How to Unlock a Keyboard That's Locked

Summary

Unlock a Keyboard That’s Locked.. What happens if the keyboard on your laptop or computer freezes up? There are various methods to get it operating again, and there are several possible causes. This guide explains how to unlock a malfunctioning keyboard.

not: While some of the repairs may be applicable to any problematic keyboard, this article concentrates on the reasons and solutions for Windows-based PCs.

What Causes a Keyboard to Lock Up?

Your keyboard may lock or freeze for a variety of reasons. Your keyboard may not be properly connected to your computer, or you may have accidentally hit a key combination that causes it to behave a bit differently. A locked keyboard isn’t very helpful, no matter what the problem is, therefore you need to unlock it as soon as possible.

How to Unlock a Keyboard That’s Locked

These troubleshooting procedures should work for a locked or frozen keyboard; the way you take will depend on what’s causing the issue. The simpler and more beneficial answers are presented first in this particular order of listing. Thus, go step by step until you discover the answer that allows you to use your keyboard once again.

Give your machine a restart. It seems like a straightforward solution, and it is! A computer’s restart may solve a variety of problems. Rebooting your computer may, at the very least, end the software that’s causing your keyboard to lock up and free your keyboard from its deadly hold.

If your computer is stuck and not the keyboard alone is the issue, restarting could also solve the problem. If so, there’s probably nothing wrong with the keyboard itself.

Verify the connection of your keyboard. Make sure the connector is firmly inserted into the USB port and that the part that connects to the keyboard is intact if you’re using a wired keyboard. Reconnecting the keyboard after fully disconnecting it is the best method for doing this.

The USB dongle has to be firmly inserted in the USB port if you’re using a wireless keyboard. For a clean, new start, try entirely detaching it and then reconnecting the keyboard to the computer.

Make sure your keyboard is clean. Keys that get stuck or stop working might be the consequence of a filthy keyboard, and a stuck key could be stopping other keys from working.

In the event that your wireless keyboard needs batteries, change them. Even if you have just replaced the batteries in your keyboard, consider replacing them with a new pair since even brand-new batteries might fail.

Another possibility is that the USB dongle, which the keyboard is connected to, is loose or not firmly inserted into the USB port. Reconnect it after unplugging it.

Disable the filter keys. This function reduces the speed at which keys repeat on the keyboard and allows you to ignore them. Your keyboard may not be functioning if you have inadvertently activated Filter Keys.

Holding down the right Shift key will cause a beep and cause a message to appear on the screen, indicating that the Filter Keys are on or off.

Look for any physical damage on your keyboard. A computer keyboard may malfunction mechanically due to frayed wires, damaged keys, or housing fractures. Should this be the problem, a full keyboard replacement will be necessary.

Try using a different computer and your keyboard. Connect your external keyboard to a different computer if you’re using one. To determine if the problem is with the keyboard or the computer, you may even install a wireless keyboard on a different PC.

Should the keyboard function properly on the second computer, the issue is with the device itself. If your computer isn’t recognizing your keyboard, try opening Device Manager, particularly if it’s a USB-connected keyboard.

Tib: The reason it’s locked might be because a laptop keyboard can be disabled via Device Manager. Check out how that works by clicking on that link; turning back the keyboard is as simple as turning it off.

Reinstall or update the device drivers. Whether your keyboard is wired or wireless, problems connecting it to your computer might be caused by a device driver that is faulty or outdated.

Try a full uninstall and reinstallation of the driver if that doesn’t work. Downloading drivers from the manufacturer’s website could be necessary.

When to Get a New Keyboard

It could be time to acquire a new keyboard if none of these troubleshooting techniques resolve the issue. There are several options available, such as ergonomic keyboards, wireless keyboards, and keyboards made specifically for gaming. A locked and unlockable keyboard presents an excellent chance to replace it with a better one.

What is the process for repairing broken keyboard keys?

Before attempting to repair a mechanical keyboard key that isn’t functioning or responding, disconnect the keyboard or take out the batteries. Change the cord and give the keyboard a good cleaning. Hold the keyboard upside down, pry the keycap off the non-responsive switch, then use bottled air to blow out the switch. On the key switch, contact cleaner is another option.

How can I clean sticky keyboard keys?

Turn off the computer and disconnect the keyboard if the keys are stuck. Using a key puller, carefully remove the sticky keys. Then, wipe the keys and plungers by soaking a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol. Before connecting it back in, replace the cleaned keys and make sure everything is completely dry.

When I type a character on my keyboard, how can I correct it?

To address the issue of typing incorrect characters on your keyboard, try turning off Num Lock. If not, it’s possible that you unintentionally modified your keyboard layout. To check, click the language button on the taskbar. To test whether using the Windows keyboard troubleshooter resolves the issue, you may also try it.