Laptop Keyboard or Trackpad Not Working? What to Try First

Your laptop turns on, the screen looks fine, but the keyboard won't type or the trackpad won't move the cursor. Maybe only a few keys are dead, or letters repeat on their own. It's a common problem, and the cause can be anything from a simple setting to liquid damage under the keys.

Here's how we at We Fix Phones N More help customers narrow it down, starting with the quick fixes you can safely try yourself.

Start With the Simple Checks

Restart the laptop

A full restart, not just closing the lid, clears out a lot of temporary glitches with drivers and input devices. If the keyboard and trackpad both stopped working, hold the power button until the laptop shuts off, wait a few seconds and turn it back on.

Plug in an external keyboard or mouse

A USB or Bluetooth keyboard or mouse is a great test. It lets you keep working, and it helps narrow the problem. If the external keyboard works but the built-in one doesn't, the issue is more likely the laptop's keyboard or its connection inside the computer.

Check the trackpad toggle

Many Windows laptops have a function key that turns the trackpad on and off, often marked with a small touchpad icon. It's easy to press by accident. Also look in Settings under Bluetooth and devices, then Touchpad, to make sure it's turned on. On a Mac, check the Trackpad section of System Settings.

Look for accessibility settings

Features like Filter Keys and Sticky Keys on Windows, or Slow Keys and Mouse Keys on a Mac, change how the keyboard responds. If keys seem delayed or ignored, check that these aren't turned on by mistake.

Software Fixes Worth Trying

Install updates

Run Windows Update or macOS Software Update. Updates often include new keyboard and trackpad drivers that fix known bugs.

Reinstall the driver on Windows

Open Device Manager, expand Keyboards or Mice and other pointing devices, right-click the built-in device and choose Uninstall device. Restart the laptop, and Windows will reinstall the driver automatically. You can do this using an external mouse if your trackpad isn't working.

Check the keyboard layout

If keys type the wrong characters, such as symbols instead of letters, the keyboard language or layout may have changed. Check your language and input settings and remove any layouts you don't use.

Rule out malware

It's uncommon, but unwanted software can interfere with input. If you've also seen strange pop-ups, our guide on scary virus pop-ups explains what to do.

Cleaning Sticky or Unresponsive Keys

Crumbs, dust and pet hair can work their way under keys. To clean gently:

Shut down the laptop and unplug it first.
Tilt it at an angle and use short bursts of compressed air across the keys, holding the can upright.
Wipe the keys and trackpad with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Never spray liquid directly onto the laptop.
Avoid prying keys off yourself. Laptop keys use tiny clips that break easily, and a broken clip can turn a cleaning into a repair.

Signs It's a Hardware Problem

Some problems won't go away with settings or cleaning. Bring the laptop in if you notice:

A spill. If anything was spilled on the keyboard, even a little, stop using it and see our guide on what to do after a laptop spill. Liquid can damage the keyboard and the parts underneath.
A raised or clicking trackpad. If the trackpad bulges up, won't click or the case is separating, the battery underneath may be swelling. Stop using the laptop and unplug it, since a swollen battery is a safety concern.
A whole row of keys not working, or keys that work only some of the time.
Problems that started after a drop.

Before any repair, back up your important files. Our post on a simple family backup plan makes it easy.

Bring It to a Local Repair Shop

If your keyboard or trackpad still isn't working, bring your laptop to We Fix Phones N More at 801 County Line Rd in Horsham. We'll figure out whether it's software, a loose connection, a worn keyboard or something more serious, and walk you through your options. Learn more about our computer repair services. Our repairs come with a 90-day warranty. We serve customers across Bucks and Montgomery counties. Call us at 215-323-4750.