A Windows keyboard that stops working can stem from software conflicts (like driver issues after updates), hardware malfunctions, or system configuration errors. The most effective solutions involve systematic troubleshooting through Device Manager, driver updates, and built-in Windows tools. For laptops, the issue often persists even when external keyboards work, suggesting driver corruption rather than physical damage. Windows 11 users frequently report this problem after system updates, with the keyboard functioning in BIOS but not within the OS—a clear indicator of software-level conflicts.

Key immediate fixes to try:

• Reinstall keyboard drivers via Device Manager (works for 60%+ of cases where the keyboard stops post-update) ^[1][4]
• Select "Standard PS/2 Keyboard" driver manually if Windows Update replaced it with a generic or corrupted version ^[2]
• Run the built-in Keyboard Troubleshooter (Settings > System > Troubleshooting > Other troubleshooters) to auto-detect issues ^[5][6]
• Disable Filter Keys in Ease of Access settings, as this feature can accidentally block key inputs ^[7]

For partial key failures (e.g., only the Windows key or specific letters), focus on driver rollbacks or registry edits targeting keyboard layouts. If the keyboard works in BIOS but not Windows, the problem is almost certainly driver-related. Hardware failure is less likely unless keys are physically damaged or liquid exposure occurred.

Step-by-Step Solutions for a Non-Working Windows Keyboard

1. Driver-Based Fixes (Most Common Solution)

Driver corruption is the leading cause of keyboard failures in Windows 11, especially after updates. The system may install incompatible drivers or fail to recognize the keyboard device entirely. Reinstalling or manually selecting drivers resolves this in the majority of cases.

Start by accessing Device Manager using an external keyboard, on-screen keyboard (press Win + Ctrl + O), or mouse navigation. If no external input is available, force-restart the PC 3 times to trigger Advanced Startup, then select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart to enter Safe Mode ^[1].

Once in Device Manager:

• Expand the Keyboards section. Look for entries like:
• HID Keyboard Device (common for laptops) ^[4]
• Standard PS/2 Keyboard (generic driver)
• Your keyboard’s brand name (e.g., "Logitech HID Keyboard")
• Right-click the device > Uninstall device, then restart the PC to force Windows to reinstall the driver automatically ^[6].
• If the keyboard still doesn’t work:
• Right-click the device > Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list.
• Select Standard PS/2 Keyboard (even for USB/laptop keyboards)—this overrides problematic updates ^[2].
• Check the box for "Show compatible hardware" if the correct driver isn’t listed.

Additional driver troubleshooting:

• If multiple "Unknown Device" entries appear under Other devices, update each one—these may be misclassified keyboard components ^[2].
• For partial key failures, check for duplicate keyboard entries in Device Manager and disable the secondary one ^[5].
• Use HP Support Assistant (for HP laptops) or manufacturer-specific tools to fetch the correct driver ^[4].

When to suspect hardware failure:

• Keyboard works in BIOS but not Windows → Software/driver issue.
• No response in BIOS → Hardware failure (requires repair/replacement).
• Only specific keys fail → Physical damage or debris under keys.

2. System-Level Repairs and Configuration Checks

If driver fixes fail, the issue may stem from corrupted system files, incorrect settings, or Windows Update conflicts. These steps address deeper software problems without requiring a full OS reinstall.

Run built-in repair tools:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator (via on-screen keyboard or external input) and run:

``sfc /scannow` (scans for corrupted system files) [7]. `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth`` (repairs Windows image) ^[7].

• Restart after both commands complete, even if no errors are reported.

Adjust Windows settings:

• Disable Filter Keys (a common culprit for unresponsive keys):
• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard > Filter Keys and toggle it Off ^[7].
• Check keyboard layout:
• Press Win + Space to cycle through installed layouts—an incorrect layout can remap keys ^[9].
• Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region and ensure the correct layout is set as default.
• Turn off Fast Startup (can cause driver loading issues):
• Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings currently unavailable > Uncheck "Turn on fast startup" ^[7].

Windows Update interventions:

• If the keyboard stopped after an update, uninstall the latest update:
• Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates ^[4].
• Sort by date and remove the most recent Cumulative Update or Driver Update.
• Pause updates temporarily to prevent reinstalling the problematic update:
• Settings > Windows Update > Pause for 1 week.

Reset or restore Windows:

• If all else fails, use System Restore to revert to a point before the issue began:
• Search for "Create a restore point" > System Restore > Select a restore point from before the keyboard failed ^[4].
• For persistent issues, perform a Windows Reset (keeps files but reinstalls the OS):
• Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC ^[4].

Hardware-specific checks:

• For laptop keyboards, press Fn + Spacebar for 30 seconds to reset the keyboard controller ^[6].
• For Bluetooth keyboards, remove the device in Settings > Bluetooth & devices, then repair it ^[7].
• Test the keyboard on another device to rule out physical damage.