Having some keys on your HP laptop keyboard not working can be frustrating and inconvenient. However, before you consider replacing the keyboard or seeking professional help, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to try and fix the issue yourself.
In this article, we will discuss five ways to fix an HP laptop keyboard when some keys are not working.
1. Restart your laptop
One of the simplest and most effective troubleshooting steps you can take is to restart your laptop. Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor software glitches or conflicts that may be causing the keyboard issue. To restart your HP laptop, click on the Windows Start button, select the Power option, and choose Restart.
2. Clean the keyboard
Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate under the keys and interfere with their functioning. Cleaning the keyboard can help solve keyboard issues caused by physical blockages. Start by turning off your laptop and gently shaking it to dislodge any loose debris. Next, use a can of compressed air to blow away any remaining dirt. If necessary, you can also use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to wipe the keys gently. Make sure the laptop is completely dry before turning it back on.
3. Update keyboard drivers
Outdated or incompatible keyboard drivers can cause key malfunctions. Therefore, updating your laptop's keyboard drivers is often a viable solution. To do this, right-click on the Start button, select Device Manager, and expand the Keyboards section. Right-click on your laptop's keyboard, choose Update driver, and follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
4. Uninstall and reinstall keyboard driver
If updating the keyboard drivers did not resolve the issue, you can try uninstalling and then reinstalling the drivers. To do this, follow the same steps as mentioned above to reach the Device Manager. Right-click on your laptop's keyboard, choose Uninstall device, and restart your laptop. Upon restarting, Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard driver. Check if the problematic keys are functioning properly.
5. Use an external keyboard
If none of the above methods worked, you can connect an external keyboard to your HP laptop as a temporary workaround. This will help determine whether the issue lies with the laptop's physical keyboard or its software. Connect the external keyboard to your laptop's USB port or use Bluetooth connectivity. If the external keyboard works without any issues, it's likely that you need to replace your laptop's internal keyboard.
If all else fails, it may be best to seek professional help from HP support. They will guide you through advanced troubleshooting steps and help determine if the issue is hardware-related. If necessary, they can arrange for keyboard replacement or any other repairs needed to resolve the issue.
