- Though not very often, users have reported that Windows 11 is not detecting the keyboard, and we will tell you how to fix it in this article.
- To resolve the problem, run the dedicated built-in troubleshooter, disable fast startup, or update the keyboard driver.
- Also, find out how to enable the touch (virtual) keyboard in Windows 11.
XINSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE
Fix Windows 11 OS errors with Restoro PC Repair Tool:This software repairs common computer errors by replacing the problematic system files with the initial working versions. It also keeps you away from critical file loss, hardware failure, and repairs damages made by malware and viruses. Fix PC issues and remove viruses now in 3 easy steps:- Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.
The keyboard doesn’t just help you input alphabets, numbers, and special characters but also streamlines our basic use of the PC. But, what would you do if Windows 11 is not detecting the keyboard?
The problem has been reported by several users, most after resetting the OS to its factory settings. With the keyboard inaccessible, you are left with pretty much nothing to do.
In this guide, we list out the reasons behind the issue, the most effective fixes if Windows 11 doesn’t detect the keyboard, and the steps to enable the touch keyboard to use for the time being.
Why is Windows 11 not detecting the connected keyboard?
This could be due to a bunch of reasons, depending on whether you have a wired or wireless keyboard. But, one of the issues common to both is problematic drivers or if they are missing.
Apart from that, improper connections, misconfigured settings, or even Fast Startup can cause the problem. If you are by any chance able to identify the underlying issue, just head to the relevant fix and execute it.
In case you are unable to, fret not! Follow the steps in the next section in the same sequence as they are listed to quickly and effectively troubleshoot the error.
What can I do if Windows 11 is not detecting the keyboard?
1. Perform some basic checks
First, disconnect the keyboard, clean both the USB and the port, and check for any damage to cables (for wired keyboards).
If there are none, reconnect the keyboard and see if it works. Also, try connecting it to another port on the system, just to make sure that the ports are not disabled.
If the keyboard is not working, your approach should now be to identify whether the problem lies with the keyboard or the system (OS). To do that, connect it to another device, and check if it makes any difference.
In case it does, the problem is with the computer itself and not the keyboard. In which case, head to the other fixes listed next.
If Windows 11 doesn’t detect the keyboard at all on both systems, replace it. Do not hesitate to take a look at our curated list of the best keyboards available in the market.
2. Check if the USB ports are disabled (for wired keyboards)
In many cases, it was the disabled USB ports that lead to Windows 11 not detecting the keyboard problem. Here, you will have to check whether the USB ports are disabled from the BIOS.
In order to enter the BIOS, you will have to press either F2 or F12 as soon as the screen lights up when you turn on the system. To be on the safe side, hit the key multiple times.
Once in the BIOS, look for the USB Configuration Setting which is usually listed under the Advanced tab, and enable the ports. To find out the exact steps, we recommend you head to the official manufacturer’s website, and look up their FAQ or support section.
3. Run the keyboard troubleshooter
Whenever facing an error with anything on Windows, you should look for a dedicated built-in troubleshooter. Microsoft offers a few of these to help users diagnose and fix problems with the system.
4. Disable fast startup
5. Update the keyboard driver
Expert Tip: Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.
Click here to download and start repairing.
Drivers play a critical in the functioning of every device since these relay commands between the OS and the hardware. If there are problems with the driver, you are likely to encounter issues. There’s it’s recommended that you always have the latest driver installed.
The Device Manager method listed above only scans for newer versions on the system and not the other available sources. So if you haven’t downloaded one previously, Windows wouldn’t be able to find the latest version this way.
In which case, we recommend you look for the latest driver version in Windows Update or manually download the driver setup from the manufacturer’s website and install it.
If that sounds like too much trouble, you can also go with reliable third-party software. We recommend using DriverFix, a dedicated tool that scans all available sources for the latest version, and keeps the installed drivers up-to-date.
6. Remove the battery (for laptops)
Oftentimes, it’s the laptop battery that’s known to cause problems with the keyboard, since it’s placed right under it. When the battery overheats, it can affect the functioning of the keyboard and the latter might not be detected at times in Windows 11.
In this case, turn off the system, remove the battery, plug the laptop into a power source and turn it on. If the keyboard now starts working, the problem, in all likelihood, lied with the battery.
It’s best that you replace the malfunctioning battery with an original one that’s meant for your laptop. Never use batteries from a local manufacturer or ones that are not specifically for your device.
7. Reset Windows 11
If the above fixes haven’t resolved the keyboard detection problem in Windows 11, you should reinstall the OS. If you started encountering the error right after resetting it previously, doing it all over again can just as well fix it.
You can easily reset Windows 11 to its factory settings, both from within the system and using a bootable USB drive. After resetting Windows 11, the keyboard would now be detected and you shouldn’t face any more problems with it.
How do I enable the touch (virtual) keyboard in Windows 11?
If Windows 11 is not detecting the keyboard, it would certainly be challenging. Even you would face trouble executing the fixes listed above. In this case, we recommend enabling the touch keyboard.
Though it’s promoted for touch-enabled devices, the keyboard will work just as fine on any other device. Instead of using the touch feature, you will have to click on the relevant key.
Also, you have the option to customize the key size and background, apart from the size and theme of the virtual keyboard.
These are all the ways you can get the system to detect the keyboard. Once the problem is eliminated, learn how to use Windows 11’s keyboard shortcuts.
Do not hesitate to tell us which method worked for you in the comments section below.
ncG1vNJzZmivmaOxsMPSq5ypp6Kpe6S7zGiuoqaUpMS0eZBqZKenpGKxpsDEnKuippdiuKbFwaiYq5xf