box in the taskbar and double-click the option to launch.

Step 2: In the settings window, select the option ease of access.

Step 3: In the next window, click on interaction, then select the keyboards option. 

Step 4: Toggle the button on to use the onscreen keyboard. The on-screen keyboard will be functional.

Disable Fast Startup on Windows

As the name implies, the fast startup option helps run a quick Windows reboot. This causes the error if you are typing with the external Dell keyboard upside. It can interfere with keyboard input by delaying the keyboard drivers from coordinating with the device’s operating system. Disabling the fast startup may help to resolve keyboard-linked issues. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the control panel from the main menu’s search bar. Type the control panel in the taskbar’s search and double-click the option to launch the utility.  

Step 2: Select the hardware and sound option in the control panel window and choose power. 

Step 3: In the power window, click and press the link Choose what the power buttons do to start changing tasks via the buttons pressed.

Step 4: In the next window, select the link Change Settings that are currently unavailable. 

Step 6: Uncheck the box of turn on fast startup. Select save changes to complete the action. Ensure you do not close your page before saving your new changes.

Uninstall All the Drivers for the Keyboard

Keyboard drivers are specialized software programs that allow a computer to read and interpret keystrokes on a keyboard. They communicate with a computer’s operating system, allowing it to recognize when keys have been pressed and provide input into other applications. Drivers can also be used to customize how your keyboard functions, allowing you to set up custom shortcuts or assign specific tasks for various keys.

Updating keyboard drivers can resolve the Dell keyboard not working issue, yet in some cases, uninstalling and reinstalling drivers can serve the purpose. If you uninstall the driver manually, the operating system will automatically install the compatible drivers for your device. Here are the steps to fix the laptop keyboard not working error for the Dell devices.

Step 1: Launch the device manager from the main menu of your device. Type device manager in the taskbar’s search and double-click the option in the list to launch the menu.

Step 2: In the next window, select the option of keyboards and expand it.

Step 3: Now move to the option of Dell keyboard and right-click the option to select uninstall.  

Step 4: Click yes in UAC to complete the action, and ensure that the page finishes loading before closing the UAC.

Check Keypad Layout Settings

Keyboard settings allow users to customize the way their keyboard works. They can adjust various properties, such as the repeat rate, the speed of keystrokes, and even remap keys to make typing easier. Many keyboards now have extra features such as backlighting or a macro recording system to increase productivity.

If you cannot use your Dell keyboard on the device, the keyboard layout may not work. Changing or selecting a different layout may fix the error if your keyboard constantly presents an error and you are typing different keys. Here are the steps for how to change the keyboard layout. 

Step 1: Launch settings from the main menu. Double-click the gear icon to launch Windows settings.

Step 2: In the settings menu, select the option of time and language followed by clicking on a computer’s region.

Step 3: In the list of languages and regions, select the preferred languages option and English as language from the language options. Then check if you have correctly installed the appropriate keyboard’s native language layout. 

Check for Potential Malware and Viruses

Malware and viruses can threaten your computer’s security, files, and even the keyboard—malicious soft systems access your keyboard through various methods, including exploiting weaknesses in operating systems or applications. Once the malware has gained access to the keyboard, it can record what is being typed, manipulate keystrokes, block certain keystrokes from registering, and even make certain keys non-functional.

In addition to these issues with typing accuracy and speed, malicious software can also cause damage to your system’s hardware. In this context, scan your device for any virus from in-build windows defender options and run an appropriate antivirus to clean the device. Here are the steps to follow for scanning via windows defender. 

Step 1: Launch settings from the gear icon main menu, and select the option of Windows security. 

Step 2: Click virus and threat protection in the Windows security option. 

Step 3: In the virus and threat protection Window, click the option of a quick scan. Wait for the scan to complete. 

Check for Hardware Issues

Laptop keyboards may not work due to hardware issues. To confirm the root cause, check if the keyboard works in pre-boot mode. If the keyboard is fine just before Windows start, it is the software or driver-linked error, but if it works properly, you need to check the hardware. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch settings from the main menu. In the settings window, type recovery in the search bar and then select the option of recovery options. 

Step 2: In recovery, select advanced startup and restart now. 

Step 3: Reboot the device, select troubleshoot, and select advanced options. 

Step 4: Look for the command prompt in advanced options and launch it to test the keyboard. If the keyboard works fine, the hardware needs repair. 

Update Windows

Updates for Windows can help with a non-functioning keyboard on a Dell laptop. These updates are important because they address any issues reported in the past and may include fixes for specific hardware.

Microsoft regularly releases software updates to ensure its products work as intended and protect users from security threats. By keeping your system up to date, you can prevent future problems from arising with the keyboard or other components of your Dell laptop.

Step 1: Launch settings from the taskbar’s search. Type settings and double-click the option to launch the menu.

Step 2: In the settings menu, select the option of update and security. 

Step 2: In the update and security window, select the option of Windows update. And check for updates. Select update to resolve the error. 

Regularly Check Your Operating System

Regularly checking your operating system for updates and viruses ensures your keypad works properly. Updating your operating system ensures you have the latest security patches and bug fixes, which can help reduce the chances of malicious software infecting your computer.

Viruses and malware can cause corruption issues with your keypad, including slowing it down, freezing it, or not allowing it to work. By running regular scans for threats, you can prevent these issues from happening in the first place. Some updates may include improvements that help make sure your keypad runs efficiently and effectively.

Taking a few minutes each week to check for updates and run virus scans can save headaches and time in the long run. Backing up important data regularly is another great way to keep your keypad working correctly. You can ensure your keypad will always be reliable and properly functioning with the proper preventative measures.

Dust and dirt are also common causes of USB port malfunction. When dust and other debris enter the port, it can become clogged, preventing the connection from being properly established between your keyboard and computer. This will result in erratic behavior, such as missed keystrokes or random disconnects.

To prevent this from happening, you should routinely inspect and clean your USB ports to remove any accumulated dust or dirt. By keeping them free from obstructions, you can ensure that your keyboard maintains a steady connection with your machine for optimal performance.

Full Repair Guide for Dell Laptop Keypad Not Working

In this comprehensive repair guide, we have provided you with a step-by-step approach to troubleshooting and fixing the keypad issues on your Dell laptop. From checking for physical damage to updating drivers and adjusting settings, we have covered all the necessary steps to get your keypad working again.

Whether you’re experiencing unresponsive keys, sticky keys, or no response at all, our guide offers practical solutions to address these issues. By following our instructions and applying the troubleshooting techniques, you can restore the functionality of your Dell laptop keypad and continue with your work or leisure activities without any interruptions.

Don’t let keypad problems hold you back—empower yourself with the knowledge to resolve these issues and enjoy smooth typing on your Dell laptop once again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dell Laptop Keypads Not Working