How to Unlock a Keyboard That's Locked

If restarting your computer doesn't help, check that the keyboard is properly connected and clean the keys

By
Jerri Ledford
Jerri Ledford
Jerri Ledford
Senior News Editor, Fact Checker
  • Western Kentucky University
  • Gulf Coast Community College
Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on March 13, 2024
Reviewed by
Jessica Kormos
Jessica Kormos
Reviewed by Jessica Kormos
  • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What happens when your computer or laptop keyboard locks up? It could be caused by a few different things, and there are several ways to get it working again. Here's how to unlock a keyboard that's acting up.

This article focuses on causes and solutions for Windows-based PCs although some of the fixes could apply to any trouble-making keyboard.

What Causes a Keyboard to Lock Up?

Any number of problems can cause your keyboard to lock or freeze up. You may have inadvertently pressed a key combination that makes your keyboard act a little differently, or your keyboard may not be properly connected to your system. Regardless of the issue, a keyboard that's locked isn't very useful, so you need to get it going again as quickly as possible.

How to Fix a Keyboard That's Locked

The method you'll use for a locked or frozen keyboard will depend on the cause of the problem, but these troubleshooting steps should work. 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.

  1. Restart your computer. It seems like a simple fix, and that's because it is! Restarting a computer can clear up all kinds of issues. At the very least, if your keyboard is locked up because of some issue with a program or application, rebooting your PC can close out that program and release your keyboard from its death grip.

    Restarting may also fix the problem if what's actually going on is that your computer is frozen, and not just the keyboard. If that's the case, the issue is probably not with the keyboard at all.

  2. Check your keyboard connection. If you're using a wired keyboard, make sure the plug is properly seated in the USB port and that the end connecting to the keyboard is intact and undamaged. 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.

  3. Clean your keyboard. A dirty keyboard may result in keys that don't work or get stuck, and a stuck key could be preventing other keys from responding.

  4. Replace the batteries if you're using a wireless keyboard. Brand-new batteries can fail, so even if you've recently changed the batteries in your keyboard, try replacing them with a fresh set.

    It's also possible the USB dongle that the keyboard connects through is loose or not well seated in the USB port. Unplug it and then reconnect it.

  5. 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.

    To toggle Filter Keys on or off, press and hold the right Shift key until you hear a beep and see a message flash on the screen.

  6. Check your keyboard for physical damage. Frayed cords, broken keys, and cracks in the housing could cause a computer keyboard to experience mechanical failure. If this is the issue, you'll need to replace the keyboard completely.

  7. Try your keyboard with a different computer. If you're using an external keyboard, hook it up to another computer. You can even install a wireless keyboard on another PC to see if the issue is with the keyboard or the computer.

    If the keyboard works with the other computer, then the problem you're facing is with the machine. Open Device Manager to see if your keyboard is being recognized by your computer, especially if a USB-connected keyboard isn't being recognized.

    Since it's possible to disable a laptop keyboard in Device Manager, that could be the reason it's locked. Follow that link to see how that works; enabling the keyboard again is just as easy as disabling it.

  8. Update or reinstall the device drivers. A corrupted or out-of-date device driver could cause connection issues between your keyboard and your computer whether it's wired or wireless.

    If that doesn't work, completely uninstall and reinstall the driver. You may need to download drivers from the manufacturers' website.

When to Replace Your Keyboard

If none of these troubleshooting steps get your keyboard working again, then it might be time to replace your keyboard. There are plenty to choose from, including wireless keyboards, ergonomic keyboards, and keyboards that are designed for specific purposes like gaming. A keyboard that's locked and can't be unlocked is a good opportunity to upgrade to something better.

FAQ
  • How do I fix keyboard keys that aren't working?

    To fix it when a mechanical keyboard key isn't working or is unresponsive, unplug the keyboard or remove its batteries before trying to fix it. Try a different cable and clean the keyboard. Pry the keycap off the unresponsive switch, hold the keyboard upside down, and blow out the switch using canned air. You can also use contact cleaner on the key switch.

  • How do I fix sticky keys on a keyboard?

    If your keyboard keys are sticky, turn off the computer and unplug the keyboard. Gently dislodge the sticky keys using a key puller, moisten a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol, and clean the keys and plungers. Replace the cleaned keys and wait until everything is fully dry before plugging it back in.

  • How do I fix keyboard keys typing the wrong character?

    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. Click the language button on the taskbar to check. You can also try running the Windows keyboard troubleshooter to see if this solves the problem.

Was this page helpful?