5 Ways to Fix Keyboard Not Working on Windows 11

Quick Fixes

• Disable the ‘Filter keys’ feature from Windows Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
• Update or reinstall the keyboard drivers manually from the Device Manager app and reboot your PC.

Basic Fixes

• Check the keyboard connection: Ensure the keyboard connection wire isn’t loose. If you use a wireless keyboard, check its Bluetooth connection from Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
• Switch the connection toggle: Some wireless keyboards provide a toggle button to switch between multiple connected devices. Adjust it to fix the keyboard connectivity issue.
• Replace/Charge Keyboard batteries: Check the battery level indicator on your wireless keyboard to know its status. If it’s blinking red, charge or replace its batteries (if replaceable).
• Update Windows 11: Press the Windows + I shortcut to open Settings, select Windows Update from the left sidebar, and install available system updates.

Fix 1: Disable Filter Keys

‘Filter keys’ in Windows set your keyboard sensitivity to ignore brief and repeated keystrokes. This may create issues if your typing involves repeated keystrokes. Head to the Windows Settings to disable it.

Step 1: Click the Windows icon in the taskbar to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Select Accessibility from the sidebar, and click Keyboard under Interaction.

Step 3: Toggle off the Filter keys to disable it.

Fix 2: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Microsoft Windows offers an in-built troubleshooter to resolve keyboard-related errors. Here’s how you can access it to fix the keyboard not working issue on Windows 11.

Note: The ‘Keyboard troubleshooter’ no longer exists with the latest Windows Update. Instead, you can use the ‘Hardware and Devices troubleshooter’ to troubleshoot your connected keyboard.

Step 1: Right-click the Windows icon in the taskbar to open the Power User Menu, and select Run.

Step 2: Copy-paste the following, and hit Enter to open the ‘Hardware and Devices troubleshooter’.

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

Step 3: Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to fix the keyboard not working issue.

Fix 3: Update or Reinstall the Keyboard Drivers

An outdated keyboard driver is a common reason behind the keyboard not working issue on Windows 11. Open the Device Manager app to update it manually.

Step 1: Right-click the Windows icon in the taskbar to open the Power User Menu, and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard name, and select Update driver.

Step 3: Click Search automatically for drivers to install the latest keyboard drivers online.

Step 4: Alternatively, right-click your keyboard name, and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC to let Windows 11 automatically install the compatible keyboard drivers.

Fix 4: Check the Power Management Profile

If your connected keyboard stops working abruptly after a few minutes, its misconfigured power management settings are the underlying culprit. Head to the Device Manager app to fix it.

Step 1: Open Device Manager from the Power User Menu (check the above steps), expand Keyboards, and right-click your keyboard name to open its Properties.

Step 2: Select the Power Management tab, uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, and click OK to save changes.

Fix 5: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is useful to reduce your PC’s boot time. However, an issue with it can create problems with the keyboard or trackpad when they don’t receive enough power. Disable Fast Startup from the Control Panel app to restore normalcy.

Step 1: Right-click the Windows icon in the taskbar to open the Power User Menu, and select Run.

Step 2: Copy-paste ‘control‘ in the Open field and click OK to launch the Control Panel app.

Step 3: Switch View by to Small icons and click Power Options.

Step 4: Select Choose what the power buttons do from the left sidebar.

Step 5: Uncheck Turn on fast startup under Shutdown settings, and click Save changes.

Tip: If the ‘Turn on fast startup’ option is greyed out, click ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable at the top’ and approve the UAC prompt to modify it.