If a wired or wireless USB Keyboard is not working on your Windows 11/10 computer, the problem could simply be related to the Filter Keys function being enabled on your device.
Apart from this, the problem of Keyboard not functioning properly or not at all working on a Windows computer could be due Keyboard drivers becoming outdated or corrupted and other reasons.
USB Keyboard Not Working in Windows 10/11
Before going ahead with the troubleshooting steps, it is recommended that you simply restart the computer and see if this helps in fixing the problem.
If restarting did not help, you should be able to fix the problem using any of the following troubleshooting steps as applicable in your case.
1. Make Sure USB Ports are Working
The problem could be due to the particular USB Port to which the keyboard is attached not working. This can be confirmed by trying another USB port on the computer.
If USB Port/Ports are not working, you should be able to fix the problem using troubleshooting steps as provided in this guide: Fix: USB Ports Not Working Issue in Windows 11/10.
2. Disable Filter Keys
The Filter Keys function in Windows is known to cause problems with certain Keyboards.
1. Go to Settings > Accessibility (left-pane) > scroll down in the right-pane and click on Keyboard.
2. On the next screen, disable Filter Keys by moving the slider to OFF position.
After this, you should find the keyboard working properly and not beeping when any key is pressed.
Windows 10: Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard (left-pane) > Turn OFF Filter Keys in the right-pane.
3. Check for Updates
The problem could be due to a pending Windows update waiting to be installed on the computer.
1. Go to Settings > Windows Update (left-pane) > click on Check for Updates button in the right-pane.
2. Allow Windows to check for updates and follow the instructions to download and Install Updates (If available).
4. Run Keyboard Troubleshooter
If the problem is not yet fixed, you can trust the built-in Windows Troubleshooter to find and fix problems with the Backspace key on your computer.
1. Go to Settings > System (left-pane) > scroll down in the right-pane and click on Troubleshoot.
2. On the next screen, scroll down and click on Other troubleshooters.
3. On Other Troubleshooters screen, click on the click on the Run button located next to Keyboard.
Wait for the Troubleshooter to find and fix Keyboard related problems on your computer.
5. Manually Update Keyboard Driver
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device manager screen, right-click on the Keyboard Device and then click on Update driver option.
6. Disable Fast Startup
The Fast Startup feature as available in Windows 11 is known to cause problems with proper functioning of USB Keyboards.
1. Type Control Panel in the Search bar and click on Control Panel Desktop App in suggested best match search result.
2. On the Control Panel screen, switch to Small Icons view and click on Power Options.
3. On Power Options screen, click on Choose What the Power Buttons Do.
4. On the next screen, scroll down to “Shutdown Settings” and uncheck Turn on fast startup option.
5. Click on Save Changes to save and implement this change on your computer.
7. Uninstall Unnecessary Keyboard Devices
The problem of USB keyboard not working could be due to presence of multiple keyboard devices being installed on the computer.
1. Right-Click on the Start button and click on Device Manager option.
2. On Device Manager Screen, click on View and choose Show Hidden Devices option in the contextual menu.
3. Next, uninstall all HID Keyboard devices on the computer. If the native keyboard on your Laptop is working, do not uninstall Standard PS/2 Keyboard device.
After removing external Keyboard devices, restart the computer and Windows will automatically install back the right Keyboard Device on the computer.
8. Uninstall Wireless Keyboard Receiver
If you are using a Wireless External Keyboard with a USB Receiver or Dongle, you need to locate the USB Receiver on Device manager screen and uninstall it.
1. Right-Click on the Start button and click on Device Manager option.
2. On Device Manager Screen, right-click on the Keyboard Receiver and click on Uninstall.
Note: You should find the Keyboard Receiver or Keyboard input device in “Keyboards” section or in “Human Interface Devices” section.
3. Next, unplug the wired Keyboard or USB Receiver of the wireless keyboard from the USB port and Restart the computer.
After the computer restarts, plug the Keyboard into the USB Port and you should now find the keyboard working.