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5 Ways to Fix Keyboard Lag on Windows 11

Quick Tips
  • The reason behind keyboard lag in Windows could range anywhere from depleted keyboard batteries to corrupted system files.
  • Consider running Windows’ keyboard troubleshooter and updating the drivers to fix this problem.
  • Ensure to install any pending Windows updates to benefit from the latest bug fixes and performance improvements.

Basic Fixes

  • Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard: If your keyboard is lagging due to a minor connection issue, disconnecting and reconnecting it should help. If it’s a wired keyboard, try connecting it to a different USB port. If it’s a Bluetooth keyboard, try unpairing it and pairing it again.
  • Replace the batteries or charge your keyboard: You might face input lag while typing if your keyboard is low on battery. To avoid this, recharge your keyboard by connecting it to a power source or replacing its batteries.
  • Keep the USB receiver close to the keyboard: If you use a wireless keyboard, consider connecting the USB receiver to the front port. This should prevent the receiver signal from getting obstructed.

Fix 1: Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows 11 offers several troubleshooters for fixing system-level issues. One of these is the keyboard troubleshooter, which can detect and fix any minor issues responsible for typing lag on Windows. Here’s how to run it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open Settings. In the System tab, scroll down to select Troubleshoot.

Windows Troubleshooter

Step 2: Go to Other troubleshooters.

Other Troubleshooters in Windows 11

Step 3: Click the Run button next to Keyboard and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the troubleshooting process.

Run Keyboard Troubleshooter on Windows 11

Fix 2: Turn off Filter Keys

Filter Keys is an accessibility feature on Windows that automatically adjusts the keyboard response to ignore repeated keystrokes. If you’ve accidentally enabled Filter Keys on Windows 11, such keyboard lag issues may arise. Here’s how to fix that.

Step 1: Open the Start menu and click the gear-shaped icon to launch the Settings app.

Open Settings App on Windows 11

Step 2: Head to Accessibility > Keyboard.

Accessibility Settings on Windows 11

Step 3: Turn off the toggle for Filter Keys.

Turn Off Filter Keys on Windows 11

Fix 3: Change the Keyboard Repeat Rate

If you only experience lag while typing on your Windows 11 PC, you can try modifying the keyboard properties to adjust the character repeat rate. Here’s how.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box. Type control keyboard in the box and press Enter.

Open Keyboard Properties on Windows

Step 2: In the Keyboard Properties window, use the slider to set the Repeat rate to Fast. Hit Apply to save changes.

Modify Keyboard Repeat Rate on Windows 11

You may have to experiment with the Repeat rate settings till you find the one that hits your preference spot.

Fix 4: Update Keyboard Drivers

Issues with the current keyboard driver installed on your PC could prevent Windows from communicating with the keyboard effectively, leading to lag and other performance issues. To fix this, you can try updating the keyboard drivers on your PC using these steps:

Step 1: Click on the search icon from the taskbar, type device manager, and select the first result.

Open Device Manager

Step 2: Find and expand Keyboards, right-click on the keyboard, and select Update driver from the list.

Update Keyboard Driver

Fix 5: Run DISM Scan

DISM (or Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a handy command-line tool that can help fix any issues with the Windows system image that might have been responsible for such anomalies. Here’s how to run it.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select the Terminal (Admin) option from the resulting menu.

Open Terminal (Admin) on Windows 11

Step 2: Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each of them.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
DISM Scan

Restart your PC after running the above commands and check if the issue persists.

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Last updated on 08 May, 2024

3 Comments

  1. I had tried all the above except number 7, and had no benefit. I found another website that suggested – if a person is using a wireless keyboard – the likely problem is the usb dongle is too far away from the keyboard. I moved the dongle from behind the PC to a USB port at the front of the PC, which moved my keyboard about 18 inches closer to the usb dongle that was plugged into my PC. It solved my problem.

  2. Windows 11: Fix for me “Accessibility -> Keyboard -> Sticky Keys
    -> Lock shortcuts keys when pressed twice in a Row = OFF

  3. This page’s recommendations are completely the wrong way around. If you’ve just installed/upgraded to Windows 11 and you are finding your keyboard response is sluggish, chances are you are experiencing Windows 11 “features” that someone at Microsoft though “wow these are great feature, let’s switch them on for all users”. The Windows 11 version of the paperclip.
    So my top tips would be:
    – Control panel>Keyboard>Repeat delay: Short….Repeat rate: Fast
    – Windows Settings>Accessibility (+U)>Visual effects>Animation effects >> off
    – Windows Settings>Accessibility (+U)>keyboard>Filter Keys >> off

    Still lacking?
    – Try plugging in another keyboard, if no difference, then forget steps 2, 3, 5, & 6 above.

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