Match the problem to the fix
| What happens | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Letters type numbers (U types 4) | Num Lock is on | Press Num Lock, or Fn + Num Lock |
| F-keys change brightness or volume instead of F1 to F12 | Fn Lock | Press Fn + Esc (most Dell and Lenovo). On HP, change Action Keys Mode in the BIOS. |
| Symbols swapped (" instead of @) | UK keyboard layout selected | See Keyboard types the wrong symbols (article 20) |
| You have to hold keys down, or keys "stick" | Filter Keys or Sticky Keys | Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, turn off Sticky keys and Filter keys |
| A few keys don't respond | Dirt under the keys | Clean the keyboard (below) |
| Most or all keys don't respond | Driver or hardware fault | Reinstall the driver (below) |
Clean the keyboard
- Turn the laptop off.
- Hold it at an angle and use short bursts of compressed air between the keys.
- Wipe the keys with a slightly damp microfibre cloth.
Reinstall the keyboard driver
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards, right-click the keyboard and select Uninstall device.
- Restart. Windows reinstalls it.
Test: hardware or Windows? Connect a USB keyboard. If it works but the laptop keyboard doesn't, the laptop keyboard is likely faulty. In the meantime, use the on-screen keyboard: Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard > On-screen keyboard.
Spilled a drink? Turn the laptop off straight away, unplug it, and turn it upside down to drain. Liquid damage isn't covered by warranty, but our East Brisbane store may be able to help.
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