Windows: How to unlock a locked keyboard

The most annoying glitch is a stuck keyboard. A computer freezing up can be frustrating. But it is quite another for your keyboard to stop responding.

The problem is worse for laptops because the keyboard cannot be easily replaced. But there’s no need for panic.

Locked keyboards can occur for many reasons other than hardware problems. Most of them are easy to repair. This article will show you how to fix a locked keyboard in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What causes a keyboard to lock?

The keyboard could be not responding for a number of reasons. Filter Keys might have been enabled, outdated drivers might be installed, or your keyboard may not be working properly.

There are also hardware problems to be aware of, such as a dead wireless keyboard battery or stuck keys. It is possible, however, that your keyboard may be damaged beyond repair and needs to be replaced.

For a little while, you can make it work Use the touchscreen keyboard, You can click on buttons using a virtual keyboard with. However, the most important thing is to identify the cause of the problem, and then fix it.

Solution 1: Make sure the keyboard is actually locked

Do not rush to try to unlock a locked keyboard. Take a moment to assess the problem. It’s possible to confuse a hung keyboard with a locked one.

You can test the movement of your pointer by using the mouse or touchpad on your laptop. Unresponsive computers will have stuttering movements. If the mouse doesn’t work properly, it is likely that your keyboard has stopped working.

It is possible that you have other issues with your keyboard than just a locked one. Repeating keys, Typing can be made more difficult by a disability, such as a stroke, even though your keyboard works technically.

Repair 2: Start the computer again

Although you may have done it before, this is something that should be repeated. The majority of temporary problems such as memory or peripheral issues can usually be resolved by rebooting the computer.

You should also keep in mind the Shutdown function might not work. To speed up booting speeds, modern computers just save their memory state and reload after shutting off.

To ensure that the computer turns off, you must explicitly use the Restart option in the Power options.

Fix 3: Turn Off Filter Keys

Filter Keys is the main reason why a keyboard locks up. Filter Keys is an accessibility function that makes typing more comfortable for people with hand tremors. It triggers when users least expect it and often causes irreparable damage to the keyboard.

Simple, it’s as simple as this: Holding the Shift key more than eight seconds will open a dialog box that allows you to activate Filter Keys. You can accidentally press the Spacebar and select Yes, This goes into effect.

Filter Keys will be activated, but all other keypresses short of that time will be ignored. Filter Keys is activated when keys are held down only for a short time. The keyboard appears to be locked.

This is easy to fix. This feature is not intended to be used unless you intend on using it You can turn off filter keys Your computer. You can find this under Ease of Access Settings, along with other accessibility features such as Sticky keys.

1. To disable Filter Keys, open Settings You can access the Start menu by clicking the gear icon.

2. Click on the Accessibility tab.

3. Scroll down, and then click on Keyboard All options are available to you. There is an option to filter keys and sticky keys at the top. Turn it off by disabling the toggle.

Fix #4: Connect the keyboard

It is not possible to connect the keyboard to a computer with a laptop keyboard. However, it may be an option for external keyboards. An improper connection can cause keyboard input to not register.

If you have a wired keyboard this involves unplugging and re-inserting the USB cable. You must do the same for a wireless keyboard.

You might also try a different USB port, as the one you use most often may have become loose or malfunctioning. If you have a USB hub, the problem may be in your hub and not the keyboard.

Repair 5: Change the batteries

Because wired keyboards draw electricity from the computer, this one does not apply to them. Wireless keyboards are powered by batteries and could not function if the battery is dead.

These keyboards have an on/off toggle switch that you can use to test if they are working. A flagging battery will usually give you more power when it is powered up like this again. This is a signal that the batteries need to be changed.

Fix 6: Look for stuck keys

This is more frequent than it seems a few malfunctioning keys It is more common to have a dead keyboard than an active one. Most often, the problem is when a specific key becomes stuck in its depressed position and prevents any other keys registering.

Take a look at your keyboard and make sure that each key is working properly. You might find a key stuck or broken due to dirt and debris. This situation can be resolved by simply removing the dirt and debris.

You can clean up spilled liquids on the keyboard by following these step, Cleaning it will require more effort.. . To clean it, you will have to disassemble the device and wipe off any sticky residue with an alcohol swab.

Fix 7: Reinstall Device Drivers

By default, drivers for keyboards and basic input devices are installed on your computer. It is not necessary to upgrade them. Sometimes, however, these drivers can become corrupted or damaged by mistake and result in a locked keyboard.

This is where you will find the solution: Reinstall the keyboard driver. The drivers are available online so you don’t have to go searching for them Simply uninstall your keyboard, and then restart the computer.. . Microsoft Windows will install appropriate drivers automatically for you.

1. You can reinstall your keyboard drivers by opening the Device Manager in the Control Panel. Search for the device in Start Menu.

2. This will display a complete list of hardware devices that are connected to your computer. You can expand the Keyboards section.

3. Click right-click the keyboard in question and choose Uninstall device.

4. The dialog box that appears will confirm what you have selected. Click the Uninstall Continue by pressing the butto.

5. Start the computer. Windows will automatically reinstall your keyboard driver.

You can also use the Update Driver option within the Device Manager if the uninstallation is not necessary.

Which is the best way to unlock your locked keyboard?

There are many reasons a keyboard could be locked. There isn’t one way to unlock every keyboard locked. What works for one system may not work on another. You should try a variety of approaches.

You can start by turning off Filter Keys and then restart the computer. If this doesn’t work, you can try the keyboard. For wireless keyboards, replace the batteries and check for any stuck keys. Then plug it in to a new USB port.

This stage will have you ruled out any possible reasons for an unresponsive keypad. Reinstalling the driver may be an option, but this is rarely the cause of the problem. You should replace your keyboard if the problem persists.