Q&A for How to Fix Sticky Keyboard Keys

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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.

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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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Question

How do I fix a sticky key on a laptop keyboard?

Community Answer

The tips here will work for both desktop keyboards and laptops.

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Question

What percentage of isopropyl alcohol should I use?

Community Answer

I found that 50 percent works best for not rubbing off the key labels. You also can buy a waterproof keyboard.

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What are some steps for fixing laptop keys that stick and release slowly?

Community Answer

Try wedging your fingernail under the side of the sticky key and using some force to loosen it. You can also use a tool like a butter knife.

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Question

What would cause a keyboard to stop functioning entirely? Nothing happens when I push any of the keys.

Community Answer

Most likely the keyboard is internally unplugged. Open the laptop and reconnect the ribbon cable.

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Question

My keyboard stopped working, what should I do?

Community Answer

If you aren't able to clean it and get it to work, you may have to buy a new keyboard.

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Question

What's wrong if when I press my key, the key will pop back up but the computer will act like the key is still pressed? For example, I will press the "N" key, it pops up, but the computer will still type "NNNNNNNN".

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

It's likely that the switch underneath the key is damaged. You can try to clean it by using the steps in this article, but it may need to be replaced. Keyboards for desktops are not very expensive and you can easily find them at many stores. If this is a laptop, then you can try to replace the internal keyboard, but you can also take it to a local repair center to get it fixed if you are not confident.

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