Keyboard not working on Windows 11
Keys that don't type, repeat, or stick on Windows 11 are usually a connection issue, a stuck key, or a driver/layout problem. Try these, then check every key live.
Step-by-step fix
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Reconnect the keyboard: replug USB (try another port), or re-pair Bluetooth. For a laptop, restart Windows 11.
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Run the CheckMyMic keyboard test and press each key — any that won't light up is the problem key.
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Clean under a stuck or unresponsive key with compressed air.
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Check your keyboard layout/language is correct in Windows 11 settings, and turn off Filter/Sticky Keys.
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Update or reinstall the keyboard driver, then restart.
Frequently asked questions
Some keys don't work on Windows 11 — is it broken?
Run the keyboard test and press the dead keys. If they never light up across the test, the keys (or the keyboard) are faulty; if they work in the test, it's an app or layout issue — start with the input/keyboard settings in Windows 11 rather than the hardware.
My keyboard types the wrong characters on Windows 11.
That's a layout/language mismatch. Change the input language in Windows 11 settings to match your keyboard.
Keys are still dead on Windows 11 after everything — is the keyboard finished?
Run the CheckMyMic keyboard test one more time: keys that never register there, in any app, and (for an external keyboard) on a second computer are hardware failures. On a laptop, plugging in a cheap USB keyboard both gets you typing immediately and proves the built-in keyboard is the fault — that's a repair, not a settings fix.
Why do my keys lag or repeat on Windows 11?
Check Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard and turn off Filter Keys — it deliberately ignores brief or repeated presses and is easy to enable by accident (holding right Shift for 8 seconds). Repeat speed lives in Control Panel → Keyboard. On a wireless keyboard, also move the USB receiver away from USB 3.0 ports, which are notorious for 2.4 GHz interference.