keys, backlight, Windows button, numbers and other problems

A broken keyboard is probably the most annoying situation for PC users. Whether you’re experiencing power issues, backlight issues, or other issues, even the highest quality keyboards can experience them. In this guide, we will discuss the most common errors that users may encounter and also provide the best solutions to get the device working again.

If your keyboard used to function without any problems but suddenly stops working, it could be due to power or software issues. For users of wired keyboards, it is important to ensure that they are properly connected to the computer. Try unplugging the power cord and then plugging it back in. For wireless keyboards, make sure they are sufficiently charged and charge or replace the batteries if necessary.

In the context of wireless keyboard software, it’s worth trying turning the Bluetooth connection off and on again to see if that fixes the problem, or switching between Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz wireless connection. If this doesn’t help, make sure you have the necessary software updates and install them. It is also recommended to check for the latest drivers by visiting “Device Manager” and select a section “Keyboards”.

Even if there are no new updates in the future, you can try disconnecting all accessories from the computer, leaving only the necessary ones, and then restart the PC. Completely restarting your computer with no external devices connected can resolve the keyboard freezing issue.

If the previous steps did not yield any results, it is recommended to scan the system for viruses. Malicious software can sometimes disrupt the normal operation of peripheral devices, including keyboards, and also cause them to malfunction.

Most mechanical keyboards have a common vulnerability: keys that can stick or stop working altogether. This often happens if liquid gets on the keyboard, for example if the user accidentally spills tea or coffee on it. In addition, problems can arise from exposure to glycerin vapor, which is especially true for people who use e-cigarettes.

Sticky keys are also a clear indication that your keyboard needs cleaning. There are several ways to remove dirt: Although some people prefer to use compressed air, this method is not always effective because there is a risk of small particles getting deeper into the key mechanism. Instead, we recommend that you use a vacuum cleaner brush or a cloth soaked in alcohol to ensure reliable removal of dirt.

For serious key sticking issues, it is best to first carefully remove the keys to gain access to the internal parts of the device, then remove any dust or debris. To remove heavy stains, it is recommended to use alcohol, which helps remove grease and other substances. In cases where a key no longer responds to pressure at all, you can carefully spray a small amount of alcohol directly under the key mechanisms (switches). If moisture gets under the mechanisms, a coating can form, breaking contact and rendering the button unusable. The alcohol evaporates quickly, making this method safe and effective.

If you encounter an issue where multiple characters are typed when you press a key once, it could mean that the button switch is clogged. First, disconnect the keyboard and carefully remove the problematic key. Then use a cloth lightly dampened with alcohol or another cleaning agent to clean the key itself and the area around it. In rare cases you may need to spray alcohol under the key mechanism, but don’t overdo it!

Don’t forget to also go to your computer’s keyboard settings, where you can adjust key sensitivity and other related settings. This allows you to more accurately adjust the keyboard to your typing style and sensitivity preferences, which may resolve the issue.

If the keyboard lights come on but the keyboard is not responding, first check the connection. Make sure your wired keyboard is properly connected to the correct USB port, as not every port is guaranteed to be compatible with different keyboard models. With wireless keyboards, it is important to check the strength of the Bluetooth connection. It may be helpful to temporarily disable Bluetooth and then reconnect. If your keyboard has a special gaming mode, make sure it is not enabled as activating it may disable some keys.

If inspecting the connection and settings does not reveal any errors, you should check the keyboard drivers. Open “Device Manager” on your PC and go to “Keyboards”, where the drivers are listed. Click RMB on the device you are interested in and select the option “To delete”and then restart your computer. The next time you log in, Windows will automatically detect the missing device and attempt to download the latest driver.

This problem usually indicates that the keyboard driver on your computer is installed in a different format than the one you are using. Fortunately, it is quite easy to change the layout to the one you want. Open “Time and Language”and then go to the section “Language and Region”. Check that in the window that opens “Country or Region” And “Region Notation” were installed correctly.

Don’t forget to also check if the keys on your keyboard have been changed by someone as a joke.

The problem could be caused by dirt or small amounts of debris stuck in the key mechanism, partially blocking its operation. If possible, carefully remove the key and clean the area underneath with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can then remove the remaining dust particles with compressed air.

If cleaning doesn’t help, check the software that came with your keyboard. Some keyboard models offer the ability to configure the delay of a key after it is pressed. Use this function and adjust key response parameters if possible.

Pay attention to the keyboard settings in your operating system. Windows has a feature called Sticky Keys that allows you to activate keyboard shortcuts by pressing them one at a time instead of at the same time. If this option is accidentally activated, it may cause a keyboard problem.

While keyboard backlight problems are annoying, they are often fairly easy to solve. It’s worth checking the settings of your keyboard management software first to make sure the backlight isn’t turned off or incorrectly configured. If everything is fine with the settings, the problem can often be solved by restarting the computer, disconnecting the keyboard and then reconnecting it.

If these measures are not effective, it is recommended to search the Internet for information about your keyboard model and reinstall the drivers if necessary.

If the backlight problem is caused by liquid getting on the keyboard, the backlight may stop working completely or partially. In this case, you can try to find and replace the LED plate (for advanced users), although this is not always a reliable solution. You may need to consider purchasing a new keyboard.

Most modern keyboards can be divided into several zones: the right one is responsible for typing numbers. However, it can be disabled using the key Numlock. This is done for the convenience of users who use this area for special programs or other purposes. After you disable this function with the indicated button, it will no longer be possible to print numbers.

Please note that newer keyboards may require multiple button presses to activate Num Lock. For example, you must first press and hold the key Fn.

If the Windows key is still not working after trying all the suggested tips, it may have been deactivated at the software level or by using a special keyboard shortcut together with the Fn key. For example, the author of this guide encountered a situation where the Win key was blocked by the combination Fn+F12, while there were no indicators or markings on the F12 key itself indicating such a function. It is important to first consult your keyboard’s technical manual, which usually comes with the device. If the manual is missing, you can find it on the manufacturer’s official website. There you should check all possible key combinations that could cause the lock.