How to Fix a Keyboard Not Working in Windows 11

If your keyboard stops responding in Windows 11, only some keys work, or Windows does not detect it, the cause can be a USB connection, Bluetooth pairing, a driver, or an accessibility setting. Try these fixes before replacing the keyboard.

1. Check the connection

For a USB keyboard, unplug it and connect it to another USB port. Avoid using a USB hub while testing. If it is wireless, check the battery and reconnect the receiver. For a Bluetooth keyboard, make sure Bluetooth is enabled and the keyboard is paired.

2. Restart the PC

Restarting Windows can reload the keyboard driver and clear a temporary hardware or input-service problem. If you cannot use the keyboard, use the mouse to select the restart option from the Start menu.

3. Check Filter Keys and accessibility settings

Windows accessibility features can change how keyboard input behaves.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Accessibility > Keyboard.
3. Review Filter Keys and other keyboard options.
4. Turn off features you do not need and test the keyboard again.

4. Run the keyboard troubleshooter

Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the available keyboard or hardware troubleshooter.

5. Update or reinstall the keyboard driver

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Keyboards.
3. Right-click the affected keyboard.
4. Select Update driver.
5. If updating does not help, you can uninstall the device and restart Windows so the driver can be detected again.

6. Test another keyboard

Connect a different keyboard to the same PC. If the second keyboard works, the original keyboard or its connection is likely the problem. If neither works, continue troubleshooting Windows or the USB/Bluetooth hardware.

7. Install Windows updates

Open Settings > Windows Update, check for updates, install available updates, and restart the PC.

Final thoughts

Start with the physical connection and a restart. Then check accessibility settings and the keyboard driver. Testing a second keyboard is a quick way to determine whether the issue is with Windows or the hardware itself.