What happens when your computer or laptop keyboard locks up? It could be caused by a few different things, and there are several ways to get it working again. Here's how to unlock a keyboard that's acting up.
This article focuses on causes and solutions for Windows-based PCs although some of the fixes could apply to any trouble-making keyboard.
Any number of problems can cause your keyboard to lock or freeze up. You may have inadvertently pressed a key combination that causes your keyboard to hibernate [this is especially true on a laptop], of your keyboard, may not be properly connected to your system. If using a wireless keyboard, it's possible that there's a connection problem. Regardless of the issue, a keyboard that's locked isn't very useful, so you need to get it going again as quickly as possible.
The method you'll use to fix your keyboard if it's locked or frozen will depend on the cause of the problem, but these troubleshooting steps should work. These solutions are listed from the easiest and most likely to work to harder, but could possibly work. So, try each step in order until you find the solution that gets your keyboard active again.
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Restart your computer. It seems like a simple fix, but for some reason, restarting a computer can clear up all kinds of issues. At the very least, if your keyboard is locked up because of some issue with a program or application you're using, restarting the computer can close out that program and release your keyboard from its death grip.
Restarting may also fix the problem if what's actually going on is that your computer is frozen, and not just the keyboard. If that's the case, the issue is probably not with the keyboard at all.
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Turn off Filter Keys. Filter Keys is a feature in Windows that lets you ignore repeated keys or slows down the keyboard repeat rate. You enable or disable it by depressing the right Shift key for 8 seconds. You should hear a beep and a brief message will flash on the screen.
If you've accidentally enabled Filter Keys, it could be the cause of your keyboard not working. Try disabling to get functionality back.
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Try your keyboard with a different computer. If you're using an external keyboard, try connecting it to another computer. You can even install a wireless keyboard on another computer to see if the issue is with the keyboard or the computer.
If the keyboard works with the other computer, then the problem you're facing is with the machine and you may need to open the Device Manager to see if your keyboard is being recognized by your computer, especially if it seems a USB-connected keyboard isn't being recognized.
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If using a wireless keyboard, replace the batteries. Even brand new batteries can fail, so even if you've recently changed the batteries in your wireless keyboard, try replacing them with fresh batteries.
It's also possible that the USB dongle that the keyboard connects through could be loose or not well seated in the USB port. Try unplugging it and then reconnecting it.
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Clean your keyboard. A dirty keyboard may result in keys that don't work or get stuck, and a key that is stuck in the depressed position could be preventing any other keys from responding.
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Check your keyboard for physical damage. Frayed cords, broken keys, and cracks in the housing could cause a computer keyboard to experience mechanical failure. If this is the issue, you'll need to replace the keyboard completely.
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Check your keyboard connection. If you're using a wired keyboard, make sure the plug is properly seated in the USB port and that the end connecting to the keyboard is intact and undamaged. The best way to do this is to completely disconnect the keyboard and then reconnect it.
If you're using a wireless keyboard, the USB dongle that the keyboard connects through should also be properly seated in the USB port. Try completely disconnecting it and then re-pairing the keyboard to the computer to get a clean, fresh start.
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Update or reinstall the device drivers. A corrupted or out-of-date device driver could cause connection issues between your keyboard and your computer whether it's wired or wireless. Try updating the device driver.
If that doesn't work, then you can completely uninstall and reinstall the device driver. You may need to download drivers from the manufacturers' website.
If none of these troubleshooting steps get your keyboard working again, then it might be time to replace your keyboard. There are plenty of wireless keyboards, ergonomic keyboards, and keyboards that are designed for specific purposes, like wireless gaming keyboards, to choose from. So, maybe a keyboard that's locked and can't be unlocked is a good opportunity to upgrade to something better.
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So, you open your laptop to start some work, only to realize that your keyboard is not typing. Though your first thought may be a hardware issue, there’s a good chance you just accidentally turned the keyboard lock on. Today, we’re going to show you how to perform a keyboard unlock so you can get back to it.
If the keyboard is frozen in Windows 10, it can be due to a hardware or software activation. Though Windows 10 doesn’t technically have a lock keyboard toggle, it does allow you to change how long you need to hold a key down to get a response.
To verify this, you can open a blank document and hold down a key for 20 seconds. If it works, then you know it’s a Windows 10 issue.
Keyboard not typing on a Lenovo, Dell or HP laptop?
However, if your Lenovo, Dell, or HP laptop is locked and holding a key down doesn’t work, you’ve probably pressed the lock key on your keyboard. We’ll show you how to fix that first.
Of course, you can also use this guide to learn how to perform a keyboard lock when you’re away from your laptop. This can be quite helpful if your cats like to run across your keyboard or your children often tap away at your keys.
How to Lock or Unlock a Laptop Keyboard via Keyboard Shortcut
The exact key combination to deactivate a keyboard lock will depend on your laptop brand. If you want to unlock an HP laptop keyboard, for example, the layout may be slightly different to the Lenovo one we’re using below.
However, we’ll teach you a few tips and tricks to help you find the right combination regardless of your brand.
- Press your lock keyboard shortcut
The lock keyboard shortcut on a laptop is typically on one of the F-keys and is usually characterized by a keyboard icon. You may also have a padlock icon, but in some cases this locks the PC rather than your keyboard. You can look at your laptop’s manual if you’re unsure.
Once you’ve identified the right F-button, hold the Fn key on your keyboard and then press it. If your keyboard won’t type still, you can try the method below.
How to Lock or Unlock a Keyboard in Windows with Slow Keys
If your keyboard is still frozen it’s possible someone has enabled slow keys on your PC. This setting makes your keyboard wait for up to 20 seconds after a key is pressed before it accepts input. You may also experience a ticking noise when you press buttons.
- Open Settings
Press the “Start” button, then click the settings cog, above the power button. Alternatively, press Windows + I. - Click ‘Ease of Access’
- Turn Slow Keys/Filter Keys on or off
In the Settings sidebar, look for the “Interaction” heading and click on “Keyboard” underneath it.Look for the option that says “Use Filter Keys”. If it’s enabled, as well as “Turn on slow keys…”, it’s likely your issue. Change the toggle to off to disable it, or on if you want to disable the keyboard in Windows 10.
That should cover the most common keyboard issues, but if it’s still not working you may have a keyboard shortcut that enables a key delay or some kind of hardware issue.
If your issue is not a full keyboard lock but that your Ctrl + Shift keys aren’t working, you’ll want to follow our guide on Sticky Keys. Once everything is fixed, why not learn to make emojis, GIFs, and more using your keyboard in Windows 10?