Why is My Computer Keyboard Not Working?!

Has your computer keyboard suddenly stopped working? If so, don’t panic as we’re here with all our troubleshooting tips to get your keyboard back in working order.

However, if our tips don’t fix your issue, and you’re in the market for an upgrade, we’ve selected a few of our favourite computer keyboards.

Why is My Computer Keyboard Not Working?

There are multiple reasons why your keyboard might not be working. This includes a hardware issue, low battery, faulty driver, or even a loose cable. Thankfully, there are plenty of troubleshooting methods you can do before you resort to purchasing a new keyboard.

Wired vs Wireless Keyboards – Which One Is for You?

We’ve broken down all our top troubleshooting tips below so keep on reading for more!

Our Top Tips for Troubleshooting Your Keyboard

Have You Turned It Off and On Again?

An easy, quick troubleshooting method is to restart your PC. Believe it or not, a simple reboot can help to fix any pesky and unexpected PC problems, saving you a lot of time and money.

Have You Checked the USB Port?

Our PC USB ports are wonderful things, but when they break it can cause a lot of headaches. That’s why if your keyboard unexpectedly stops working, we recommend you first check the USB port.

You can do this by plugging your keyboard into another port on your case to see if it’s that specific USB port that’s broken. If your keyboard still isn’t working, move onto our next troubleshooting step.

Have You Tried a New USB Cable?

Similar to the USB port, your keyboard cable might have failed. If you have a spare USB cable with the same connector, we recommend you try plugging your keyboard in with the new cable.

You can also find plenty of dedicated replacement keyboard cables from major brands such as Ducky.

Is Your Keyboard Fully Charged?

Are you using a wireless keyboard? Have you made sure that it’s fully charged? If not, this should be your first step as if your wireless keyboard doesn’t have charge, it simply won’t work.

Does it Need New Batteries?

On the same note, if your wireless keyboard utilises batteries, does it need new ones? A simple battery switch could be just the thing that get your keyboard working again and you back to gaming.

Is the Wireless Dongle Plugged in Correctly?

If you’re using a wireless dongle with your keyboard, have you checked that it is plugged in correctly? Have you also tried your dongle in another USB port?

Is Your Bluetooth Enabled?

Are you trying to connect your keyboard via Bluetooth? Have you made sure your Bluetooth is enabled on your PC?

You can do this by going into Settings > Network > Bluetooth > and toggling the Bluetooth icon to turn it on and off.

Don’t know if your PC has Bluetooth? Here’s how you can check.

Get Connected

Have You Checked for Any New Drivers?

You can also try to update any keyboard drivers. These vary depending on model and manufacturer, so we recommend you double-check the manufacturer website for the correct driver update.

If you have a Ducky keyboard, we’ve detailed exactly how to go about updating the firmware for your keyboard in our step-by-step guide.

Learn More

Is There Debris Between the Keys?

We’re all guilty of snacking at our desks in between meetings or online battles. While our snacks are tasty, they can cause accidental debris and crumbs to get stuck in-between the keyboard keys. All those crumbs can stop your keyboard from working correctly, which is why regular cleaning and maintenance of your set-up is vital.

Thankfully, we’ve rounded up our top tips for cleaning your keyboard to get it looking factory fresh and sparkling once again.

Have You Turned on Filter/Sticky Keys?

Sticky and filter keys are built in accessibility features, but they can also cause your keyboard to stop working suddenly when turned on.

If you aren’t sure if you’ve accidently turned on filter keys, you can check this by going into Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard > and check the tick boxes next to Filter / Sticky keys.

If Everything Else Has Failed…

Have you tried all these troubleshooting methods to no avail? If so, it might be time to upgrade your keyboard and at Overclockers UK we stock an extensive range of both wireless and wired models from popular brands.

We picked out some our faves below but if these don’t suit your aesthetic or in-game demands, you can browse the full selection with the click of a button.

Shop Keyboards