How to Fix Sticky Keyboard Keys: PC, Mac, & Chromebook

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A simple guide to cleaning sticky residue from keyboard keys
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Are the keys on your desktop or laptop computer's keyboard sticky? In this article we'll show you how to safely clean your keyboard keys to fix the problem. We also go over some hardware and software issues that could be affecting your keyboard, as well as how to disable Sticky Keys on Windows. Whether you own a PC, Mac, or Chromebook, we'll help you safely clean and fix your sticky keys and get your keyboard up and running again.

Fixing Sticky Keys

  • The best way to clean sticky keyboard keys is with isopropyl alcohol.
  • If the keys are removable, take a photo of the keyboard to remember the key positions, then remove the keys to clean them.
  • If your keyboard is clean and your computer is not responding to certain keystrokes, try updating your keyboard drivers.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Your Keyboard

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  1. 1
    Unplug your keyboard. If you're using a laptop or Chromebook, unplug it from the power supply and power the computer down. It's safest if you clean your keyboard when it's disconnected from power.
  2. Spritzing the compressed air around each key is a good idea; even if not all of the keys are stuck, this will prevent future sticking. [1]
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  3. If any large crumbs or pieces of residue remain visible near or under the keyboard's keys, use a toothpick to scrape away the fragments.
    • Avoid pushing the debris even further into your keyboard.
  4. Lightly spritz isopropyl alcohol onto a clean cloth, then run it from left to right across your keyboard's surface. This will help remove any gunk or sticky residue from around the keys.
    • Use the highest concentration of pure isopropyl alcohol that you have available. Avoid rubbing alcohol, as it can sometimes have additives that you shouldn't introduce to your keyboard. [2]
    • If your computer has a UV coating or a similar special coating, do not use isopropyl alcohol as it will remove the coating. Use warm water instead.
  5. Before you remove any keys, photograph your keyboard so that you know which keys go where.
  6. Avoid removing any keys unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you're using a mechanical keyboard , use a keycap puller if you have one; otherwise, you can wrap floss around the base of the key and gently pull upward. You may also have to resort to a flat-head screwdriver to pry up the keys. [3]
    • If you have a laptop, refer to your laptop's manual or online documentation for instructions on removing the keys (in most cases, you'll pry the keys up from a specific point to avoid breaking their latches).
    • If you have a MacBook laptop, check out our article on how to remove the key(s) safely. Most MacBooks released after 2019 require special care when removing the keys to avoid damage.
    • Most debris is found in the letters and numbers. Other keys tend to be less dirty and more difficult to replace after removal, especially the space bar.
  7. Use compressed air to remove exposed dust and debris, and a cotton swab or microfiber cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to remove stickiness and stains.
    • For laptop keyboards and other keyboards with delicate internal parts, use a cotton swab only and swab very gently.
  8. If the undersides of your keys are discolored or dirty, put them in a colander and run water over them, or rub them in a bucket of soapy water. Let them air dry completely on a paper towel.
  9. If you have a mechanical keyboard, press down on the sticky key's lever and apply a drop of lubricant to the walls of the key's well, then release and press the lever a few times to incorporate the lubricant. [4]
    • Make sure the lubricant you're using is specifically designed for keyboards or other sensitive plastics. Using a standard lubricant such as WD-40 may ruin the keyboard.
    • This is only necessary if the mechanical keyboard's levers are still sticking after your cleaning.
  10. Ideally, let your keyboard dry for two to four hours, but you may have to let it sit for at least 24 hours to fully dry out. Once your keyboard is bone-dry, you can proceed with reassembling it , plugging it back into your computer, and testing it out.
    • If the keys are still sticking, particularly on an older mechanical keyboard, consider taking your keyboard in for professional repairs.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Fixing Hardware and Software Issues

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  1. If your keystrokes are repeating or not appearing, there could be a hardware issue. For troubleshooting purposes, if you're using a USB hub or docking station, try plugging your keyboard directly into your desktop computer's USB port. [5]
    • If your keyboard uses batteries, make sure it's charged (or replace the batteries with fresh ones).

    Note: Skip this step for a laptop.

  2. Update your keyboard's drivers . Most of the time, keyboard issues can be tied to out-of-date drivers or software. You can fix the keyboard by updating the driver or software. The easiest way to ensure your drivers are up to date is by using your computer's update utility:
    • Windows: Search for "update" in the taskbar search bar, then click Check for updates . If there's an update available, click Download & install . [6]
    • Mac: Open the Apple menu and click System Settings . Then, click General > Software Update . [7] If you're using an older version of macOS, you'll click System Preferences instead of System Settings .
    • Chromebooks do not offer these kinds of firmware updates for your keyboard, but you can delete your account and add it back, or hard reset your Chromebook's hardware. [8]
    • If you have a mechanical keyboard, another way you can update your keyboard's drivers is by going to the keyboard manufacturer's website, finding your model of keyboard, and looking for a driver download. You can then download the keyboard's driver file and double-click it to run it.
  3. If you are using an external keyboard, try reinstalling it. The easiest way to do this is by shutting down your computer, unplugging and then reattaching the keyboard, and turning back on the computer. [9]
    • You can reinstall Bluetooth keyboards by deleting them from the Bluetooth menu and then re-pairing them with your computer.
  4. If you notice that specific programs aren't working with your keyboard (e.g., your web browser or Microsoft Word), make a note of those programs.
  5. This won't always fix the keyboard issues, but if the program isn't completely up to date, updating it won't hurt.
  6. If some of your laptop keys don't register when pressed, there could be a loose internal connection. Unless you have a guide for your model and are comfortable disassembling your laptop yourself, you should seek professional repairs.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Disabling Sticky Keys (Windows)

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  1. 1
    Open your Windows settings. To do this, you can either search "settings" in the taskbar search bar, right-click the Windows icon and click Settings , or you can click the Windows icon and click the cogwheel (which says Settings on Windows 11).
    • Sticky Keys is an accessibility feature that is great for users who have trouble pressing more than one key at a time. However, this feature can get in the way if you don't need it.
  2. 2
    Open Ease of Access or Accessibility . In Windows 10, the option will be Ease of Access . In Windows 11, the option will be Accessibility .
  3. 3
    Click Keyboard . This will open the accessibility options for your keyboard.
  4. 4
    Toggle off Sticky Keys (if necessary). If Sticky Keys is turned on, you can toggle it off by clicking the toggle on the Sticky Keys option.
  5. 5
    Click on Sticky Keys . This will open the Sticky Keys settings menu.
  6. 6
    Toggle off Keyboard shortcut for Sticky keys . This will disable the keyboard shortcut to enable Sticky Keys (which is pressing ⇧ Shift five times in a row). [10]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I fix unresponsive keyboard keys?
    Mobile Kangaroo
    Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
    Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities.
    Mobile Kangaroo
    Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
    Expert Answer
    Sometimes a key is just dirty and can be carefully popped off, cleaned, and restored. If that doesn't work, a full keyboard replacement may be necessary.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
  • Question
    Some of my computer's keyboard keys are not working. Is that a hardware or software issue?
    Community Answer
    That is most likely going to be a hardware issue. Most keyboards are "plug and play" so that, if connected properly, they should work. Check and make sure your malfunctioning keyboards are "plug and play." If they are, check and make sure your keyboard is being detected by your PC. Open Device Manager and expand the "keyboards" section; your device should be listed here. If it isn't, it's a hardware issue.
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  • Question
    Can keyboards be replaced on a laptop?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this is quite common. Do a search on Amazon or eBay's Buy It Now by your laptop model for a replacement. Replacement instructions may come with the new keyboard; if not, you can find them on the manufacturer's website. In the meantime, you can just plug a standard USB keyboard into your laptop and use that, or wireless/Bluetooth.
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      • Using a coffee filter instead of paper towels to dry off your keyboard will result in fewer paper fibers staying on your keyboard.
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      • If you spill something on your keyboard, immediately remove the power source and turn it upside down. Wipe up as much as you can with a dry cloth, let it dry overnight, then clean as described above .
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/1477137/how-to-clean-a-mechanical-keyboard.html
      2. ↑ https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/how-to-clean-a-keyboard/
      3. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/1477137/how-to-clean-a-mechanical-keyboard.html
      4. ↑ https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/lube-switches-mechanical-keyboard
      5. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001337.htm
      6. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/install-windows-updates-3c5ae7fc-9fb6-9af1-1984-b5e0412c556a
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108382
      8. ↑ https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/1047364?hl=en
      9. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001337.htm
      1. ↑ https://www.corsair.com/us/en/explorer/gamer/keyboards/how-to-turn-off-sticky-keys/
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/103258
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/103258

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