How to Fix Enter Key or Backspace Not Working on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > go to Keyboard and click on Run.
• Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges > type SFC /scannow > press Enter to execute.
• Open Device Manager > Keyboards > right-click keyboard driver > Uninstall device and confirm > restart Windows 11.

Basic Fixes:

• Restart Windows device: Restarting your device can help fix any minor software issue that might be preventing the Backspace or Enter key from working on Windows after the latest system boot.
• Check for Windows updates: Certain Windows updates are vital for the smooth functioning of your system. So, if you’ve been facing keyboard issues on your device, it might be worth checking if your device is up-to-date. 

Fix 1: Turn off Sticky Keys

Sticky Keys might end up interfering with the regular functioning of your keyboard. To fix this, press the Shift key consecutively 5 times. At the last press, there would be a loud final beep after which the Sticky Keys icon will disappear from the taskbar. This will turn off Sticky Keys.

Fix 2: Run Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows has native troubleshooting options available for fixing issues like the keyboard not working properly. Once launched, the troubleshooting app will scan Windows for any issues and suggest possible solutions. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Use the Windows + I key to open Settings and click on System. Click on Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Here, click on Other troubleshooters.

Step 3: Go to Keyboard and click on Run.

Wait for the troubleshooter to finish scanning from issues. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to fix the issue of the Backspace or Enter key not working on Windows 11.

Fix 3: Run System File Checker

The System File Checker helps scan your entire system for any issues relating to system files being missing or damaged. After the scan is done, it will show the issue and possible ways of fixing it. Follow the below steps to run the scan.

Tip: If you’ve been having issues using the Enter key, open the On-Screen Keyboard and use it to execute the commands.

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges. Type the following command and press Enter to execute.

SFC /scannow

Once the scan finishes, follow the on-screen instructions to fix the problem and try using the relevant keyboard keys again.

Fix 4: Reinstall the Keyboard Driver

You can uninstall and reinstall the keyboard driver on Windows 11. This will help install a new copy of the driver. Go for this fix if the Backspace or Enter key is still not working on Windows 11. Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1: Open Device Manager and click on Keyboards. Right-click on the keyboard driver.

Step 2: Click on Uninstall device and confirm when prompted.

Once done, restart your device to reinstall the keyboard driver. Then, check if the Backspace and Enter keys are working as expected.

Fix 5: Reset Windows 11

Resetting your device is an effective way to fix most of the software-based issues on Windows 11. This will delete any errant update or setting on your laptop that might be causing issues when using the Enter or Backspace key. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings and click on System. Click on Recovery.

Step 2: Go to Reset this PC and click on Reset PC.

Step 3: Select Keep my files to keep your data but delete all settings and apps.

Finish the reset process and set up your Windows PC. Then, try using the relevant keyboard keys to check if the issue has been resolved.

FAQs