How do I type my Windows password if the keyboard doesn’t work?

Use a USB keyboard or the on-screen keyboard: on the sign-in screen, click the accessibility icon and choose On-screen keyboard.

I spilled coffee on the keyboard. Now what?

Shut it down immediately, unplug the charger, turn the laptop upside down and let it dry for at least 48 hours. Sugary drinks leave residue and often need a professional cleaning.

Is replacing a laptop keyboard expensive?

It depends on the model. On many laptops the keyboard is part of the top cover, which makes the repair pricier. Get a quote and compare it with a USB keyboard.

My laptop keyboard is not working but the touchpad is. What does that mean?

The laptop itself is running, so it’s the keyboard, its cable or a setting. Test in the BIOS as in step 3 to tell which.

My laptop keyboard is not working but makes clicking noises. What is that?

If keys click or beep but nothing types, Filter Keys is usually on (the sound is Windows ignoring short presses). Turn it off in Settings › Accessibility › Keyboard.

Laptop Keyboard Not Working: What to Do First

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): find out whether it’s Windows or the hardware: enter the BIOS or setup screen when the laptop starts (F2, Del, F10 or Esc, depending on the brand). If the keyboard works there, the problem is Windows (driver, Filter Keys, an update). If it doesn’t work even there, it’s the keyboard, its cable or spill damage.

Find the cause step by step

Test in the box above. Also plug in a USB keyboard: if it works, the rest of the laptop is fine.
Shut down the laptop by holding the power button for 15 seconds, wait a minute and turn it back on.
While it starts, press the setup key (F2, Del, Esc or F10, depending on the brand). Works in the BIOS? Then it’s Windows: go to step 4. Doesn’t work? It’s hardware: repair shop.
In Windows: Device Manager › Keyboards › right-click “Standard PS/2 Keyboard” › Uninstall device › restart. Also turn off Filter Keys.

Symptom, cause and fix

Symptom	Likely cause	What to do
No key works, not even in the BIOS	Loose keyboard cable, spill or fault	Repair shop; USB keyboard meanwhile
Works in the BIOS, not in Windows	Driver or setting	Reinstall the driver; turn off Filter Keys
Stopped after a Windows update	A faulty update	Uninstall the recent update
Only some keys	Dirt, a spill or the membrane	Clean; if they don’t come back, replace the keyboard

Where to find it on your device

Device Manager: Right-click the Start button › Device Manager › Keyboards.
Uninstall an update (Windows 11): Settings › Windows Update › Update history › Uninstall updates.

Laptop keyboard not working: what to do first

Test now: press the key that’s acting up