How to Unlock a Keyboard That's Locked

Here’s how to unlock a keyboard that’s acting up.

What Causes a Keyboard to Lock Up?

Any number of problems can cause your keyboard to lock or freeze up.

These solutions are listed in a specific way, with the easier and more helpful solutions listed first.

So, try each step in order until you find the solution that gets your keyboard active again.

It seems like a simple fix, and that’s because it is!

Restarting a computer can clear up all kinds of issues.

If that’s the case, the issue is probably not with the keyboard at all.

Check your keyboard connection.

The best way to do this is to completely disconnect the keyboard and then reconnect it.

If you’re using a wireless keyboard, the USB dongle should be properly seated in the USB port.

Try completely disconnecting it and then re-pairing the keyboard to the computer for a clean, fresh start.

Replace the batteries if you’re using a wireless keyboard.

Unplug it and then reconnect it.

Turn off Filter Keys.

This feature lets you ignore repeated keys and slows down the keyboard repeat rate.

If you’ve accidentally enabled Filter Keys, it could be the cause of your keyboard not working.

Check your keyboard for physical damage.

If this is the issue, you’ll need to replace the keyboard completely.

Try your keyboard with a different computer.

If you’re using an external keyboard, hook it up to another computer.

Update or reinstall the equipment drivers.

If that doesn’t work, completely uninstall and reinstall the driver.

You may need todownload drivers from the manufacturers' website.

A keyboard that’s locked and can’t be unlocked is a good opportunity to upgrade to something better.

Try a different cable and clean the keyboard.

you could also use contact cleaner on the key switch.

If your keyboard keys are sticky, turn off the computer and unplug the keyboard.

Replace the cleaned keys and wait until everything is fully dry before plugging it back in.

If your keyboard is typing the wrong characters, disabling Num Lock may fix your problem.

If not, you may have inadvertently changed your keyboard layout.

nudge the language button on the taskbar to check.

you could also try running the Windows keyboard troubleshooter to see if this solves the problem.