Tech Fix Daily

HP Laptop Keyboard Not Working? Fix Unresponsive Keys

 

Is your HP laptop keyboard acting up—some keys not responding, typing wrong characters, or completely dead? This guide walks you through every fix, from quick resets to deep driver and hardware checks.

🧼 Step 1: Clean the Keyboard

• Power off and unplug the laptop
• Turn it upside down and gently shake to dislodge debris
• Use compressed air to clean between keys
• Wipe with a microfiber cloth or cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol

💡 Sticky or dirty keys are a common cause of unresponsiveness

🔄 Step 2: Restart and Test

• Restart the laptop and test the keyboard
• Try typing in Notepad or using an online keyboard tester
• Connect an external USB or Bluetooth keyboard to compare

🧪 If external keyboard works, the issue is likely hardware-related

🧰 Step 3: Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

• Open Device Manager → Keyboards
• Right-click your keyboard → Update Driver
• If no update is found, choose Uninstall Device, then restart

🔧 Windows will reinstall the default driver automatically

⚙️ Step 4: Check Keyboard Settings

• Go to Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard
• Disable Filter Keys, Sticky Keys, and Toggle Keys
• Ensure correct language and layout under Time & Language settings

🧠 Accessibility features can interfere with normal typing behavior

🧪 Step 5: Run HP Diagnostics

• Restart and press F2 to enter HP Diagnostics
• Run Keyboard Test under Component Tests
• Note any failure codes and follow HP’s repair recommendations

🧯 Great for detecting hardware faults before replacing parts

🔬 Step 6: BIOS Reset (Advanced)

• Power off the laptop
• Press and hold Windows + B, then press and hold Power for 2–3 seconds
• Release all keys and wait for BIOS recovery screen
• Follow prompts to reset BIOS settings

⚠️ Corrupted BIOS can block keyboard initialization

🧱 Step 7: Inspect Internal Connections

• If comfortable, open the laptop and check the keyboard ribbon cable
• Reseat the cable securely into the motherboard
• Look for signs of damage or corrosion

🧰 Loose or damaged cables can cause entire rows of keys to fail

🔄 Step 8: Replace the Keyboard

• If multiple keys or entire sections are dead, replacement may be necessary
• Use HP’s official parts or trusted suppliers
• For internal keyboards, seek professional help if unsure