HOW TO FIX MY LAPTOP KEYS

Note: I’ve removed the personal information from your post to help keep your data safe.

Hi Mary Otiende, 

I understand how inconvenient this can be, especially when keys like N, B, and Caps Lock stop responding during normal use. 

At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. 

To help narrow this down, could you let me know: 

• Do these keys fail in every app, such as Notepad, Search, and your browser? 
• Did this begin recently, or has it been happening for some time? 
• Was there any recent Windows update, driver change, or anything unusual with the laptop before this started? 
• When you press Caps Lock, does the indicator light respond at all, or is there no change? 

In the meantime, please try the steps below: 

1. Check the keyboard in BIOS/UEFI 

• Please restart the laptop and enter the BIOS/UEFI screen. 
• If the BIOS screen allows input, test the affected keys there. 

2. Reinstall the keyboard driver 

• Please follow these steps: 
• Right-click Start 
• Select Device Manager 
• Expand Keyboards 
• Right-click the keyboard listed there 
• Select Uninstall device 
• Restart the laptop 
• After the restart, Windows should detect the keyboard again automatically. 

3) Check for Windows and driver updates 

• Please go to Settings > Windows Update 
• Install any available updates, including optional driver updates if they appear. 
• If your laptop manufacturer provides drivers on their support website, it would be helpful to check whether there is an updated keyboard, chipset, or input-related driver for your exact model. 

4) Test in another Windows user account 

• If possible, sign in with another local or Microsoft account on the same laptop and test the same keys there. 

I hope the steps above help you move this forward. Please feel free to update me with the results, and I’ll be glad to continue assisting you. Wishing you a smooth fix and a good experience with your device. 

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread. 

Try these steps in order to narrow down and fix the issue with the N, B, and Caps Lock keys:

1. Check for simple hardware issues
   • Gently clean around the affected keys. Make sure there’s no dirt or debris blocking them.
   • If possible, use a can of compressed air to blow under the N, B, and Caps Lock keys.
2. Test with an external keyboard
   • Plug in a USB or Bluetooth keyboard.
   • Check whether N, B, and Caps Lock work correctly on the external keyboard.
   • If they work fine on the external keyboard, the laptop’s built‑in keyboard is likely faulty (hardware issue).
   • If the same keys fail on the external keyboard, it’s more likely a software/driver or settings problem.
3. Check keyboard behavior in Safe Mode
   • Start Windows in Safe Mode.
   • Test the N, B, and Caps Lock keys there.
   • If they work in Safe Mode, a third‑party app or driver may be interfering. Uninstall or disable recently installed apps or utilities that modify keyboard behavior.
4. Use the On‑Screen Keyboard as a workaround
   • Press Windows logo key + Ctrl + O to turn on the On‑Screen Keyboard.
   • This lets typing N, B, and using Caps Lock while troubleshooting or if the physical keys are failing.
5. Check Ease of Access / Accessibility keyboard settings
   • Press Windows logo key + U to open Accessibility settings.
   • Select Keyboard.
   • Review these options:
     • Sticky keys – turn off if it’s on and causing unexpected behavior.
     • Filter keys – turn off if it’s on, as it can ignore brief or repeated keystrokes.
     • Toggle keys – optional, but turning it on plays a sound when Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock are pressed, which helps confirm if Caps Lock is registering.
6. If keys are still intermittent or dead
   • If cleaning, Safe Mode, and an external keyboard test point to a hardware problem (only the laptop keyboard is affected), the built‑in keyboard likely needs repair or replacement by a technician.

While troubleshooting or if repair is needed, continue using the On‑Screen Keyboard or an external keyboard so the device remains usable.

References:

• Mouse and keyboard problems in Windows
• Make your mouse, keyboard, and other input devices easier to use
• keypad issue - Microsoft Q&A